Empowering Associations with Microsoft Copilot: A Game-Changer for Efficiency and Impact
September 22nd, 2023 By Hannah Shankle As a young marketing professional, I have grown up in a world of constant technological advancements. However, the recent explosion of AI is something different, and truly defines a start to a significant shift. AI is not just a buzzword but a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize how associations operate and engage with their younger members. The Copilot Effect The recent announcement of Copilot in Windows 11 is just the tip of the iceberg. With first a beta expansion into Dynamics 365, and now into Windows 11, . AI’s role in our daily lives is evolving. It’s no longer a standalone tool; it’s a digital companion, a personal assistant at our fingertips, enhancing our efficiency. For associations, Copilot offers endless possibilities. It simplifies complex tasks, such as document creation and data analysis, catering to Gen Z’s tech-savvy expectations. It delivers data-driven insights, automates member engagement, and streamlines multitasking. This level of productivity aligns perfectly with Gen Z’s expectations. The integration of Copilot into Windows 11 signals a significant shift, making AI an indispensable companion in our digital lives. Its potential to enhance productivity and provide valuable insights holds promise for associations looking to engage Gen Z effectively. Member Engagement Tailored for Gen Z As a marketing professional, I live and breathe member engagement. AI takes this to a whole new level. It doesn’t just analyze member behavior, it predicts their needs, and suggests tailored engagement strategies. It’s like having a full research team tells you how to attract members and keep them actively involved and happy. With the help of Copilot’s Query Assist feature in Dynamics 365 for Marketing, associations can effortlessly create segmented audiences. This simplifies the market segmentation process, enabling the association to tailor campaigns specifically for Gen Z. This not only saves time but also ensures that the messages resonate with younger members, enhancing engagement and satisfaction. Data-Driven Decision Making I may be young, but I’ve come to understand that data is the backbone of successful marketing. AI doesn’t just collect data; it turns it into actionable insights. And let’s face it, being data-driven is no longer an option; it’s a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. An association can harness Copilot to analyze member data in real-time. Copilot can provide insights on specific member characteristics, preferences, and purchase behavior. It helps us understand what’s working and what’s not, enabling us to make intelligent decisions tailored to Gen Z preferences. In this case, an association can use Copilot to compile data from younger members to create highly personalized campaigns. In turn, boosting engagement and retention among younger members. AI’s Limitless Potential The beauty of AI lies in its boundless potential. Whether it’s optimizing virtual events, offering personalized content recommendations, or enhancing the recruitment process, AI is a game-changer for associations. Copilot extends its prowess to applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It comprehends and responds to user input, simplifying tasks and making engaging with Gen Z a breeze. AI is accessible to everyone. Its user-friendly nature ensures that professionals of all ages can harness its power, making it a valuable asset for associations seeking effective engagement with younger generations. What’s Next? In conclusion, AI is reshaping associations’ member engagement strategies. With Copilot’s integration into Microsoft tools, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in the digital landscape. AI has evolved from a standalone tool into a trusted companion that simplifies tasks, provides valuable insights, and enhances productivity. This transformation aligns perfectly with the expectations of tech-savvy Gen Z members who demand seamless and data-driven experiences. As a young marketing professional, I’m excited about the limitless potential of AI in reshaping how associations attract and engage younger generations. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that promises a brighter future for associations and their Gen Z members! Comments For the Author Name Email Tell Us Your Thoughts Tell us what you think of this blog Send
Navigating the Pumpkin Patch of Association Management Software
September 22nd, 2023 By Hannah Shankle As a young marketing professional, I have grown up in a world of constant technological advancements. However, the recent explosion of AI is something different, and truly defines a start to a significant shift. AI is not just a buzzword but a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize how associations operate and engage with their younger members. The Copilot Effect The recent announcement of Copilot in Windows 11 is just the tip of the iceberg. With first a beta expansion into Dynamics 365, and now into Windows 11, . AI’s role in our daily lives is evolving. It’s no longer a standalone tool; it’s a digital companion, a personal assistant at our fingertips, enhancing our efficiency. For associations, Copilot offers endless possibilities. It simplifies complex tasks, such as document creation and data analysis, catering to Gen Z’s tech-savvy expectations. It delivers data-driven insights, automates member engagement, and streamlines