Episode 305: It's Thankful for the Arts Month on Radio Free 501c! We kick it off with Shana Corrada, Executive Director of Dance Tampa Bay. Times are always challenging for arts funding but we discuss how building a strong and supportive community keeps the arts alive. Shana shares insights into what builds community, how Dance Tampa Bay supports dancers with benefits programs, their work partnering with other cities to present programs like "Dance Rising," and talks about how all movement is expressive! You don't want to miss this uplifting and positive conversation about how nonprofit organizations bring us joy through the arts. How do you support the arts? Share a comment!

It's time for Episode 304 of Radio Free 501c brought to you by Rogue Tulips Consulting. Jeff De Cagna AIMP DAIG FRSA FASAE, Executive Advisor, Foresight First, joins me for an in-depth conversation about association Boards. The discussion focuses on the paper that came out 90 days ago, "The Future of Association Boards" or FAB for short. Jeff created a community to identify all the angles of board activity and this paper provides insights, advice, and suggestions for any association (or any nonprofit) to help their Board do their best work and have a valuable experience. You don't want to miss this episode because Jeff answers my question, "If you could eliminate any orthodoxy with the snap of your finger, which would it be?" He also makes an announcement about what's next for the FAB report. What orthodoxy would you eliminate? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, "Rogue Speak."

This week's topic: Can I Live Up to my Headshot?

Episode 303: This episode supported by USAE News! Gatlinburg, TN is a city with a lot to offer to groups and tourists. Who better to share their love for the city and its great stories than my guest Dave Esslinger, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. We talk about how Gatlinburg partners with the nearby cities, how the city got its name, negotiating tips for contracts, and some surprise costs you may not be aware of at convention centers! In addition to his excellent expert advice, he also shares a hidden benefit of Gatlinburg: its wonderful arts district. Most of us don't think of Gatlinburg when we think of art centers but it is home to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, the only accredited arts and crafts school in the United States. Dave shares how this enhances the visitor experience whether you are at a conference or on vacation because you can create something to take home. Dave wears several hats which is a bit unusual -- he'll explain how his role is slightly different than other CVB leaders. Listen or watch to find out what is so different about how Dave represents this lovely city. What questions do you have about negotiating with CVBs or Convention Centers? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak.

This week's topic: Giving Dues Their Due

Episode 302: As we near the end of the calendar year, budget tends to be on the mind of associations -- especially in this era of uncertainty and unease. The good thing is that we can always adjust our plans to maintain financial sustainability and there is no better guest to have on that topic than Mike Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Co-Founder, Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits. Mike walks us through what sustainability actually means, what actions can we take that relate to it, what role reserves actually play in the organization's life, and managing funding sources. The goal is to have long-term financial health! We dive deep into finances so don't miss this important episode where we also talk about IOM and our personal commitment to volunteering. What questions do you have about financial sustainability? Share a comment!

The author reads here weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting e-newsletter, Rogue Speak.

This weeks' topic: Annoyingly Intrusive - Lessons from Clippy the Paper Clip

Episode 301: We focus on the new white paper, "Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch." Lean Start Up Methodology was really on our minds about a decade ago. While there are many professionals who use it and swear by their results, associations and other nonprofits are still slow to adopt this approach. But it could be just what we need to stay adaptive and responsive in the fast-moving 21st century. My guests include the co-authors of "Lean at 10," Elizabeth Engel, M.A., CAE, Chief Strategist, Spark Consulting, LLC, and Jamie Notter, Culture Scientist, Jamie Notter.com, and a practitioner of Lean Management, Chrissy Bagby, CAE, PMP, Chief Strategy Officer, AAVSB. Elizabeth and Jamie outline the major concepts in the paper, and why they revisited this topic 10 years later. Chrissy shares examples of how she and her colleagues use Lean Methodology t principles to move things ahead. She says, "Challenge your idea of failure." That alone is worth the listen! You will also hear fun stories about our early days in association work and how blogs were something we weren't sure would catch on . . . We give a shout out to Guillermo Ortiz de Zarate, the co-author of the original paper. Some may call him just G, but he'll always be Guillermo to me :) What would motivate you to try Lean Methodology? Share a comment!