So, it’s no wonder that member-based organizations and businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the need to stay connected through mobile devices. After all, it’s the most direct and effortless way to reach people—the phone-in-your-hand-first-thing-in-the-morning kind of way!

In 2026, being mobile isn’t just about having a responsive website or a flashy dashboard; it’s about building fully mobile-powered ecosystems that keep organizations and businesses connected, agile, and, above all, competitively alive. In 2026, your members expect everything at their fingertips (literally!). In this article, we’ll explore five ways to stay competitive by going mobile.

Going Mobile Still Matters, Now More Than Ever

Duarte (2025) reported that over 64% of website traffic came from mobile devices in 2025, and that 96.3% of internet users accessed the internet through their mobile phones. Additionally, around 4.32 billion people currently use their phones to access the internet—that’s more than half of the world’s population!

Mobile connectivity isn’t just about member convenience: it’s about accessibility and affordability for the majority. Because mobile traffic now dominates the online ecosystem, everything from site design and optimization to user experience and performance must adapt.

The New Mobile Landscape (and What’s Changed Over the Years)

You’ve probably noticed (and even felt!) the wave of changes in the mobile experience over the last decade. Users now enjoy smarter navigation and a more seamless experience, powered by the rapidly advancing capabilities of our evolving technology. Not to mention, we’re looking at newer, wackier mobile designs flooding the market, creating a diverse ecosystem of devices in all shapes and sizes.

Let’s cover a couple of changes we’ve been seeing so far:

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and Mobile-First Design

PWAs are web applications that provide native app-like experiences on mobile devices and desktops (Extended, 2023). They act like apps for smoother, faster, and more reliable browsing—without requiring a download from the app store!

This setup can also provide several benefits, including better load times, offline functionality, and timely push notifications. Overall, PWAs can create a more engaging and immersive user experience that is fast, intuitive, and well-suited for mobile use.

Mobile-first platforms, on the other hand, are built—you guessed it—for mobile devices first! The goal of mobile-first design is to ensure that a platform’s interface is both responsive and easy to navigate on a small screen. From here, designs can easily scale up to larger devices, such as tablets and laptops.

What makes mobile-first design platforms appealing is that their layouts remain clean, clear, and intuitive, so user navigation doesn’t get bogged down by strange layouts, poor sizing, and other undesirable elements. This design starts with the layout’s space limitations as a strength, forcing designers to focus only on what truly matters.

Since most website traffic comes from mobile devices, a mobile-first approach just makes sense! The result? A user-friendly experience that works seamlessly across all other devices. Both PWAs and mobile-first design prioritize straightforward, no-nonsense navigation so that users can move through content effortlessly, even on their phones.

Hardware Design

While many recent upgrades have been software-focused, one often overlooked (but arguably equally important) consideration is the devices themselves—specifically, their hardware! These changes are shaping how users interact and experience digital content on mobile platforms.

Newer devices introduce a novel approach to configuration and functionality. Modern phones come in various shapes and sizes. Foldable and wearable technologies are becoming increasingly popular, and these flexible hardware designs can heavily influence design choices for mobile interfaces.

Developers and designers must now also account for features like multiple screen orientations and split displays, ensuring a seamless experience no matter how or where users interact.

The Five Pillars of Mobile Strategy for Staying Competitive in 2026

For member-based organizations, staying ahead of the curve drives engagement and supports long-term growth, which is why a well-defined mobile strategy is essential for staying relevant, responsive, and cutting-edge!

Let’s take a look at the five essential pillars for strengthening your mobile presence in the year ahead:

1. Embrace Evolving Technology

Some of our greatest technological advances are dominating much of the digital ecosystem today. If you want to stay competitive, you’ve got to up your game: embrace evolving technology and implement the tools that help you adapt faster, work smarter, and better serve your members in the mobile space.

For example, AI has become versed in handling almost everything software-related, from chatbots to voice assistants to even recommendation algorithms! You can now have your platform analyze member behavior and automatically suggest relevant content, making it easier than ever for your members to find the right offerings.

While it may feel easier (and safer) to stick to the good, old traditional systems and measures, embracing evolving technology becomes increasingly important in a world that doesn’t stop growing. Modern tools aren’t meant to replace an organization’s values or established processes; instead, they enhance them by improving accuracy, consistency, and scalability.

By adopting the right technologies at a measured pace, your organization can future-proof your operations, meet rising member expectations, and remain relevant without losing your identity.

2. Enhance the Mobile Experience & Design

In our previous articles, we discussed why your organization should focus on going mobile while keeping your platform smooth and responsive. One of the most critical ways to execute the transition properly is to focus on enhancing the experience—on making it enjoyable!

This trend isn’t going away anytime soon, and it’s more relevant than ever in 2026. So, why not add a little something extra by highlighting your platform’s appeal?