multitasking. This level of productivity aligns perfectly with Gen Z’s expectations. The integration of Copilot into Windows 11 signals a significant shift, making AI an indispensable companion in our digital lives. Its potential to enhance productivity and provide valuable insights holds promise for associations looking to engage Gen Z effectively. Member Engagement Tailored for Gen Z As a marketing professional, I live and breathe member engagement. AI takes this to a whole new level. It doesn’t just analyze member behavior, it predicts their needs, and suggests tailored engagement strategies. It’s like having a full research team tells you how to attract members and keep them actively involved and happy. With the help of Copilot’s Query Assist feature in Dynamics 365 for Marketing, associations can effortlessly create segmented audiences. This simplifies the market segmentation process, enabling the association to tailor campaigns specifically for Gen Z. This not only saves time but also ensures that the messages resonate with younger members, enhancing engagement and satisfaction. Data-Driven Decision Making I may be young, but I’ve come to understand that data is the backbone of successful marketing. AI doesn’t just collect data; it turns it into actionable insights. And let’s face it, being data-driven is no longer an option; it’s a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. An association can harness Copilot to analyze member data in real-time. Copilot can provide insights on specific member characteristics, preferences, and purchase behavior. It helps us understand what’s working and what’s not, enabling us to make intelligent decisions tailored to Gen Z preferences. In this case, an association can use Copilot to compile data from younger members to create highly personalized campaigns. In turn, boosting engagement and retention among younger members. AI’s Limitless Potential The beauty of AI lies in its boundless potential. Whether it’s optimizing virtual events, offering personalized content recommendations, or enhancing the recruitment process, AI is a game-changer for associations. Copilot extends its prowess to applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It comprehends and responds to user input, simplifying tasks and making engaging with Gen Z a breeze. AI is accessible to everyone. Its user-friendly nature ensures that professionals of all ages can harness its power, making it a valuable asset for associations seeking effective engagement with younger generations. What’s Next? In conclusion, AI is reshaping associations’ member engagement strategies. With Copilot’s integration into Microsoft tools, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in the digital landscape. AI has evolved from a standalone tool into a trusted companion that simplifies tasks, provides valuable insights, and enhances productivity. This transformation aligns perfectly with the expectations of tech-savvy Gen Z members who demand seamless and data-driven experiences. As a young marketing professional, I’m excited about the limitless potential of AI in reshaping how associations attract and engage younger generations. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that promises a brighter future for associations and their Gen Z members!
How AI Can Help You Attract More Gen Z Members – A Gen Z Perspective
September 22nd, 2023 By Hannah Shankle As a young marketing professional, I have grown up in a world of constant technological advancements. However, the recent explosion of AI is something different, and truly defines a start to a significant shift. AI is not just a buzzword but a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize how associations operate and engage with their younger members. The Copilot Effect The recent announcement of Copilot in Windows 11 is just the tip of the iceberg. With first a beta expansion into Dynamics 365, and now into Windows 11, . AI’s role in our daily lives is evolving. It’s no longer a standalone tool; it’s a digital companion, a personal assistant at our fingertips, enhancing our efficiency. For associations, Copilot offers endless possibilities. It simplifies complex tasks, such as document creation and data analysis, catering to Gen Z’s tech-savvy expectations. It delivers data-driven insights, automates member engagement, and streamlines multitasking. This level of productivity aligns perfectly with Gen Z’s expectations. The integration of Copilot into Windows 11 signals a significant shift, making AI an indispensable companion in our digital lives. Its potential to enhance productivity and provide valuable insights holds promise for associations looking to engage Gen Z effectively. Member Engagement Tailored for Gen Z As a marketing professional, I live and breathe member engagement. AI takes this to a whole new level. It doesn’t just analyze member behavior, it predicts their needs, and suggests tailored engagement strategies. It’s like having a full research team tells you how to attract members and keep them actively involved and happy. With the help of Copilot’s Query Assist feature in Dynamics 365 for Marketing, associations can effortlessly create segmented audiences. This simplifies the market segmentation process, enabling the association to tailor campaigns specifically for Gen Z. This not only saves time but also ensures that the messages resonate with younger members, enhancing engagement and satisfaction. Data-Driven Decision Making I may be young, but I’ve come to understand that data is the