Book Reviews

Emerging Markets and Association Growth

Terrance Barkan CAE — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:36:51 +0000

Emerging and new international markets represent the single best opportunity for significant association growth in 2012.

This free white paper helps to:

Define why emerging markets are so attractive for associations.

Explain in detail how to run a membership growth campaign

Show why it is so important to use strategy and tactics to succeed and grow.

Download your FREE copy today and learn how to grow your association!

Top 10 Legal issues for International Associations

Terrance Barkan CAE — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:03:40 +0000

This WhitePaper is created by Jefferson Glassie, partner at the Pillsbury law firm in Washington D.C.

All organizations that conduct business internationally face a very similar set of legal challenges and conditions. Whether you are holding an international meeting, establishing chapters in another country or want to expand a certification program globally, you need to be mindful of the legal landscape.

This concise paper outlines the top 10 legal concerns that most organizations should have on their legal checklist.

Request you free copy of the PDF version today!

Wikinomics

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:39:11 +0000

“Wikinomics – How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything” by Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams, 2006 Portfoloio – Penguin Books ISBN978-1-59184-138-8Key Concepts:
Mass collaboration or "user generated content" represents a profound shift in how intellectual property is being created.

The book documents examples of how communities of common interest are creating everything from the online encyclopedia "Wikipedia" to products for major corporations, such as Proctor & Gamble, to the development of television programs by the viewers.

Why is this important for associations?
The concept of User Generated Content has been used by associations for some time, although normally with a much more controlled governance structure than defined in the book. Associations should consider the potential gains they would realize by opening their organizations to greater user input and trusting their members with more control over the future direction of their organizations.

The Starfish and The Spider

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:36:00 +0000

“The Starfish and the Spider – The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations” by Ori Brafman and Rod A. Beckstrom, 2006 Portfolio – Penguin Books ISBN978-1-59184-183-8 Key Concepts:
Organizations that have a completely flat hierarchy are powerful, pervasive and very resilient. It shows how traditional hierarchial organizations are losing the ability to control information in the new environment of mass collaboration and communication.

The book also reviews some of the limitations of "leaderless" organizations and discusses the merits of retaining at least some form of hierarchy in a blend of traditional and new structures.

Whis is this important for associations?
Associations have the potential to transform into a very flat hierarchy and to exploit the potential that this new structural form offers. This book offers excellent ideas and a balanced view of the pro's, con's and issues to consider that will allow associations to evaluate if a new "flat" structure is right for them.

The Post American World

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:32:38 +0000

"The Post-American World" by Fareed Zakaria, 2008, Norton ISBN978-0-393-06235-9

Key Concepts:
As countries and regions of the world rise in prosperity, influence and political importance, the relative dominance of America will decline. However, America retains a unique opportunity to act as a critical power in a new, multi-lateral world based on the rule of law, free trade and mutual interests.

Why is this important for associations?
The international reputation of America has taken a beating during the Bush administration. However, the United States remains a beacon of hope and admiration around the world. The opportunity for the United States, and by proxy, its Associations, is to take advantage of the goodwill towards the US by treating other nations and organizations with respect and collaboration rather than overt domination. The new Obama administration should provide an atmosphere for more US engagement internationally.

Made to Stick

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:27:22 +0000

"Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath, 2008 Arrow Books, ISBN 9780099505693Key Concepts: This short and easily read book is chock full of useable examples on how to powerfully communicate a compelling message that drives action. In essence, the brothers Chip and Dan Heath have investigated why some ideas stick when so many others fail? What did they find?

Successful messages are:
1. Simple
2. Unexpected
3. Concrete
4. Credibile
5. Emotional
6. Stories

Why is this important for associations?

Associations compete in the marketplace of ideas as they compete for the loyalty of their members, customers, stakeholders, staff and volunteers. Sometimes we are so close to the music we can't hear the tune anymore. It is critical that we learn how to keep our messages fresh and relevant if we want to succeed. This book will have you looking at your organization, and how you communicate your mission, with a fresh pair of eyes.

International Legal issues for Nonprofit Organization

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:21:48 +0000

"International Legal Issues for Nonprofit Organizations, Jefferson C. Glassie, 2010

Key Concepts:
When operating internationally, there are 10 key legal aspects that every organization should be aware of and to manage. These include topics such as Copyright, Anti-trust, Trademarks, and other related regulatory topics.