Here are some of the ways you can do it:

• Visual storytelling: Use progress indicators, icons, and visual cues to guide members along your platform. You can highlight key actions to convey information at a glance without resorting to dense text.
• Thoughtful Microinteractions: Add a simple, light animation when your member interacts with a button (e.g., having the color of a button change when hovered over or clicked) or tweak the sound of your notifications to make them more engaging.
• Subtle Personalization: Recommend relevant content, send reminders, or allow customizable dashboard elements based on members’ activities or preferences.

Integrate elements that reflect your brand and your members’ needs. Your interface shouldn’t just be easy to navigate; it should be interactive and feel tailored to your members, too!

3. Aim for Mobile Accessibility

When deciding how your organization’s website should look on the average smartphone, prioritize a consistent user experience. Compare your desktop to mobile: do they offer the same level of accessibility?

What your website offers should also be what the mobile version delivers. Too often, users run into interface issues, such as being unable to access certain features or sections simply because they aren’t available in the mobile interface.

If your organization doesn’t have a dedicated phone app, have no fear! You don’t have to miss out. Instead, you can choose a platform that’s built–right again!–mobile-first to ensure your interface looks organized on both your phone and your desktop. This way, you make it easy and intuitive for your members to access their dashboards on their phones (without needing your own dedicated app!).

4. Track Your Growth

Behind every website is a monitoring system that records every digital footprint a user makes. This is where data analytics come in. With the right platform, our ever-evolving technology now enables us to track interaction and usage, providing valuable information that empowers better decision-making in your organization.

Data analytics can be instrumental when analyzing performance and tracking your statistics. You can start by asking questions like:

• Where does user engagement fall short? Analytics can show you which pages have unusually high bounce rates, short session durations, or minimal interactions from mobile users. This may indicate issues like slow page load times or poor mobile responsiveness.

• What areas of improvement can we underscore to boost mobile traffic? These areas become visible when comparing mobile and desktop performance metrics, such as conversion rates, scroll depth, and exit points. Identifying where mobile users drop off enables organizations to prioritize fixes, such as optimizing layouts for smaller screens, simplifying navigation, or improving page speed.

Your analytics should provide the insights you need for strategic, targeted solutions so that you can feel confident in your decisions, knowing every move is backed by real data.

5. Prioritize Your Security

We saved the most important consideration for last: cybersecurity.

Going mobile doesn’t just mean seamless interfaces, clean dashboards, and integrated systems. Behind all the bells and whistles, there should be an impenetrable system that protects your organization from a wide range of cyber threats.

With all the movement and growth in your organization, it’s easy to forget that cybersecurity remains the number one priority, especially when deciding on major technological shifts. With your data constantly under attack, the need for strong, reliable digital security measures is a no-brainer!

Rahmonbek (2023) reported that smaller organizations (1–250 members) experience the highest rate of targeted malicious emails, with 1 in 323 messages being malicious. Larger organizations are not spared, however, where 1 in 823 emails are equally dangerous (Smith, 2024)!

So, for member-based organizations seeking to go mobile, be sure to choose a vendor that follows robust cybersecurity protocols and uses reliable tools like antivirus software, encryption, and firewalls to keep your data safe.

You may also like: Your First Line of Defence: Tips for Smarter, Safer Passwords

Conclusion

As we transition into 2026 and beyond, one thing is clear: mobile accessibility is no longer just a convenience. It’s the lifeblood of how organizations connect, communicate, and thrive.

With so much digital traffic now coming from phones, there’s no question you should prioritize a smartphone-forward approach. The world’s not gonna stop scrolling anytime soon, so might as well move along with it and keep it mobile!

References

Curry, D. (2025, December 2). AI App Revenue and Usage Statistics (2025). Business of Apps. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://www.businessofapps.com/data/ai-app-market/

Duarte, F. (2025, July 10). Internet Traffic from Mobile Devices (July 2025). Exploding Topics. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/mobile-internet-traffic

Extended. (2023, May 31). Why Are Progressive Web Apps Becoming the Future of Web Development? Extended Web. https://www.extwebtech.com/blog/progressive-web-apps-becoming-the-future-of-web-development

Rahmonbek, K. (2023, February 22). 35 Alarming Small Business Cybersecurity Statistics in 2022 | StrongDM. Discover.strongdm.com. https://www.strongdm.com/blog/small-business-cyber-security-statistics

Smith, G. (2024, December 10). Top Phishing Statistics for 2023: Latest Figures and Trends. StationX. https://www.stationx.net/phishing-statistics/

The post Going Mobile in 2026: How Member-Based Organizations Can Stay Connected and Competitive appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Many member-based organizations are eager to explore the technology’s potential, but getting started safely requires a thoughtful and intentional approach.

Now, while specific usage guidelines vary from one organization to another, we come to you today with recommendations to help you build a strong, secure, and practical foundation for integrating AI tools.

1. Define Clear Goals

Know what you’re setting out to solve or improve.

• How do you want to use AI in your organization?
• What problems can it help you overcome?

2. Build a Shared Understanding

Before taking the plunge, you’ll want to familiarize yourself (and your team) with the basics of AI. Be open and transparent about your goals.

We suggest creating an AI Code of Conduct to guide your team’s adoption and use of AI-enabled tools.

