Exploring AI at Your Association? Start Here. — Lidia Varesco Design
What is AI anyway?
AI, or artificial intelligence, is “a machine’s ability to perform the cognitive functions we associate with human minds, such as perceiving, reasoning, learning, interacting with an environment, problem-solving, and even exercising creativity.” ( McKinsey & Company) It’s become a hot topic in all industries, including member associations.
How Associations Are Using AI
According to an AvenueM text poll, 58% of association executives claim a vast increase in AI usage in 2023-specifically in their marketing and communications processes. Associations use AI to brainstorm and create initial drafts of various deliverables, such as newsletters and educational content. They also use it for meeting and event planning, such as predicting attendance numbers, suggesting speakers or topics, or finding locations that best suit their member base.
AI Resources for Associations
Ready to dip your toe in the AI waters? Here are some resources you may find useful for implementing AI at your association.
Articles
- AI Benefits and Cautions for Associations (Higher Logic)
- AI for Business: Use Cases and Trends (Social Media Examiner)
- Boosting Member Experience with AI (Sidecar Global)
- Establishing Guardrails Around the Use of Generative AI (Associations Now)
- Five Steps for Developing an Effective Organizational AI Roadmap (ASAE Center)
- Generative AI — a Game Changer for Associations? (Sidecar Global)
- How to Use AI to Build Better Email Campaigns (Sidecar Global)
- Six Ways to Use AI to Empower Your Content Strategy (Rasa)
Books
- Ascend: Unlocking the Power of AI for Associations (Amazon)
- Marketing Artificial Intelligence: AI, Marketing, and the Future of Business (Marketing AI Institute)
Podcast
Resources
Webinars
Tips for Using AI Responsibly
As with any new technology, AI has its limitations and risks, so it’s wise to learn as much as you can before diving in. The use of AI for plagiarism has been widely discussed- and there are now tools to spot it -however, there are other concerns to be aware of.
The accuracy of output or sources of the data supplied by AI writing tools such as ChatGPT may not be apparent, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with reliable sources. Or choose a tool such as Perplexity, which includes citations in its results.
It’s also important to know how images are being sourced when using image generators, as the results may be violating artists’ copyrights. For example, Adobe Firefly was trained on Adobe Stock images as well as public domain content that is not under copyright, making it a safer choice.
AI has arrived in associations-and it may be here to stay. Now is the time to educate yourself, do your homework, and create strategies for your team to use it effectively (and wisely) in your marketing and membership.
Nonprofits curious about AI? I have a blog post for you as well.
Want more branding and marketing tips and resources for your nonprofit, association, or other mission-focused organization? Join my monthly email list-plus get my free Nonprofit Branding Checklist.
Originally published at https://lsvdesign.com on December 4, 2023.