backbone of successful marketing. AI doesn’t just collect data; it turns it into actionable insights. And let’s face it, being data-driven is no longer an option; it’s a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. An association can harness Copilot to analyze member data in real-time. Copilot can provide insights on specific member characteristics, preferences, and purchase behavior. It helps us understand what’s working and what’s not, enabling us to make intelligent decisions tailored to Gen Z preferences. In this case, an association can use Copilot to compile data from younger members to create highly personalized campaigns. In turn, boosting engagement and retention among younger members. AI’s Limitless Potential The beauty of AI lies in its boundless potential. Whether it’s optimizing virtual events, offering personalized content recommendations, or enhancing the recruitment process, AI is a game-changer for associations. Copilot extends its prowess to applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It comprehends and responds to user input, simplifying tasks and making engaging with Gen Z a breeze. AI is accessible to everyone. Its user-friendly nature ensures that professionals of all ages can harness its power, making it a valuable asset for associations seeking effective engagement with younger generations. What’s Next? In conclusion, AI is reshaping associations’ member engagement strategies. With Copilot’s integration into Microsoft tools, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in the digital landscape. AI has evolved from a standalone tool into a trusted companion that simplifies tasks, provides valuable insights, and enhances productivity. This transformation aligns perfectly with the expectations of tech-savvy Gen Z members who demand seamless and data-driven experiences. As a young marketing professional, I’m excited about the limitless potential of AI in reshaping how associations attract and engage younger generations. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that promises a brighter future for associations and their Gen Z members!
5 Tips for Choosing an AMS System: Insights from Reggie Henry, ASAE
May 1st, 2023 By Chris Laskey As associations grow and expand their membership base, managing member data can become a daunting task. That’s where AMS (Association Management System) software comes in – it can help associations manage their membership data, events, and other functions. But how do you choose the right AMS system for your association? During the ASAE Demo Days introduction, Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer at ASAE, shared his insights on how to choose an AMS system that works best for your organization. 1. Outline your requirements and prioritize them Before you start evaluating AMS systems, it’s important to outline your requirements. What do you need the AMS system to do? What features are essential, and what are nice-to-haves? Once you have a list of requirements, prioritize them. This will help you focus on the most important features when evaluating different AMS systems. 2. Develop a script for your demos When evaluating different AMS systems, it’s important to have a consistent approach. One way to do this is to develop a script for your demos. This script should be based on the priority of your requirements. For example, if online transactions are a top priority, make sure you allow enough time in the script to explore this feature. This will help you compare different AMS systems more effectively. 3. Consider your members’ needs AMS systems are designed to help you manage your relationship with your members. It’s important to consider your members’ needs when evaluating different AMS systems. What features will help your members get the most value from your association? For example, if your members attend conferences, they may want to be able to connect with other attendees from their area. Make sure the AMS system you choose can support these needs. 4. Minimize customizations Customizations can be tempting, but they can also be a double-edged sword. While they can help you tailor the AMS system to your specific needs, they can also make it harder to upgrade the software in the future. In general, it’s best to minimize customizations and stick to the out-of-the-box functionality as much as possible. This will make it easier to upgrade the software and avoid costly customizations. 5. Focus on what gets done, not how it’s done Finally, it’s important to focus on what gets done, not how it’s done. Don’t get bogged down in the details of how a particular feature works. Instead, focus on the end result – does the feature help you achieve your goals? Too often, associations get caught up in the minutiae of how things are done and end up with over-customized software that is hard to maintain. Instead, focus on the big picture and choose an AMS system that helps you achieve your goals. In conclusion, choosing the right AMS system can be a complex process. However, by outlining your requirements, developing a script for your demos, considering your members’ needs, minimizing customizations, and focusing on what gets done, you can make an informed decision that will help your association manage its membership data more effectively. Selecting the right AMS can be an overwhelming process. We’re here for you! Need more information? Look at Altai’s Buyers Guide for in-depth guidance, information, tips, and tricks on making an informed decision on selecting your association’s next AMS.
