Radio Free 501c - a podcast about Nonprofit Management

This episode: Networking is the one of the top reasons we join associations or other types of clubs, but like me, you may feel that you could be getting more out of your networking activities. Cue Barbara Armentrout, CAE, of the Mesa Group, a Consummate Networker who considers herself a connector of people. Barbara has a reputation as an outstanding networker and she is "the go to" person when you are looking for a service, product, or person. She shares her philosophy of networking -- "It's not how many connections you have; it's how many quality connections you have!" -- and her tips on meeting new people and managing the networking database we all create. Listen in for a wide-ranging conversation of networking and how it supports everything else we do. What is your favorite networking tip? Share a comment!

Season 5 Episode 3 | Series Episode 180

Radio Free 501c is the audio version of the Rogue Speak message published weekly by Rogue Tulips Consulting. 

The January 12, 2023 audio version of the weekly Rogue Speak message

This episode: He's got a secret! And not just one but THREE to share with nonprofits about the secret to financial success and stability. I talked with Brian Haney of The Haney Company about the secrets to success that are hiding in plain sight. The theme of the conversation is: Ignorance is NOT bliss. We also discuss whether Brian is the World's Most Embarrassing Dad! Do you have a secret to share about financial success? Share a comment!

Season 5 Episode 2 | Series episode 179

This episode: We kick off Season 5 with a discussion about a goal that is on many people's career list -- Nonprofit CEO! But is it right for everyone? Most importantly is it right for YOU?? I talk with my guest Pamela Kaul of Association Strategies about environmental scanning, the different skills Boards are seeking post-COVID lockdown, navigating the interview process, and working with Executive Recruiters. What questions do you have about the top Nonprofit job? Share a comment!

Season 5 Episode 1 | Series episode 178

This episode: The practice of Preferred Futures is an opportunity to create the vision of what things will ideally look like in the future. It's an opportunity for the group to dream big and identify ambitious things! More importantly, this exercise empowers the group and shows how these ambitious ideas can become realistic. Groups to identify more than one path forward which creates alternatives, options, and encourages flexibility in a changing environment. I talked with guest, friend and collaborator Cheryl Ronk, CAE, CMP, FASAE about what this exercise does for organizations, how it creates energy and excitement, and who should be in the room when these discussions happen. How do you create the future? Share a comment!

Season 4 Episode 45 | Series Episode 177

This episode: When serving our members, whether it's in a professional society or a trade association, an avenue of great value can be helping members reach their customers. This is where Business-to-Business-to-Customer (or B2BC) comes in; using this for-profit technique increases member value, provides ready to use tools, and supports members in tailoring messaging to each segment of their target universe. My guest Cathy Lada, DSc, CAE, is an association marketing expert and she walks us through what this means, how to use it, and shares case studies on its application for associations. Don't miss this informative and useful conversation! How do you help members reach their audiences? Share a comment!

Season 4 Episode 44 | Series Episode 176

This episode: There's a saying that curiosity killed the cat, but we explore a different version of this saying: LACK of curiosity kills relationships. That's right: not asking questions, or being curious, about other people's perspectives can ruin a relationship and can demonstrate a closed mind. I talked with communications expert Cynthia Lockrey of Lockrey Communications about how curiosity can help us avoid being judgmental. Curiosity is what leads to learning and understanding in all aspects of our lives and we explore different ways that curiosity can help us better understand the world and ourselves. What makes you curious? Share a comment!

Season 4 Episode 43 | Series Episode 174

This episode: Improving Board Performance is an integral part of organizational success but what steps are important in making this happen? Ongoing consistent education and relationship management are key and I talked with my guest about how to do both of these with positive energy and a focus on the future. Lesedi Lesetedi, Deputy Vice Chancellor - Corporate Services at Botswana Open University talked with me about her experiences as a Board member/volunteer leader, how these lessons translated to her own work, and how her experiences at the University translated to her volunteer leadership. What do you think is most important when it comes to improving Board performance? Share a comment! 

Season 4 Episode 42 | Series Episode 174

This episode: Membership value is hard to define, but a great first step is finding increased engagement opportunities outside of in person meetings. I talked with Charity Quick, CSE of the Biomedical Engineering Society, about how they changed how members engage in between in person meetings. We also discussed student chapters, online community, mentoring, and growing arms in laboratories. (Yes we really did!) Watch this engaging conversation with an experienced CSE. What do you do to define member value? Share a comment!

Season 4 Episode 41 | Series episode 173