One of the best byproducts of blogging is that it allows me to look back over periods of time and see what I've been learning and thinking about. If I could blog as often as I'd like to, I think I'd internalize and put into practice more of what I learn. Here are the top things I've learned this year, most of which I've blogged about, some of which I haven't -- yet.
- When something doesn't go the way I expect it to, the most effective way to ensure that it doesn't happen again is to identify and correct what I did to contribute to missing the mark -- not look at what others did.
- Trying new things (like learning how to use a Mac after a dozen years of using a PC, or switching to a Motorola Q after three years of using a BlackBerry) is both a source of stress and expansion your brain. The stress is unwelcome, but the brain expansion -- while painful -- is a source of growth.
- The power of positive thinking is very powerful, indeed. We create far more of the reality we experience than we realize.
- Social networking sites are virtual gathering places.
- Social networking sites are far better for building and maintaining relationships one person at a time than having group conversations with many participants.
- The definition of spam is changing, but the non-illegal version still works wonders for 95% of the population.
- Association executives are far too motivated by fear.
- Persistence pays.
- Criticism is free consulting.
- Generational differences are over-hyped. Life-stage is more important.
- One simple Google Alert isn't enough.
- Zoho is now where Google wants to be in three years.
- To become a leader, start by just being yourself.
- There are more liabilities than advantages to be gained by creating a Wikipedia entry for your association. (And I've actually changed my mind about this recently; creating your association's Wikipedia entry is just a liability -- stay tuned for details)
- Two monitors are better than one. And three monitors are better than two.
- We are all Hokies.
- Association executives don't read blogs. Whose fault is that? Ours.
- Associations need ways to communicate with attendees in the event of emergencies at meetings. Twitter is a good and cheap place to start.
- Move fast or get passed.
What are your best learnings of 2007?
Tagged: Association Management; Associations; CAE; Certified Association Executive
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