3. Choose the Right Tools

Select platforms that genuinely meet your team’s needs. Don’t be fooled by buzzwords–a lot of companies like to boast about their AI, but you’ll want to take a minute to look into what they actually mean.

This also means reading the legalese in the terms and conditions. Look for answers to questions like:

• Who owns the data you feed it?
• Who owns the results?
• Can you delete your data from the system?

Wherever possible, you will likely want to use the paid version of these tools. Whichever tool you adopt, it should have a solid framework in place for protecting your Personally Identifiable Information (PII), as well as your company information (lparsons, 2025).

Keep in mind: When there’s no cost listed, the price is you. If a tool appears to be free, it may be collecting or using your data as compensation.

4. Start Small

Test new AI tools on low-risk projects before scaling them up. Even with thorough research, there’s always a chance that something is missed, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. Watch for Bias

Stay aware of how datasets influence results and review them carefully. AI is excellent at spotting patterns, but there are often underlying factors that can influence its direction (Coffin, 2024). The more familiar you become with these influences, the easier it is to spot their effects and adjust.

6. Invest in Learning

As AI constantly evolves, so should your team. Empower them to improve and grow as much as possible.

As your team learns more, you can adjust your Code of Conduct to match (lparsons, 2025). AI is evolving quickly, so you want to be aware of how this will affect your rules.

7. Track Performance

Monitor performance, measure real outcomes, and optimize your processes as needed. If you find a tool isn’t working out, that’s ok–it just means you’re one step closer to finding the one that does!

Conclusion

Start small, stay curious, and keep refining your approach as the technology evolves. Using these guidelines, you’re now well on your way—so here’s to a smarter, more empowered AI journey ahead!

Works Cited

Coffin, B. (2024, February 21). Six Ethical Artificial Intelligence Principles for Your Code of Conduct. Ethisphere Magazine Website. https://magazine.ethisphere.com/six-ethical-artificial-intelligence-principles-for-your-code-of-conduct/

lparsons. (2025, June 26). Building a Responsible AI Framework: 5 Key Principles for Organizations – Professional & Executive Development | Harvard DCE. Professional & Executive Development | Harvard DCE. https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/building-a-responsible-ai-framework-5-key-principles-for-organizations/#What-Are-the-5-Key-Principles-of-Ethical-AI-for-Organizations

The post Curious About AI? Here’s How to Start Smart appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Cyberattacks are on the rise (Mclean, 2023) regardless of industry (Check Point Research, 2025), with weak/stolen passwords being one of the leading causes of data breaches (Coggins, 2019).

Thankfully, you aren’t alone, and there are plenty of ways to protect your members, data, and staff with a few practical password management strategies. Let’s dive in!

Our Top Tips for Secure Password Management

1. Use a Password Manager

Storing passwords in spreadsheets or sticky notes is a thing of the past.

Instead, look to password manager programs (like KeePass or 1Password), which generate and store strong, unique passwords for every account. This way, you can keep your passwords safe and accessible (but only to you!).

If your organization isn’t already using one, now’s the time to start!

2. Create Strong, Unique Passwords

A strong password should be at least 12 characters and include a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.

Be sure to avoid:

• Dictionary words
• Personal details
• Common patterns

Even worse, the most common passwords are still “123456”, “111111”, “qwerty”, “admin”, and “password” (Gunnar, 2023)! Under no circumstances should you use passwords like these, whether you’re at work or at home.

Now, if you’re having trouble coming up with a good, unique password, that’s understandable. Thankfully, many password managers (see above) have already considered this and have the ability to generate new, secure passwords for you.

3. DO NOT Reuse Passwords Across Platforms

In a study of breached passwords, of the 19 billion cases examined, 94% of the stolen passwords had been recycled across various platforms (Perez, 2025). Yikes!

If a site becomes compromised, any reused passwords will put all accounts at risk. Every system you access—especially those that handle member data or continuing education (CE) records—requires its own unique password.

4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)/Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Wherever possible, turn on MFA/2FA. This setup adds a second step to logging in (such as a texted/emailed code or specialized authentication app), which can help you block most attacks—even if your password is stolen.

Google Authenticator is a nice, easy option that you can find on the Google Play Store or iPhone App Store.

5. Stay Alert to Phishing

No matter how strong your password is, it’ll still be vulnerable if you enter it into a fake site. Always double-check URLs, and never click links in suspicious emails.

And, because phishing emails are becoming more convincing, it’s best to create a specific password-sharing process for when you need to distribute passwords amongst staff.

Ensure passwords are never sent through email or regular chat; instead, look into safe password sharing tools like 1Password’s “Password Share” feature or OneTimeSecret, which creates a one-time link that self-destructs after opening.

6. Regularly Update Passwords

Set reminders to update passwords for critical systems every 6 to 12 months. However, if you suspect a breach, update your passwords immediately—don’t hesitate!

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and a little inconvenience is a small price to pay for keeping your organization secure.

Bonus Resources

If this article has made you feel increasingly nervous, firstly—sorry!

