When we first announced that Sidecar would be rebuilding our platform from scratch, we were so excited by the reaction we heard from other associations thinking through the exact same problems. A few of you even reached out wanting to hear more about the project (let us know if you would, too!), and we ended […]
In its simplest form, a smart contract is an agreement between two people in the form of computer code, which self-executes when those terms are met. Think of smart contracts as fancy “if-then" statements, coded on a blockchain to create specific actions in the future. Such actions might include the releasing of funds, sending notifications, […]
The decision to rebuild Sidecar’s tech platform wasn’t so much the result of a single frustration or a lightning bolt of clarity. Instead, the realization came on slowly in how we used our website and interacted with our members day-to-day. In almost every touchpoint, we were left wanting in the data we gathered, the experience […]
As the world becomes more reliant on technology, many associations begin pondering whether or not a digital transformation is needed. For many, digital transformation is a buzzword that tries to explain how organizations reach a future version of themselves. According to Deloitte, 85% of CEOs accelerated some type of digital transformation during the pandemic. However, […]
With the Great Resignation underway and ever-changing economic and social conditions, employees are actively looking for more out of their professional lives. Today’s workers want more than just a job to pay the bills — they want a fulfilling career and to work where they feel valued, are invested in and have the means to […]
Digital transformation continues to be at the forefront for many organization staffers. However, they may not realize that one of the biggest obstacles in their way is their own culture and thinking. Not only does this slow down change and innovation, but in many instances, it also affects membership as well. So, how can organizations […]
When I first heard the term “digital first culture,” I was unimpressed. Don’t we already live in a digital first culture? Most of us use the internet and social media, so I didn’t get it, what was the big deal? To have a digital first culture, your organization must do more than add nifty technological […]
It’s time for associations to think of a digital transformation as a business model transformation, which means business strategy, technology strategy and — most often — a cultural transformation. A well thought-out, long-term digital pathway can ensure the viability of our organizations, and help us reshape the customer value experience to meet customer needs and […]
Young professional members are the future of associations, so it is vital to keep them involved. As a young professional (YP) myself, I can tell you that what we want most from associations is a sense of community. This includes being able to make personal connections, use available programs and services to fill gaps in […]
Most associations professionals would agree that meeting member needs is at the heart of every decision made. Yet over the last 40 years, most professional associations have been adopting a product-line business model. In addition to membership, we create and try to sell access to products like newsletters/publications, research, online education, meetings and conventions, certifications, […]
