Sourced from Smart Company, Written by Paul Lin

Transitioning to mobile can be intimidating for many businesses. It’s such an evolving beast that it can easily be put in the too hard basket.

As the chief executive of enterprise mobility company Empirical Works, I work with small and big companies alike to develop mobile solutions. Every day, I see the difficulties businesses face as they try to implement mobility at an enterprise level. While making the transition can involve a lot of time, money and change to process, the alternative is far worse. If you don’t keep up with the mobile trends, your competitors will—and you run the risk of losing business.

But while it’s difficult, it’s not impossible.

Mobile is not just an add-on

Implementing a mobile strategy for your business requires one key thing—a structured and integrated approach. For too long businesses have looked to tack an app onto the side of their business operations, but the reality is it needs to be integrated into the core business processes, and open to change.

It may be hard to remember now, but when businesses first began developing websites in the early 2000s there was a lot of doubt, fear and frustration. Questions regarding staggering set-up costs, maintenance, security, and fear of leaks through the internet plagued many management teams. Mobile is now viewed with similar frustrations.

With the expectation that most businesses should have a mobile presence, companies need to carefully consider not only how they will migrate, but also maintain their presence. Whether it’s a marketing campaign, ensuring a service that is available online is now on mobile, or enhancing an internal workflow process, thinking outside the box and considering the mobile experience will always work in your favor.

A common mistake I see businesses making when approaching mobile is employing the wrong people to roll out the project. An IT specialist or someone who has built award-winning websites is not necessarily the best person to roll out a mobile strategy. It requires a completely different approach. Enterprise mobility requires an understanding of the relationship between business requirements, mobile technology and enterprise infrastructure constraints.

There are now specialists who will independently review the day-to-day running of your business and advise the best enterprise mobility solution for you. Often it can be difficult for a business to take a step backwards and say ‘maybe we are doing this wrong’ or ‘how can this process be improved?’

Mobile is a way of life

Seeing mobile as an ‘addition’ to the website is also a dangerous way of working to implement mobile. Considering how we interact with mobile in every day life, our behavior is very advanced and ‘mobile-first’.

Australians, particularly, lead mobile trends globally and are very quick to adapt. No longer tied to desktop, our mobile use extends to countless facets of our life:  we check and respond to our emails, capture moments, socialise, consume news and browse the web courtesy of our phone.

It’s interesting because mobile behavior in our personal lives is so advanced, but when it comes to work, we revert to traditional methods. However, many businesses seem unwilling to consider such behavior away from the desktop.

You should be operating your business and engaging in behavior that mimics your personal life. If the majority of your personal planning, communication and entertainment is conducted via your smartphone, why should your work life be conducted in a completely different way?

Recent research reveals some staggering mobile statistics: 64% of corporate decision-makers read their email via mobile devices and 78% of Facebook users are mobile only.

The pros outweigh the cons for SMEs

Applying mobile thinking to business processes and adapting to this new and complex mobile ecosystem can be intimidating at the best of times. The hesitation to migrate to mobile can be put down to a number of things – resistance to change, staggering costs and adjusting administrative processes.

On the upside, there are tangible and immediate benefits to a mobile transition. Enterprise apps have been proven to increase worker productivity by more than 34%, with companies gaining an extra 240 hours on average per employee from mobile computing.

While small to medium-size businesses can feel intimidated to integrate mobile solutions and look to larger companies to lead the trend, they generally have the advantage of being less tied to clunky, out-dated and expensive infrastructures. 

Interestingly, many companies in developing nations have leap-frogged international competitors because they weren’t tied to antiquated mobile solutions and workplace processes. If you currently have little to no mobile implementation, view it as an opportunity to be more nimble, adventurous and open to improvement.

The beauty of integrating mobility solutions into business is you can accurately measure your ROI – whether it’s an increase in efficiency, a decrease in material costs or an increase in sales and profits. It’s an essential aspect of any competitive business and highly satisfying to see the positive implications and results, especially when efficient mobile solutions result in real savings.

Tips for transitioning to corporate mobile:

• Don't fixate on how mobile ‘should’ work for your company. The more flexible you are, the better the results will be.

• Recognise the trend away from desktop. Mobile now accounts for a quarter of all web traffic. Consider how this move may affect your business in the future (employees, customers, clients) and start integrating this into your decisions.

• Don’t think of an app as a project-based investment, but a business infrastructure investment. An app is not a standalone product but something that needs to be integrated into your business process.

• Do your research! Talk to mobile experts and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The technology and approach is not your traditional digital marketing or IT.

• Talk to your customers, talk to your employees and talk to any relevant stakeholders within the business. How do they interact with mobile?

• Check out your competitors. It's good to know what they're up to. Look to successful companies and other industries. What are they doing with mobile, and what is applicable or relevant to your business?