Secondly, there are plenty of resources out there to double-check your security and maintain your peace of mind.

You can try:

• Testing the strength of your passwords with How Secure Is My Password?
• Checking for data breaches with Have I Been Pwned?

Stay cybersafe, everyone!

References

Check Point Research. (2025, April 16). Q1 2025 Global Cyber Attack Report from Check Point Software: An Almost 50% Surge in Cyber Threats Worldwi … Check Point Blog; Check Point Software. https://blog.checkpoint.com/research/q1-2025-global-cyber-attack-report-from-check-point-software-an-almost-50-surge-in-cyber-threats-worldwide-with-a-rise-of-126-in-ransomware-attacks/

Coggins, J. (2019, November 18). Six Common Causes of Data Breaches. Lepide Blog: A Guide to IT Security, Compliance and IT Operations. https://www.lepide.com/blog/six-common-causes-of-data-breaches/

Mclean, M. (2023, August 9). 2021 Must-Know Cyber Attack Statistics and Trends – Embroker. Embroker. https://www.embroker.com/blog/cyber-attack-statistics/

The post Your First Line of Defence: Tips for Smarter, Safer Passwords appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Choosing the right AMS for your organization is crucial. Remember: it’s not just about getting the shiniest new technology–it’s about organization, automation, and enhancement. After all, the right AMS can improve the efficiency (and ease!) of your administrative processes, help you boost revenue (of both the dues and non-dues variety), and increase engagement.

On the other hand, the wrong AMS may result in inefficiencies, wasted resources, and frustration–oh my! Thankfully, you’re not alone. Today, we’ll be covering the right questions to ask when you’re looking for a new AMS. For instance…

1. “What are my organization’s current goals and challenges?”

Before evaluating any platforms, you’ll want to take a moment to assess your organization’s current situation. What do you aim to do? What challenges (“pain points”) are you facing, and what could help you solve them? Make some lists.

For inspiration, you can ask yourself things like…

• What administrative tasks do I have that are manual and/or time-consuming? Could they be automated?
  • Example: tracking memberships, sending expiry notifications
• What challenges are my staff and members experiencing? What hinders engagement?
  • Example: resources are hard to find, navigating the platform is difficult, each system is its own separate ecosystem
• What key functions am I looking for?
  • Example: organizational memberships that oversee individual memberships, coupon codes, automatic membership renewal
• How will the AMS align with my organization’s long-term strategic goals?
  • Example: automated notifications can keep members more informed, automatic membership renewals make it easy for members to keep their standing

More high-level features to consider may include:

• A member database with advanced search and segmentation capabilities
• Event and conference management tools that include online registrations and virtual event integration
• Automated communications, like marketing and notification emails
• Detailed reporting and analytics capabilities for data-driven decision-making
• Integrated financial management tools that allow for things like invoicing, payment processing, and subscription tracking

Now, you can use what you’ve created to make your own requirements document. While this may sound daunting, it’s actually just another list!

Requirements documents, at their most basic, typically sort features into two groups:

• Must-have features: these are do-or-die requirements, functions that will make or break your platform. These are the functions that, if they aren’t included, you will not be able to go further with this platform; these form the foundation of your cake.
• Nice-to-have features: requirements that are helpful (or even really exciting!) but won’t sour the whole platform for you if they aren’t included; these are the icing on your cake.

Then, if you want to really delve deep (or indulge in a possible pipe dream!), you can add one more type:

• “Flying cupcake” features: these are your maybe-crazy, “perfect world” requirements; these are the sparklers and gold leaf decorating your cake.

While you may wonder why putting more far-fetched requirements on your list would be worthwhile, you may find yourself surprised–a good vendor may suggest viable workarounds to get the result you want. After all, it never hurts to ask!

By clearly outlining your organization’s objectives, challenges, and needs, you can ensure that the AMS you choose is the one that’s right for you!

2. “How well will the AMS integrate with my existing systems?”

An AMS should work seamlessly with your existing software to maintain efficiency and data accuracy. Compatibility is crucial to ensuring that all of your components work harmoniously.

Consider the following:

• Does the AMS integrate with your current CRM, financial tools, and email marketing platforms?
• How easy is data migration from your existing system to the new AMS?
• What API capabilities does the AMS offer for custom integrations?
• Can I consolidate multiple systems with it?

Poor integration can lead to inefficient processes, duplicated efforts, and frustration among staff. Choosing an AMS that integrates well with existing systems can prevent these issues and enhance productivity.

But wait! There’s Another Solution!

What if I told you that there’s a way to get an AMS without dealing with the pain of managing integrations? What if there was a one-stop shop for all your system needs?

With an all-in-one solution, you can skip the extra steps with a single unified (but modular) solution. Check out the benefits of using an all-in-one platform HERE!

3. “What’s the cost?”

This is probably the question you’ve been waiting for; after all, some things really do just come down to money.

However, when it comes to picking an AMS, there’s more than just the upfront figure to consider. Yes, the initial cost is important, but what’s even more crucial is calculating long-term expenses (both spent AND saved!).

