What’s CO-ing On? Revisiting Your Investment Strategy

Investment by definition is an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. Think about that. Devoting time with an expectation of a worthwhile result. What is worth your time for a result you want? New possibilities, strategies, knowledge and skills?

Let’s start by polling who’s busy. If we asked you to raise your hand if you are busy, we can confidently say most everyone would be raising their hands. But if we followed that question up by asking who would make time in their busy schedules for professional development, many would put their hands down. It’s another meeting, the cost is too high, I don’t have the time, and the list goes on. Sound right?

Well, we are here to encourage that now is the time for new ideas, possibilities, strategies, skills and most importantly a new confidence for performing your role. Not tomorrow, today. Now is the time to stop what is no longer a priority and start challenging assumptions, gain new perspectives, learn different approaches and explore crucial conversations that impact your success. Now is the time to make an investment in your professional development.

There is always room for growth and improvement, no matter your role. With the world moving at a faster pace than ever before, standing still is not an option. Don’t have FOMO on key conversations, knowledge on changing trends or finding your competitive edge. The more knowledge an individual can gain on a specific skill or topic, the more confidence they will have when performing in their roles. Better performers + better results = organizational success.

Associations North is here for you. We believe in the power of investing. Our mission is to advance and serve the association management profession in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. It’s in our logo, to Move Professionals Forward. Trust us, we are committed to your success if you commit to invest the time.

Associations North kicked off a 4-part series, Creating the Next Normal in September. The first speaker, Mary Kelly discussed economic trends, creating value and what’s next. Because it’s our nature to share, here are a few key highlights: • Where can you minimize uncertainty? Communicate the value of membership and the direction your organization is going. Members want to be informed. Action trumps fear and calm is contagious. • Non-profit is a tax classification, not an operating philosophy – how can your association operate more like a business?

• How do you create more value with less work? Hold a brainstorming session with one focused question on a particular area of your organization and have the most influential leader(s) speak last.

Intriguing isn’t it? The ideas and insight didn’t end there. The Connect + Reflect session the day after was an engaging mindshare where attendees exchanged top ideas, asked questions and discussed strategies for the future. That was just over 2 hours well invested. The result? New enthusiasm? Check. Increased morale? Check. Strategies for the future? Check. All by investing.

Associations North will continue to provide opportunities for you to invest. We just need you to make the time for new possibilities, strategies, knowledge and skills. We already have a lineup waiting for you including remaining sessions for Creating the Next Normal, Meetup Groups, CEO Strategy Groups, additional education and coming in 2021, CEOSync.

If we continue to lead with a positive mindset, passion for the industries we serve and a willingness to invest in yourself and your team, we promise that investment will be some of

Co-Directors, Associations North

the most valuable time spent.