Five Reasons Associations choose Altai and Microsoft Dynamics 365
February 15th, 2023 By Admin Association Management Systems (AMS) have been a staple of the industry for many years, providing organizations with a centralized platform for managing member data, events, finances, and more. However, traditional AMS platforms are often limited in their capabilities and struggle to keep pace with the evolving needs of modern associations. That’s where Altai Systems comes in. As an AMS platform built in Dynamics 365, Altai Systems is revolutionizing how associations manage their operations. In this blog, we’ll explore a few key differences between Altai Systems and traditional AMS platforms and why Altai Systems is the future of association management. Flexibility and Scalability Altai Systems is an app within Dynamics 365. This provides associations with a highly flexible and scalable platform that can easily be customized to meet the unique needs of each association. With Altai Systems, associations can add new features, integrations, and configurations as they grow. This can all be done while remaining on the upgrade path and without being held back by rigid and inflexible systems. Seamless Integration with Other Technologies One of the biggest challenges with traditional AMS platforms is integration with other systems and tools. Since Altai Systems is a Dynamics 365 application, it works seamlessly with other Microsoft technologies, such as Office 365, Teams, and SharePoint, as well as integrates easily with third-party tools such as marketing automation platforms and payment gateways. This allows associations to streamline their operations and work more efficiently. Intuitive User Experience Altai Systems is designed to be user-friendly, with a modern and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to access the information and tools they need. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors and improves the overall user experience. Improved Data Management Altai Systems includes robust data management capabilities, with a centralized database that can store and manage all member information in one place. This makes it easier to access and analyze data, streamline processes, and make data-driven decisions. In conclusion, Altai Systems is a Dynamics 365 AMS that offers associations a flexible, scalable, and integrated solution for managing their operations. With Altai Systems, associations can improve their member experience, work more efficiently, and make data-driven decisions that drive growth and success. Don’t settle for a traditional AMS – upgrade to Altai Systems and experience the future of association management today.
The Pros and Cons of the RFP process
September 29th, 2022 By Chris Laskey In our recent joint Webinar, Altai’s Beth Power and Achurch Consulting Tammy Marko came together for a roundtable discussion on the RFP process. In today’s Market, countless Association Management Software (AMS) vendors are each promising to deliver the best solution for your organization. Navigating your way through selecting a new vendor can be daunting. Hearing the truth about the process from industry experts can help you better prepare and move forward with this process. What is an RFP? An association that is searching for new AMS software may issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to each prospective AMS vendor. What are your system considerations? What needs are being unmet by your current AMS? An RFP can help you answer these questions. Typically, an RFP includes: Background Information Detailed description and goals of the project Specific Requirements of Project (Budget, Systems, Materials) Project timeline and deadline Project deliverables, specifications, and questions Evaluation criteria of RFPS The document outlines what the organization is looking to achieve with its new software. Along with this, the RFP asks for detailed information on the perspective vendor’s systems ability to meet requirements. An RFP can help an organization understand the strengths and weaknesses of its organization while providing a framework for managing the selection of new software. Do You Even Need an RFP? RFPs allow associations to create and understand their feature assessment list to inform the selection process. The featured assessment could be from how you do events to changing address types, it is one of the most important aspects of an RFP. So, whether it is in the traditional term of an RFP, you still need to determine what your basic guard rails of what you are looking for in an AMS are. While not all associations require an RFP, many require it under association policy. From a consulting perspective, RFPs are always encouraged to better understand needs. A detailed RFP can be leveraged in the discovery period because a lot of the legwork is already done! Along with this, RFP can help with understanding what anticipated costs might look like. Whichever way you proceed, make sure to check your by-laws to ensure that the decisions you are making align with them Should You Use a Consultant? The role of a consultant can address many different facets of the RFP process. Think of a consultant as an extension of your staff, they are here to help you and make your life easier. Consultants can: Help walk you through the process. Maybe you haven’t selected a new AMS in a long time –or maybe ever! Consultants can help you navigate your way through this process all the way to the down selecting process. Save your association time. Consultants know that staff are already busy with their job responsibilities. A consultant taking charge of time-consuming tasks such as writing the RFP and responding to vendors will allow more time for staff to be focused on day-to-day operations. Understand your association from a technological perspective. Consultants can help Identify where your challenges are, what your needs are, and other higher-level requirements. Going Into an RFP… Communication is essential when beginning the RFP process. Selecting an AMS is not just an IT selection. A new AMS affects every department of an organization therefore It’s important to consider everyone who plays a role in your organization. It’s important to consider who is going to be responsible for making the decision. Talk