When it comes to money spent, you’ll want to think about the following:

• Pre-implementation costs
  • Does the licensing act like a subscription?
  • Is there an upfront price for implementation?
  • Is maintenance (e.g. keeping integrations and security up to date) included or separate?
  • Is there a fee for data migration (i.e. moving data from your current platform to your new platform)?
• Post-implementation costs
  • Do you need to pay for training for staff? For members? Is training billed by staff members or by the hour?
  • What types of customizations are included, and what do you have to pay for?
  • Is end-user technical support available?

Then, compare the above to what you could potentially save:

• Return on investment (ROI) and long-term cost-effectiveness
  • Are you automating tedious, time-consuming tasks? Remember, time is money–if you’re saving your administrators time, that’s like getting cash back!
  • An intuitive, streamlined platform can increase engagement and bring in more members–meaning more dues revenue!
  • Can your AMS integrate into a wider all-in-one platform? By switching to a comprehensive, unified system, you may be able to go from paying lots of vendors to just a single one. All-in-ones don’t just increase efficiency and ease-of-use–they save you money!

When choosing an AMS, you want to create a detailed cost analysis to avoid unexpected expenses. It’s essential to assess what you’re actually getting for your money; while an AMS may appear to cost more than some of its peers, factoring in the potential ripple effect can prove that you’d actually end up saving!

4. “How user-friendly is it?”

A user-friendly AMS can enhance productivity, improve engagement, and ensure smoother adoption by members and staff. If your platform is clunky and frustrating to use, your members won’t want to spend time with your organization. Instead, aim for a clean, seamless experience that will keep your audience coming back for more!

To judge the friendliness of a system, ask yourself the following:

• How intuitive is the AMS interface for both administrators and members?
  • Remember, you want to consider both sides of this story. If the front-end experience of a platform is great, but the back end is not, it’s going to be hard for staff to keep up. Conversely, if the back-end experience is smooth but the front-end is hard to navigate, you’ll find your audience losing interest fast!
• What training resources are available to support new users and staff?
  • Does the platform come with tutorials–and does it even need to? Some designs are so clear that even someone with minimal experience on a computer can engage with ease!
• Is the AMS mobile-friendly, allowing members to engage from any device?
  • These days, it’s all about tablets and smartphones. Don’t make your members pinch-to-zoom on every page–let the desktop view stay on the desktop where it belongs!

• Can the platform be customized easily?
  • This one’s a tricky one. Every organization has different needs, and true customizations can cost a pretty penny. Thankfully, there’s a work-around: find an AMS that’s built to have the look and feel of a customized piece WITHOUT all the programming. What does this mean? Look for platforms built specifically for your type of organization!

Overall, if your AMS is difficult to navigate, it can lead to frustration, inefficiencies, and resistance. Keep your platform simple, sleek, and effective for the best results!

5. “What level of training and support do I get?”

We touched on this above, but it bears repeating; after all, reliable support ensures smooth operations, from implementation to beyond, so evaluating the kinds of customer service provided is essential.

When you’re looking for an AMS, you’ll want to ask about…

• Vendor support options, which can include things like 24/7 availability, live chat services, and dedicated account managers
• Onboarding programs, training sessions, and knowledge hubs
• Software update schedules, maintenance, and inquiry responsiveness

To learn more, ask about the different options for service level agreements (SLAs) and pick the price point that’s right for you. Providing your members (and staff) with dedicated support will ensure that everyone can use your AMS worry-free.

6. “How secure is it?”

Data security and compliance should be amongst your top priorities when choosing an AMS, regardless of your industry. With increasing concerns over data privacy and cyber threats, selecting a secure AMS is vital.

Consider the following:

• What encryption, backup, and recovery measures are in place to protect sensitive data?
• Does the system maintain compliance with relevant regulations and best practices (e.g. HIPAA)?
• What policies exist regarding data ownership, member privacy, and risk management?
• Does it offer multi-factor authentication?
• Where is the data stored?

Having a secure AMS will protect your members’ sensitive information, build trust, and ensure regulatory compliance. Remember the age-old saying: Safety first!

7. “What are their other clients saying?”

They say the best advertising is word-of-mouth. Thankfully, the internet makes “mouths” a lot more accessible! Testimonials, success stories, case studies, and client lists are now often only a click away.

Reading the experiences of other associations can help you make a more informed decision. So, while you search, consider…

• Reading online reviews, testimonials, and case studies
• Speaking with current clients to gain firsthand insights
• Researching the vendor’s industry reputation and years of experience
• Requesting product demos and trials to evaluate real-world usability

Nothing beats real-world information straight from the source!

Conclusion

It’s no secret; choosing the right AMS requires careful evaluation, strategic planning, and thorough research. Thankfully, when you ask the right questions, you can make solid, informed decisions that align with your organization’s goals and needs.

While you search, keep this in mind: an AMS is more than just a software purchase—it’s an investment in the future of your organization!

Want to learn more? Contact us to schedule a meeting and we’ll discuss how we help organizations like yours!