AuSAE Partner PRODOCOM are helping Australian Not-for-Profits create valuable and insightful conversations to engage with their member base.

PRODOCOM offer many communication tools to assist your organisation with day to day member communications including:

• SMS reminders – remind your members about upcoming events and membership benefits through SMS
• Automated responses – automatically send confirmations to your event attendees and new members
• Document hosting  -  store important documents online to reduce large emails clogging up audience inboxes
• Public Service announcements – why not try fax and sms messaging for important announcements
• Voting and polling  - use PRODOCOM solutions to organise your AGM or regular member elections
• Surveying  - gather valuable data about your members on a regular basis  
• Track Readership – find out who is opening your emails and clicking on banners
• Mobile App – develop a special mobile app for your members linked to your all-in-one Prodocom communications portal
• Integrated communications – The best benefit of using PRODOCOM solutions is that you can send one message via multiple communication channels at once! Such as email, sms and social media.

PRODOCOM solutions are perfect for small to medium sized not-for-profit organisations. The PRODOCOM toolset offers multiple communication channels all on the one platform and you can choose to only utilise the communication channels that suit your needs.

The PRODOCOM offering takes you from excel spreadsheets without the need for an expensive sophisticated CRM.  They also have expert staff just a phone call away who can guide you towards better member engagement and help solve your communication challenges.

Call PRODOCOM to book a Communication Needs Assessment today and they will develop a communication solution just for you. The first 10 not-for-profit organisations to book will also receive a sponsored place to attend ACE 2015.  First in, best dressed!

To make a booking contact Simone at PRODOCOM on simone.aikens@qld.prodocom.com.au today!

Uber, Airbnb, and other companies in the sharing economy are borrowing some of associations’ key sources of value—collaboration and networks—and disrupting industries left and right, according to author Rachel Botsman.

When Rachel Botsman’s book on the sharing economy, What’s Mine Is Yours, was published in 2009, it was, in her words, a total flop. It turned out she was just ahead of her time. Four years later, The Economist turned to her as a leading expert when it marked the rise of the sharing economy on its March 9, 2013, cover.

Those few short years define how fast the sharing, or collaborative, economy has grown exponentially, and today companies like Uber, Airbnb, and TaskRabbit are disrupting entire industries. And they’re doing it with a fundamental zeal for collaboration, long the bread and butter of associations. As Botsman told attendees during her keynote presentation Thursday at the 2015 Digital Now conference, companies in the collaborative economy have borrowed much from associations’ playbook, with business models built on trust, neutral matchmaking, and bringing people together—and now these startups are doing it better than associations.

The biggest difference between associations and collaborative-economy companies is “the way they think about relationships with their members or users or customers or whatever you choose to call them,” Botsman said. “What associations would think of as a two-way relationship and engagement would be laughed at in many of these organizations, where community is part of their DNA from day one. It’s not something that’s added on; it’s not something you have to manage. It’s integral to the way they create value.”

The rise of the collaborative economy has followed closely on the rise of social media and smartphones, technologies that allow people to better connect with each other to unlock hidden value in underutilized assets, Botsman said. She cited the example of French ride-sharing network Bla Bla Car, whose founders noticed how many cars on the road have one driver and multiple empty seats. Those seats had underutilized value that could be realized if only people were easily connected to share them.

Simply connecting people in trusting communities is at the core of what collaborative-economy companies do. Most of them don’t create and sell products; instead, they facilitate the connections for people to do the creating and selling on their own. Botsman said industries with any of five particular qualities are ripe for this style of disruption: complex experiences, waste, broken trust, redundant middlemen, and limited access.

Those being disrupted by the collaborative economy can ignore it or fight it, or they can embrace it instead. For associations, Botsman said, the key is to have faith in the value of community.

“There’s such fear around the freemium model, and I get it. Sometimes you think, ‘God, I give so much away,’ but it does come back, but it’s not in the way you expect,” she said. “We’re so used to a linear way of thinking about value: People pay here, we’ll offer value, and they’ll return value. You can’t think of it like that. You’ve got to think of networked value.”

What exactly does that mean? “People have such a strong association and loyalty to being part of the group that they are with you in a long-term relationship and they’ll think of paying for things in a very different ways than asking them upfront for a set fee, where they haven’t established a relationship with the organization.”

The rise of the collaborative economy may also be creating new opportunities for associations. As the definition of work changes and the collaborative economy allows more people to work independently, it raises uncertainties about how independent workers find the security, stability, learning opportunities, and community they may have previously found in the traditional workplace.

“People definitely value independence and flexibility, but there’s still a need to belong to something that’s bigger than their individual selves. There’s still a need to be a part of a network of people. There’s a need to have someone to turn to when things go wrong,” she said. “There’s a real opportunity for associations to play that convening role to make people who work independently not feel so alone and feel part of a network.”

