Hi Jeff:

Thanks for participating in this AMA session. Earlier this year I was involved in an email exchange with a long-standing association Executive Director that was considering an association branded ECN but decided to punt the decision to a later time. She cited the current economic climate and indicated: "We are simply not in a position to expand offerings that add cost. Associations continue to fight for their lives."

We have subsequently entered into royalty agreements with associations so that they don't incur any out-of-pocket expenses to launch an ECN under their banner and that seems to be going well. However, I was curious about the statement that "Associations continue to fight for their lives." Is that the general sentiment of EDs in the association industry? With so many innovative offerings and third party providers available to partner with associations, it seems that it could also be the best of times.  Thanks for your thoughts. 

Brian

Are association boards open to being challenged? It would seem that your role as a contrarian wouldn't get you invited to many association executive management parties.

What was your path to starting work with Associations? How long have you been advising association boards?

I have emphasized personal branding during my own teaching to business students but I have not been effective at getting through to them about the importance of maintaining a professional presence online.   The photos seem like an easy place to start but with people posting selfies instead of a professional photo what is the acceptable photo format that works best for linkedin?