References:

57 Essential Questions to Ask Your AMS Vendor Before You Decide to Buy. (2017). Arment.com. https://www.arment.com/armstrong/armstrong/case-studies/57-essential-questions.aspx

Ketcham, A. (2017, August). 5 Questions to Ask Potential Association Management Software Vendor. Associations Management Online. https://www.associationsonline.com/member-management-system/5-questions-to-ask-potential-association-management-software-vendors/

Six Features to Look for in an Association Management System. (2019). ASAE. https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/articles/an_plus/2019/may/six-features-to-look-for-in-an-association-management-system

The post What to Ask When Choosing an Association Management System appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Today, we’ll be looking at some of the key challenges of digital transformation for professional associations–and how you can solve them!

1. Legacy Systems

The Challenge: Professional associations may have legacy systems that are difficult to integrate with new technologies. This can make it challenging to modernize an organization’s IT infrastructure and implement new tools, such as learning management systems.

The Solution: Instead of attempting a complete overhaul of their IT infrastructure, associations should consider a phased approach. 

Start by modernizing one system or a set of related systems at a time. 

This allows for better resource allocation and minimizes disruption; it also enables the organization to learn from each phase before proceeding to the next.

2. Cultural Resistance

The Challenge: Change management can be a significant challenge for professional associations, as some members may be resistant to change or unfamiliar with digital technologies. This can make it difficult to gain support for digital transformation strategies.

The Solution: The answer lies in clear communication and transparency. 

Associations should ensure that the goals, benefits, and rationale behind their digital transformation initiatives are clearly communicated to all members and stakeholders. 

Provide regular updates on any and all progress, challenges, and expected outcomes. 

Transparency helps to build trust and understanding, reducing resistance to change.

3. Comfort with the Status Quo

The Challenge: Many people are comfortable with the way things are and may not see the need for change. They may also be hesitant to disrupt existing systems–even if they’re inefficient or outdated.

The Solution: Create a sense of urgency. Clearly communicate the reasons why change is necessary and the risks of maintaining the status quo. 

Highlight external factors (such as industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving member expectations) that necessitate adaptation. 

By creating a sense of urgency, you can motivate members and stakeholders to embrace change and overcome their comfort with the existing systems.

4. Lack of Understanding

The Challenge: Sometimes, people may not fully understand the benefits of updating technology to reduce complexity. They may not see how it will improve their work (or the organization as a whole), leading to resistance to change.

The Solution: Clearly communicate the advantages of the transformation. Develop a comprehensive communication strategy to clearly outline the benefits of updating technology to reduce complexity; make sure to use concrete examples for the best results! Look into similar organizations and see how they have used digital transformation to thrive. 

Explain how the new technology will simplify workflows, streamline processes, and improve efficiency for staff, while improving the user interface and experience for members. Emphasize the positive impact transformation will have on the organization as a whole.

5. Fear of Failure

The Challenge: Changing processes can be risky, and some people may be afraid of failure or making mistakes. This fear can lead to a preference for sticking with what they know.

The Solution: Break the process down into manageable steps. By deconstructing transformation into smaller, more achievable steps, an association can reduce the level of risk and increase their likelihood of success. 

On the member side, a phased system of change allows an organization’s audience to build confidence as they learn the new technology. 

6. Inadequate Training and Support

The Challenge: If people don’t get adequate training and support when switching to new processes, they may be reluctant to change. They may also feel overwhelmed by the new technology and processes, making them hesitant to update.

The Solution: Develop comprehensive training programs that cover the new technology, processes, and any associated changes. 

Offer a variety of training formats, including workshops, webinars, e-learning modules, user-friendly documentation, and one-on-one coaching. Ensure that the training is tailored to different user roles (as well as for staff and for members) and skill levels, providing step-by-step guidance and practical examples. 

Consider also hosting dedicated support channels (such as a helpdesk, email support, or chat support) to address member questions and concerns promptly. 

7. Cost

The Challenge: Digital transformation can require significant investment in new technology and systems, which may be a challenge for associations with limited budgets. 

The Solution: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the potential return on investment (ROI) of the proposed changes. Associations should identify the areas where their investments will have the greatest impact and align them with their organization’s strategic goals. This analysis can help prioritize investments and demonstrate the value of digital transformation to stakeholders. 

Next, explore funding opportunities through grants, partnerships, or sponsorships that specifically support digital transformation initiatives. Look for government programs, industry associations, or foundations that provide funding for technology upgrades or digital initiatives. 

Collaborating with other associations or organizations in the same sector may also provide cost-sharing opportunities.

8. Security

The Challenge: With more data being stored and transferred digitally, there will always be concerns about data breaches and cyber attacks. Professional associations must ensure that they have thorough security measures in place to protect their data and their members’ data.

The Solution: Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify potential risks and address them promptly. These assessments will help point out potential points of vulnerability in an organization’s systems, processes, and infrastructure. Audits should also include an evaluation of network security, data protection practices, access controls, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Additionally, associations should educate staff and members about security best practices, such as strong password management, phishing awareness, and data protection protocols. Regularly conduct training sessions and awareness campaigns to keep security practices top of mind. 