In the United States, the Freelancers Union is one organization that is starting to play such a role, Botsman said. “If you think about traditional career paths, you have learning programs along the way. If you suddenly go independent, how do you identify what you need, get what you need, have mentors, have networks of support? So, how associations can reinvent learning for this independent contractor world could be really interesting as well.”

Written by Joe Rominiecki on Associations Now

AuSAE Networking Lunches offer a great chance to get out of the office and meet new connections in the sector. Each lunch also features an insightful presentation on various topics of importance. Attending a lunch is a great chance to see what AuSAE really offers which is a place like-minded professionals can gather and share workplace challenges and achievements over a delicious two-course luncheon at a great venue. Check out the upcoming lunches below. We would love to see you there!

The Auckland and Wellington networking events are confirmed for July with guest speaker Lyn McMorran. Lyn is the Executive Director of the Financial Services Federation (FSF) and will discuss with delegates how FSF and their members weathered the storm of financial recession in 2006 and what they have done to rebuild the sector's tattered reputation in the minds of both the regulators and the public. Join us for this crucial opportunity to network with other CEOs and senior management professionals from the NFP sector. Register below:

Auckland | 'Rebuilding an Industry's Reputation' Lunch on Wednesday 22 July [more] 

Wellington | 'Rebuilding an Industry's Reputation' Lunch on Thursday 23 July [more] 

These special AuSAE Workshops are suitable for anyone tasked with event planning, managing staff or those who are currently are the CEO, executive, management or on Boards of associations and other not for profits.

23 June - Auckland - 'Tips and Tricks to Maximise the Profitability of Your Events'

Events don’t just happen.

Organising and holding an event takes a significant amount of planning. Whether it’s a conference, workshop or a member networking function, and whether you have three weeks to plan or an entire year, your event’s success is all in the details. This workshop focuses on providing delegates with practical tips, information and tools you can implement immediately to increase revenue and generate outcomes for your stakeholders.

Attend this workshop to:

• Maximise resources to ensure better yield for this important member sector benefit
  
• Further understandthe meeting and conference market
  
• Develop better knowledge of tools to ensure delegate/member and supplier needs are met.

 - Register Here

24 June - Wellington - 'Developing Growth Strategies, Sponsorship Proposals and Risk Assessment for your Events'

From the successful ’Tips and Tricks for Successful Events' Workshops, this in-depth workshop covers three key aspects of Event and Conference management: Growth, Sponsorship and Risk Assessment 

Event Growth Strategy

You can’t measure anything if you don’t have objectives to measure against! You can’t plan the event without the same objectives and how can you put the programme together if you don’t know what you are trying to achieve? If you have a good set of measurable objectives to start out, the rest is easy and the result is almost guaranteed. We will be outlining the next steps which will create an Event Growth Strategy within your organisation to increase the value for your stakeholders and help set measurable objectives.

Sponsorship and Exhibition proposals

One of the secret requirements for successful events is to have it well funded and the best way to raise funds for an event is to have it sponsored and have valued and engaged Exhibitors. One good way to look for sponsors is to provide sponsorship proposals from individuals that are most likely relevant with your target audience or activity. This part of the workshop focuses on providing practical tips, information and tools you can implement immediately to generate valued sponsors and exhibitors for your event.

Event/Conference Risk Assessment 

No event should be organised without a risk management plan. No matter how well planned an event; it is never without risk. By teaching you effective risk management, we will help you minimise negative outcomes, costs and liabilities. We will discuss how to identify risks, the roles & responsibilities, identifying, evaluating & mitigating these risks.

- Register Here

Explore the issues that impact on good governance.

Does your board:

• Spend endless hours on compliance?

• Push their own agendas?

• Try to micro-manage your every move?

• Get off topic?

• Struggle to make cohesive decisions?

• Seem unsure of what purpose they serve?

• Hold meetings that never seem to end?

• Get stuck focusing on the details?
  

CONFORM-TRANSFORM is a one-day practical workshop that will:

• Identify the greatest stumbling blocks to being a powerful association board.
• Give you tried and tested tools to help your board become a successful machine for change.

Jennifer Pelvin (Butler Pelvin & Associates) will guide delegates through the key concepts, skills and tools necessary to achieve strong governance practices. The program offers practical ideas that can be implemented immediately.

On the day you will be guided through how to transform the board of your association. Participants will leave being able to identify key productivity traps and take home the tools that can be used to overcome them. This is the ideal workshop for chief executives and senior management who work with the boards and board members of associations.