Why is this important for associations?
The book provides a "checklist" and reference point for the most important legal issues your organization needs to anticipate when working in an international environment.

Groundswell

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:16:54 +0000

“Groundswell – Winning in a world Transformed by Social Technologies” by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff, 2008 Forrester Research Inc., ISBN978-1-4221-2500-7Key Concepts:
Leading companies are harnessing the power of their customer communities for more effective marketing, brand management and product development. The book uses research and case studies to illustrate the point.

The book also provides key concepts on how organizations can develop a strategy to interact with their customer communities as well as how to segment and profile those communities.

Why is this important for associations?
Many of the examples and concepts can be directly applied to the association community, however, the research and examples are geared primarily towards the corporate environment. Therefore associations will need to tailor the concepts with the unique governance structure of an association to put the concepts into practice.

Global Growth Strategies - The International Association (Updated for 2012!)

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:06:39 +0000

Key Concepts:
Global markets offer the most promising opportunities for significant growth for many organizations. However, exploiting these opportunities represents numerous challenges including competitive, legal, financial, governance, culture, membership, staffing and service issues.

Why is this important for associations?
This 65p. document outlines the main areas that all organizations need to consider when operating internationally and describes alternative business models and approaches.

This document has been used as a reference resource for hundreds of Board Members and Senior Staff when considering their international objectives.

Request your free electronic copy!

Franchising & Licensing

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:55:33 +0000

"Franchising & Licensing" by Andrew J. Sherman, 2004, American Management Association, ISBN 978-0-8144-7222-4Key Concepts:
Franchising and Licensing of Intellectual Property, including brands, services, events, education and certification products as examples, can provide excellent opportunities for associations and businesses to develop new sources of revenue. In particular, Franchising and Licensing can be used as a strategic approach to tap new markets while managing exposure to risk and reducing the amount of capital and resources required.

Why is this important for associations?
When considering new markets in other countries, franchising or licensing of products and services might offer a superior approach compared to developing the market using your own resources. The "not-for-profit" association model is not equally applied or protected around the world and different, for-profit approaches may make better sense for your organization.

The World Is Flat

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:52:07 +0000

"The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedmanm 2007 Farrar, Straus and Giroux ISBN978-0-312-42507-4Key Concepts:
Defines and describes globalization and why it is relevant to everyone and every industry. Uses factual observation, plain language and an absence of hyperbole.

This book started the mainstream discussion and greater awareness of the nature of globalization. For anyone that has not had the opportunity to observe the effects of globalization first hand, the book gives an accurate and balanced view into the state of globalization, what it is, what it looks like and how it is practiced world-wide.

Why is this important for associations?
The book highlights the commonality of the global community's need for better skills, education and information sharing to solve problems and improve the human condition. Associations play a critical role in the process of information dissemination and standard setting.

Hot, Flat and Crowded

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:46:40 +0000

"Hot, Flat and Crowded" by Thomas Friedman, 2008, Farrar, Straus and Giroux ISBN978-0-374-16685-4Key Concepts:
Faced with limited resources, a growing population and an ever faster growth of global consumption, the world faces new pressures and tensions, leading to a potential conflict over a limited pool of resources if solutions are not found.

This follow-up to the "World is Flat" series (versions 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0) focuses on the issues of limited resources, climate change and the potential impacts these issues will have for the global community. Technology and the ingenuity of man will be the solution to the problem and this represents an opportunity for associations to play a key role.

Why is this important for associations?
This book highlights the role that technology will continue to play as a source of solution for the most pressing problems we face globally. Associations play a key role in educating business, governments and the public at large about innovation and science-based solutions to global issues as well as creating a global community of advocates for postive and peaceful change.

Blue Ocean Strategies

Terrance Barkan CAE — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:39:23 +0000

"Blue Ocean Strategy" by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne, 2005, Harvard Business School Press, ISBN978-1-59139-619-2 Key Concepts:
How to establish competitive advantage by creating a new class of customers or unique business proposition in an area of unmet need.

Blue Ocean Strategy is about creating a new market for goods or services that is not currently being served and for which your organization is ideally positioned. Insights come from keenly observing your customers and anticipating a need that is not fully expressed.

Why is this important for associations?
Associations are already uniquely positioned in the competitive environment but often do not think or behave in an entrepreneurial manner. The need to compete in a tight economy will force associations out of their comfort zone and adopting a "Blue Ocean Startegy" can be the answer to their future survival.