with your team before to understand: What features you are looking for Your pain points- and how a new AMS could help. What your customers and staff are asking for Focus on a core team consisting of liaisons from each of the functional areas of your organization. Ensure that the team stays part of the process, don’t be afraid to lean on them on every part of the process. Engage with staff and volunteers throughout the process. A new AMS system can change many aspects of your organization structure, make sure to engage staff involved throughout the process to alleviate stress. How to Construct a Good RFP Here’s the thing: we all know that most systems are going to address the basic responsibilities of an AMS. While checking the boxes is important, asking too generic questions isn’t necessarily going to narrow down the selection of your vendor. Instead of asking Generic Yes/No questions, asking how or why can help you better distinguish vendors from another. Along with this, Tell the vendor why you need specific functionality to help the vendor distinguish YOU from other clients. Tip: Write the narrative or scenario that you need to be solved by an AMS. Not only does this frame the conversation, but also can be used in the future for the Vendor for user stories. Comparing Apples to Oranges So, you got your RFP responses back. What now? Comparing vendors can be tricky and can sometimes feel like comparing apples to oranges. When reviewing an RFP response, if you don’t have the specific details of how a vendor will achieve what you want them to- It’s okay. If you feel confident in their ability to achieve your goals, it is perfectly okay to proceed with them. So, What’s Next? Demos After the RFP process, you’ve narrowed down your selections to the vendors that best fit your needs. Next is the demo phase of selecting new CRM software for your organization. Until the very end of the process, it’s essential to have your core team a part of the whole process, including demos. Scorecards Using scorecards when comparing vendors throughout the entire RFP process can be helpful. While using a data-driven approach narrowing down the selection can certainly be effective. Down selecting After seeing all the demos, using your scorecards and other selection methods you will be able to narrow down your selection to your finalists. Having a thorough discussion with your core team will allow you to determine what vendor will suit
Configured Association Management System VS Custom-Built
A Configured Association Management System VS Custom-Built Why Altai Systems, built within the Microsoft Power Platform is the right fit for associations even if your association is considering a custom-built solution In economic terms, custom solutions depreciate in value year after year. The long-term impact of employee turnover and leadership changes is rarely factored into the cost of building a custom solution but has real negative impacts on how they are managed, used, and maintained. This devalues the software your association relies on to service members and follow your association’s mission. One of the main arguments for building custom software for your association is that it will fit exactly what you need and match your specific user requirements. Custom Solution developers argue an off-the-shelf software is built to fit a generic audience and not your association’s unique needs. What’s missing from this argument is the configurability of off-the-shelf platforms that perform and behave like custom software without the years-long effort to get your custom-built solution where it needs to be. These platforms start your association in the final mile of a marathon, we’ve already run the first 25.2 miles so that when you join the team, we simply finish the race together. This option has all the benefits of custom software without the detraction of a long, harrowing, implementation followed by ongoing retrofitting and maintenance. A configurable platform is designed to meet your unique needs while also working behind the scenes to remove bugs, install upgrades, security patches, feature enhancements, and more. There will never be a question about who is responsible for this ongoing maintenance and improvement. Your SaaS partner takes that burden off your shoulders, alleviating that stress from your internal team. Altai Systems has 100,000+ hours getting our solution where it is and continue to invest hours into improvements, maintenance, and upgrades. We already know associations and have done development creating a solid framework for your association-specific solution. Building on top of that kind of investment in our technology allows us to configure the platform to exacting terms that match your association’s needs today and tomorrow. With your configured solution working exactly the way you need, we’ll continue to invest in improvements and upgrades so you’ll never need to worry about it. Our software continues to improve, unlike a custom solution that remains static until you invest more money to improve it. On the flip side, custom developers argue that their solutions don’t include a yearly licensing fee. What they neglect to tell you is that your licensing fee pays for the continuous improvements, debugging efforts, revamps, upgrades, and improvements that allow your software to stay current. Custom-built solutions remain static and unadaptable to changes in technology. As you go through the long implementation phase, you lose valuable growth from the technology you’re building on and by the time you go live, you already have out-of-date software. Even worse, your association most likely needs to hire staff or dedicate significant time to maintaining your custom-built solution just to keep it secure and operating at the status quo. These expenses are difficult to predict and are therefore often overlooked. At the end of the day, your association will need to budget for the extraneous time and expense it takes to build a custom solution from scratch and then maintain it day in and day out. Weigh the stress and effort that this time and effort takes away from other projects and determine what is best for your association. Contact us to learn more about how we can incorporate Altai and Microsoft’s functionality into your Association.