9. Skill Gap

The Challenge: Digital transformation can require new skills that staff and members of an organization don’t possess yet. Associations may need to develop or hire new talent to support the transition.

The Solution: Conduct a thorough assessment of existing skills within the association to identify the gaps that need to be addressed. Determine the specific competencies required for successful digital transformation and compare them to the current skill sets of staff and members. This analysis will provide a clear understanding of the areas where additional training or new talent is needed.

Then, develop training programs to meet these needs. Offer a variety of learning opportunities (such as workshops, online courses, webinars, or mentoring programs) to help individuals acquire the necessary skills. 

Associations can even collaborate with external training providers or industry experts to deliver specialized training in areas such as data analytics, digital marketing, or technology implementation. 

Encourage continuous learning and provide ongoing support to ensure skill development.

10. Legal and Compliance Issues

The Challenge: Digital transformation may also bring new legal and compliance requirements that associations need to be aware of, such as data protection laws and regulations.

The Solution: Conduct an assessment to identify potential legal and compliance gaps within the association’s existing processes and systems. Associations can evaluate their data handling practices, consent mechanisms, security measures, and any other areas that may be impacted by regulatory requirements. This assessment will help identify areas that need attention and ensure compliance with relevant laws.

11. Stakeholder Management

The Challenge: Professional associations often have multiple stakeholders, including members, partners, and regulators. Managing the expectations and needs of these stakeholders during periods of digital transformation can be challenging.

The Solution: First, set realistic expectations with stakeholders regarding the timeline, outcomes, and potential challenges of the digital transformation process. Be transparent about any limitations or constraints that may affect implementation. Clearly communicate the benefits and value that the transformation will bring to stakeholders to gain their support.

Then, work on actively engaging with stakeholders to gather their input and involve them in decision-making processes wherever possible. Seek their opinions, ideas, and suggestions to shape the process in a way that everyone will be happy with.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, the benefits of digital transformation far exceed their challenges. While making the change can be difficult, associations that implement digital transformation improve their ability to engage members, deliver value, and drive growth. 

Take the plunge and discover how your association can start the process today!

The post 11 Challenges (and Solutions!) of Digital Transformation appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Tip: Safety First

You want your association’s data to be accessible, but not too accessible–at least, not to the wrong people! Keep your files secure by looking into your online security. You want your members to know their data is safe in your hands, and that they can trust your association’s cyber savvy.

Educate

First, educate: yourself, your staff, and your members. You can’t spot a problem you don’t know exists, so make sure to offer resources on how to spot scams, fraud, phishing, and other heinous tricks.

Teach everyone about password control: users should change their passwords regularly, employ two-factor authentication, consider using secure password managers, and lock their computers when away from the keyboard. Additionally, make sure to use only secure wifi connections; if there’s no lock symbol, it shouldn’t be trusted. By pairing all of this with regular network testing, your users should be able to stay safe–and your data will stay where it belongs!

Assess

You want to keep your association’s various functions safe (and trustworthy!), so look into having online security audits performed on your system. Set up yearly on-site data security assessments and encrypt your information. Use VPNs whenever possible as an additional precaution.

You should also inform your staff of any risks, and set up protocol on what to do should someone make a mistake. It’s better to know there’s a problem and respond than to rugsweep and pretend it never happened!

Protect

One way to increase the security of your online environment and simplify password management for your members is to standardize authentication across all your online solutions. This is made possible using single sign-on (SSO) cloud technology. Single sign-on (SSO) is a user authentication process that allows for access to multiple online applications with one set of credentials.

In addition to greatly enhancing the online experience of your members (they login only once to access multiple services!), SSO reduces password fatigue and facilitates the adoption of stronger password policies. Just make sure that prior to implementation, you consider what SSO protocols are supported by your preferred software solutions and confirm that they can connect.

You may also like: Post-Purchase Service: Why It’s Crucial When Picking an LMS Vendor

Conclusion

When doing anything online, you want to make sure you’re practicing good digital hygiene. Inform your bar association of the dangers associated with the web, audit your tech, and remind members to safeguard their credentials. They say the best defense is a good offense, but the reverse is often also true!

Next time, we’ll be concluding our Vocalmeet/Lexum article series with one of the best support (and engagement!) tools of all: social media.

The post Technology Tips and Tools to Help Bar Associations Build Trust and Support Members – Part 4 appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As the world of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) increases its reliance on the internet, the importance of digital security and security follows closely behind. According to the Ponemon Institute’s State of Cybersecurity in Small & Medium Size Businesses survey, 67% of SMBs experienced some form of cyber attack in 2018, an increase of 6% from a year earlier.

Even more alarming, only 28% of these organizations feel its defenses are “highly effective.” However, the solutions are out there. The problem is, organizations don’t always know where to look. In fact, nearly half of survey respondents are unsure how to incorporate suitable cybersecurity measures. Help is near. Associations that incorporate the following measures can better protect data and safeguard against attacks.

