{"id":6810,"date":"2017-01-24T18:18:29","date_gmt":"2017-01-24T23:18:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/?p=6810"},"modified":"2021-01-15T19:48:25","modified_gmt":"2021-01-15T19:48:25","slug":"plan-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/plan-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can You Plan for Innovation?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The iPhone. It\u2019s the one of the biggest \u2013 if not the<\/em> biggest \u2013 innovations of our generation. It has changed not only the way we communicate but the way we live. Smartphones today are more than just a phone. In our hands, each of us carries a mini personal computer with the internet, email, GPS and a camera. We keep our calendars, check our bank accounts, download music, update social media and watch movies \u2013 all from one device that fits in our pockets. It\u2019s sometimes hard to remember that this is an innovation that didn\u2019t exist before the early 2000s.<\/p>\n

The iPhone wasn\u2019t invented overnight though. It took nearly seven years of research and development before Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone in January 2007<\/a>. It took planning, multiple prototypes and the best programmers in the business. Which all goes to show that innovation doesn\u2019t just happen. Innovation is the product of focus, creativity and hard work.<\/p>\n

Your association possesses those same qualities and can build a culture where innovation thrives. Below are ways to plan for successful innovation.<\/p>\n

Have a Vision<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Every association should have a one-sentence vision statement that clearly communicates the future you are working toward. A vision statement puts in writing your association\u2019s purpose. It should be short, inspirational and memorable.<\/p>\n

Take the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/a>, for example. Its vision is \u201cA world without Alzheimer\u2019s disease,\u201d and that statement serves as the foundation for the association\u2019s goals and strategic plan.<\/p>\n

When your association\u2019s board, members or staff are considering new ideas, programs or technology, allow your vision statement to serve as your guide. Ask yourself, \u201cWill this innovation bring us closer to what we want to achieve?\u201d<\/p>\n

Set Goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Goals are important in all aspects of life, and setting them can help us achieve just about anything. The questions isn\u2019t whether your association should set goals, but how you can set goals that will encourage more innovation.<\/p>\n

The word \u201cinnovation\u201d on its own can be open-ended and a bit overwhelming, but innovation doesn\u2019t have to be huge and life-altering to impact your members. Innovation can begin by identifying a challenge your industry faces, then setting goals that lead toward new ideas that solve that specific problem.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s a short-term goal that leads to an immediate change or a long-term goal that allows you to continuously adapt, you define the type of innovation your association needs and wants to see.<\/p>\n

\"The
The iPhone spent seven years in production by some of the world’s best innovators before it became a product that has changed how we go about our daily routines.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Be Nimble<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If there\u2019s one thing all industries can be certain of right now, it\u2019s uncertainty, particularly when it comes to politics and the economy. Unfortunately, that uncertainty can lead to hesitancy and reluctance to move forward with big ideas or changes because your association just doesn\u2019t know what\u2019s around the corner.<\/p>\n

To keep innovation and your association\u2019s work on behalf of members and your industry from stalling, an association should remain nimble in order to respond quickly to changes in the environment. Keep members engaged in the process and looking for solutions. Communicate effectively and honestly with all involved, and revisit your vision and goals with your stakeholders when new challenges arise.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Fear Change (or Failure)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Innovation can be exciting and open up whole new possibilities and opportunities, but the change that accompanies it can also be scary. Failure is a possibility. As an association, however, you can\u2019t let the fear of failure get in the way of pursuing new ideas.<\/p>\n

Whether your association is becoming involved with new membership software, virtual event solutions or social media platforms, technology is changing rapidly. Identify and experiment with these and other new technologies. If you stick with the way you\u2019ve always done things, you\u2019ll never know if one of these innovations might have improved the way you serve members and your industry.<\/p>\n

When it comes to new technology, some of your association\u2019s members will be ready for it; others may not be quite yet. Remember that it\u2019s not all or nothing when it comes to innovation success. If a new technology is extremely popular with one demographic, test it out on that segment of your membership and expand to others when the time is right.<\/p>\n

\"Innovation<\/p>\n

Invest in People<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Author and speaker Simon Sinek<\/a> said, \u201cWe should invest in people, not ideas. A good idea is often destroyed by bad people and good people can always make a bad idea better.\u201d<\/p>\n

In every association, your people \u2013 your staff or your members \u2013 are your greatest resource. Invest in the talent you have, and you will create an atmosphere where ideas and innovation flourish. Promote association engagement and volunteerism, not just membership. Encourage continuing education, training and certification through in-person events and online courses. Plan regular team-building activities that build relationships and trust, and spark ideas for collaboration and innovation across departments.<\/p>\n

Innovation doesn\u2019t happen without passionate people who believe in your purpose and mission. Like most investments, the more you put in, the greater the reward, so devote resources and time to the people who drive your association\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Ten years after the iPhone was first introduced to the world, Apple has continued to evolve the product, proving that innovation is a never-ending process. If you create a culture of innovation in your association, the great ideas will keep coming your way as well.<\/p>\n

<\/div>
\"\"<\/div>

About The Author<\/h3>\n\t\t\tSarah Sain is a senior content strategy and development manager with Naylor Association Solutions, working exclusively with society of association executive and meeting professional clients. Email her at ssain@naylor.com<\/a> or follow her as @ssain7<\/a> on Twitter.\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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