How Associations Benefit with Microsoft Blog Series: Outlook
Enable end-to-end capabilities between Microsoft Office and your Microsoft CRM. Why Altai Systems, built within the Microsoft Power Platform is the right fit for associations. Email has changed our lives. And while it can be a distraction, it’s also where a lot of work gets done. Consider how often we’ve all walked out of a meeting or closed a Zoom or Teams video thinking that an email would’ve been so much more efficient. Because that’s what email can be – an effective and economical tool to convey information. But what if you’re not harnessing all that it could be. Think about how often you communicate with your members. You get an email from a leader about material prep for an upcoming meeting or you get a complaint from a member threatening to drop. What if you could see key information without toggling to your CRM. Or update data like job titles and contact info directly from the email. With Microsoft, you can do just that. Microsoft’s Power Platform connects its suite of functionality including Microsoft’s CRM and Outlook to work for you seamlessly. Microsoft is turning the tools you use into a collective Customer Engagement ecosystem that will sustain your work now and into the future. Features that you don’t want to miss out on include: Linking email messages and meetings to a record in your Microsoft CRM. This connection allows your colleagues the opportunity to understand past interactions to ensure consistent, engaged customer service. In addition, studies have shown that this synchronization saves the average user 30 minutes per day from copying/pasting. Syncing contacts between Outlook and the CRM. Do you regularly email your leaders directly? You’re likely to get a contact update before it’s updated in the CRM. Now you can sync the data so everyone can send timely information to the right address. Add email templates to share valuable content when you create an email message or set up a meeting. You want your messages to feel authentic and maintain a personal touch. But you also want to make sure your team remains on point. Email templates from the CRM can be accessed in Outlook to do just that. Contact lookup. Can’t remember a contact’s phone number. Allow outlook to search Dynamics, find the right contact, and display his/her contact information without having to leave Outlook or log into the CRM separately. Send group messages to the right people in the group. As people are added and removed from certain groups, Committee members, for instance, the two solutions can synchronize those contacts for you so that the right people are always immediately reachable. Assigned Tasks for your team are also synced with Outlook’s Tasks so that nothing slips through the cracks. Outlook even works with the CRM when you are offline. The system will sync when you come back online. Contact us to learn more about how we can incorporate Altai and Microsoft’s functionality into your Association.
How Associations Benefit with Microsoft Blog Series: Power Automate
Why a system built on the Microsoft Platform is the right fit for associations. We’re introducing a new series about Microsoft features and how Altai Systems has adapted them for associations. Automate the Mundane. Altai champions this phrase to all of our prospects and clients. So do lots of other people based on how many hits you get when googling the phrase. But what does it really mean? And how can it help associations and you move your mission forward, better serve your members, and help your career development? Altai talks about automating the mundane because not only do we think that technology frees you to spend time on directly serving your members, but it also opens up new opportunities to leverage the system you’re using in new and different ways. So how can you turn your repetitive tasks into automation that works for you? Microsoft has solved this by using low-code/no-code technology that can not only automate your tasks but make you a citizen developer! Really, that’s just a fancy way of saying that it’s built with the user in mind. Just as you want to be productive by automating these repetitive tasks, you also want to be productive without waiting for resources to build your automation. Microsoft’s Power Automate uses “flows” to make it happen. A Flow puts the proper steps in place to determine what happens during the automation process. Event-Driven Flows. Do you want to create an automatic update to a member’s record when they update their job title in LinkedIn? Do you want to automatically forward an email to the right department? Event-Driven Flows are designed to be trigger or time-based so you can set it and forget it. Business Process Flows. These are flows designed to guide you through a process. Are there repeated steps you follow to save a canceling member? Creating a business process flow will guide any staff to follow your win-back process to save the member. By having the system lead you through the steps, your staff can be confident the most effective steps are being taken. Desktop Flows. Do you have a process that is unique to you or a small group of staff? Documenting processes are important but time-consuming and often get de-prioritized. With Desktop Flows, you can record your actions for the flow to be triggered to repeat those actions. Altai uses each of these flows to make Altai’s Association Business Platform your Association’s Platform. By building on Microsoft’s Power Platform, we’re able to leverage the latest technology tools to keep our functionality up to date – and to future-proof your solution. And best of all, Power Automate is now free with Windows 11. Contact us to learn more about how we can incorporate Altai and Microsoft’s functionality into your Association.