CHANGE THE CULTURE

Integrating proper cyber security requires a top-down culture shift. First, management needs to acknowledge the need for cybersecurity, and then they need to initiate an organization-wide buy-in plan. This may include running information or training sessions highlighting why proper security is important, what the potential threats are, and how everyone can contribute to protecting the organization against them.

While cyber threats can come in many different shapes and sizes, organizations can focus on the biggest and most prevalent. According to Ponemon Institute study, the most common attacks in 2018 were phishing and social engineering, web-based attacks, general malware, stolen devices, denial of services, and advanced malware attacks. The more prepared users are, the lower the chances they fall for predatory attacks.

Know Your Enemy – Phishing, Denial of Services, and Zero-Day Attacks

Simply providing staff with some quick training on how to handle the most common attacks can make a major difference.

Phishing threats involve attackers sending emails with a fake “from address” or even worse, from a trusted source like a hacked email account to persuade targets to provide valuable information or to open attachments infected with a computer virus or other malware. Since it is one of the easiest ways of attacking any organization, it is therefore the most common way to break into computer systems and networks. To minimize this threat, everyone in your organization should never open any kind of email attachment or click on any link that was submitted via email without requesting it from the sender. This includes especially emails that you received from senders you know. Additionally, always hover over links to verify the path goes where it says it does or ensure the email header details, like “reply-to address” and “return path,” align with the trusted source’s actual information.

To protect against denial of services (DoS attack), which is when attackers flood web servers with requests to intentionally overload them, organizations can set up on-premise and cloud-based protections to detect and reroute any potential attacks. Vocalmeet provides this type of protection to all of its clients.

For advanced malware attacks, like Zero-day exploits that expose unpatched software vulnerabilities, one of the fastest-growing threats, organizations and users should keep well configured firewalls in place and even better, should limited access to servers that host your online applications only to certain IP addresses like the one from your office or a company VPN etc. More importantly use only essential applications in your public facing network to reduce the amount of potential vulnerabilities.

Make an Inventory and a Plan

In order to protect its assets, an organization needs to first review what assets it has and who and what has access to the information. This may involve making an inventory of every device, all software, and each user that is connected to the organization’s system. Perhaps most importantly, these inventories must be updated regularly. In addition to providing a useful overview of the organization’s system, updated inventories can then be used to identify someone or something with unauthorized access.

The next step is to create a security plan that everyone in the organization can understand and follow. According to the CyberEdge Group’s 2017 Cyberthreat Defense Report, “Low security awareness among employees continues to be the greatest inhibitor to defending against cyber threats.” Even the most basic plan can improve security drastically, such as ensuring employees log off when away from their devices and reporting unusual happenings or activity.

Maintain Proper Technical Hygiene

 To ensure the organization’s security remains intact, every member must commit to the process. This may include regularly updating security and malware protection software, including antispyware and antivirus software, and using a firewall when connecting to the internet and securing Wi-Fi networks. Users should also ensure they stay up-to-date on software updates. Though many of these tasks get put off until the most convenient time, they should be prioritized for best results.

Specific Hardware and Software Configuration

 While many modern devices are built for convenience and accessibility, the trade-off, unfortunately, is often a lack of security. Organizations can overcome this by streamlining the functionality of its software and hardware. A web server with only web service functionality, for example, reduces the vulnerabilities and the risks of attacks.

Similarly, many technology users increasingly take security risks to increase convenience despite the growth in cyber threats. This usually results in users employing poor passwords or even keeping the default passwords, which can often be looked up online and cracked easily. The organizational solution is to force users to regularly change their password, require them to use their own individual accounts for all activities, and establish a lockout policy for wrong attempts.

Manage User Privileges

While the majority of cyberthreats are external to an organization, limiting user privileges and permissions can go a long way to eliminating a large portion of internal cyber weaknesses. This may mean that some users don’t have the same level of access to information as others. Some users might not be able to install software or use specific websites, for instance.

Organizations should also restrict admin privileges. Since admin access and credentials allow users to make drastic system changes, controlling this power can limit any malicious or accidental threats from the inside. If admin access is needed by standard users, these privileges can be offered temporarily and supervised carefully. By practicing this level of control, organizations can also prevent phishing attempts, as admin credentials and access are more carefully monitored and protected.

Get an Insurance Plan

Even for the organizations that take every precaution, cybercrime still remains a very real possibility and a serious threat. Therefore, establishing a backup plan and an insurance policy in case of an attack is every bit as important as trying to prevent one.

One surefire method is to create and maintain backups of all-important information and documents. Setting systems to back themselves up automatically can take much of the legwork out of this process. While this doesn’t eliminate the threats, it can soften the blow if they do occur. Another option is to obtain an insurance policy that protects against cybercrime. Not only can insurance coverage help manage and minimize the risk of malicious cyberattacks, but it can also provide organizations with an overview of their systems, their vulnerabilities, and their level of risk.

The post How To Protect Your Association From Cyber Attacks appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.