Find out more about the event details by clicking on your location below. For AuSAE Members to attend is $95 AUD and non-member, not for profit professionals is $145 AUD

• Wellington, Tuesday 28 July - Register Here
  
• Auckland, Wednesday 29 July - Register Here

Contact us on +61 7 3394 8381 for more information.

Long-time Otago/Southland resident, Wayne Collie, has been appointed as the new chairman of Camp Quality New Zealand (CQNZ).

The Cromwell Company Branch Manager, who has been a Board Member and Independent Trustee for six years, was elected to lead CQNZ at its Annual General Meeting this month. He succeeds former New Zealand and Auckland cricket representative, Gary Troup.

Camp Quality is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation dedicated to bringing fun, hope and happiness to New Zealand children living with cancer. Established 30 years ago, it provides week-long regional summer camps for youngsters aged 5-16, as well as year-round support for the children and their families.

Wayne has an extensive background in community and service related activities. A Lion for more than 30 years, he is a former District Governor and New Zealand Council Chairman and is passionate about bettering the lives of young people.

“We are a small country and our young people are our greatest asset. In my time at Camp Quality I have been truly inspired by the spirit and positive attitude shown by so many of our youngsters and their families,” he says.

“Like many not-for-profits, Camp Quality has to battle for a share of voice in a very crowded space. I’m sure I speak for the CQNZ Board when I say we are all committed to making a positive difference, helping to lift our profile and making more New Zealanders aware of the positive outcomes Camp Quality New Zealand continues to achieve.” 

Mark Winger (Auckland) has been appointed the CQNZ deputy chairman and while no longer a board member Mr Troup will retain an active involvement with the organisation.

According to Child Cancer Foundation statistics, around 150 young New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer each year. Camp Quality passionately believes in the power of fun to help these children and their families overcome the challenges cancer brings.

ENDS - Scoop NZ  

The Bioenergy Association has signed a collaboration agreement with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to encourage New Zealand businesses to use more bioenergy.

The agreement will use the expertise of both government and industry to develop a strategy to expand the bioenergy sector and promote the benefits of bioenergy to a wide range of Kiwi businesses, says Bioenergy Association Executive Officer Brian Cox.

“By working together we will be able to better identify and eliminate barriers for businesses to switch from coal to bioenergy and give them a high level of confidence in the bioenergy sector’s ability to supply best practice products and services.”

He says the Association and EECA are already using their respective expertise to collaborate on two training and education projects, with more planned.

Bioenergy is derived from forest harvest residues, wood processing waste, municipal organic waste and agricultural wastes. They are used to produce wood fuel and biogas for heat and transport biofuels.

Mr Cox says bioenergy currently makes up just over 10 percent of New Zealand’s consumer energy and the Bioenergy Association has a vision of that increasing to 25 percent by 2040.

“The economic consultancy BERL estimates bioenergy has the potential to add revenue of $6 billion a year to the New Zealand economy, so investing in bioenergy is an investment in New Zealand’s future.

“We are very fortunate that New Zealand has large amounts of renewable natural resources that can be turned into bioenergy, creating economic growth, increased employment and a cleaner environment.”

He says through training courses, webinars and conferences for equipment and service providers the Bioenergy Association is increasing its focus on efficient use of wood energy facilities and greater use of municipal solid and waste water facilities to produce biogas.

“This will ensure those contemplating moving from fossil-based fuels to bioenergy can have confidence that the sector is applying best practice.”

The Bioenergy Association is also developing accreditation schemes so that owners of wood fuelled and biogas heat plants have access to registered advisers and accredited fuel suppliers.

ENDS - Scoop

The national student NZUSA is putting its full weight behind the growing calls by the New Zealand Medical Students’ Association, political parties, youth wings and professional associations for the Government to immediately reinstate access to the loans system for medical students.

National President Rory McCourt says the Government’s 2011 introduction of a seven-year cap on what all students could borrow for fees was poorly targeted and could lead to a crisis in the health workforce within a few short years.

“It makes zero sense to block hard-working, aspirational students who want to save lives from being able to borrow what they need to finish their studies.”

“If we’re going to have user-pays education and force students to borrow, we might as well make sure they can borrow enough and for long enough."

“We 100% support medical students' right to finish their studies. It’s the right thing to do for our students and the right thing to do for our health system.”

The union is calling for the introduction of exceptions to loans and allowance limits for courses like medicine.

“We think it’s time for the introduction of exceptions within a National Importance category. The category would include qualifications where graduates are in high demand or their study is otherwise necessary for the advancement of New Zealand’s society and economy.”

NZUSA National President Rory McCourt said the wide-ranging and ideologically disparate support for the move to reinstate access should be a wake-up call for the Government.

“The Government stuffed this one up. It’s time to do what’s right and back our hard-working medical students, on that we agree with the Young Nats.” says McCourt.

- Scoop