How Associations Benefit with Microsoft Blog Series: Teams
Why a system built on the Microsoft Platform is the right fit for associations. We’re introducing a new series about Microsoft features and how Altai Systems has adapted them for associations. Odds are that you – or someone close to you – is using Teams. That may not have been the case 18 months ago. Microsoft saw a growth of 233% of Teams users since April 2020. That’s right. Triple-digit increase from 75 million users in April 2020 to 250 million users in July 2021! Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella was not exaggerating when he said that we’ve seen ‘two years’ worth of digital transformation in two months.’ But that’s old news now, right? You’ve been on Teams. You’ve adapted. You’ve embraced it. It’s changed how you work with your colleagues in real and tangible ways. But what if there’s more? Teams can extend beyond your internal communication. Associations are about collaboration. Sharing of content and information. Networking. Building a community. What better way to collaborate with your members than with the tool you’re already using to collaborate with your co-workers? And with Microsoft Teams you can do this. Everyone has different collaboration needs. Your Board or other leadership committees need extensive conversations and shared access to develop materials, discuss policy changes, or vote on action items. By extending the collaborating tool you’re already using to team up with your members, you’re eliminating one more distraction to your day with another tool. One productivity study showed 52% of workers’ time is spent dealing with distractions – including using multiple tools for meetings and searching for information from colleagues. By bringing your leadership into the Teams fold, your network of resources becomes centralized and less distracting. That’s where Altai can help make that connection even easier. Altai’s system is designed to leverage the data in your CRM to create automated workflows to populate designated Teams appropriately. Creating a new committee in your CRM to oversee your next annual meeting? We’ll create a Teams for it. A new term for your board of governors? We’ll add and remove members from the team based on their roles. Worried that these members aren’t in your Active Directory or don’t have a Microsoft email? No worries, Microsoft has solved for that. Community has become more important than ever in these evolving times. And that can mean different things to different people as we adjust to a ‘new normal’. But the days of not prioritizing online collaboration are gone. Online conversation, real-time document sharing and updating, and leveraging the tools your members are already using are here to stay. By turning to Teams for your collaboration tool, you’re not only extending the tool you’re likely already using – you’re extending the tool your members are likely already using as well. Talk about no learning curve needed! And to further entice you, here are just a few Microsoft Teams features you and your members will benefit from: Meeting recordings and transcriptions (Perfect for those minutes that your bylaws require!) Share an email to the Teams channel directly from Outlook (Whether you’re sharing a compliment from a satisfied member or troubleshooting a response to the latest fire you’re putting out, you don’t even have to leave your email.) Create tasks lists for your working committee (The organized team member will love this and the unorganized team member will quickly be a convert!) Move the conversation to breakout rooms (Has your committee turned into multiple subcommittees? You can still start and end in the same place and leverage the breakout rooms in between.) Speaking of breakouts, Teams has a channel for that. (Those subcommittees will inevitably last longer than just a breakout room session, right?) Set your status. (You want to be available, but maybe not always available? The Do Not Disturb status is your friend.) SharePoint creates your library of resources. (Libraries have been around for centuries because they work. SharePoint creates that library at your fingertips.) We’re committed to Microsoft Teams because it works. And we’ve built our integrations to our web portal and our platform to make it work for your association as well. Contact us to learn more about how Altai can personalize your Teams experience.
