The key to AI success isn’t adopting the flashiest system – it’s ensuring the solution genuinely enhances your work, integrates smoothly with your existing tech stack, and aligns with your mission. Our team is exploring the growing number of options to use with clients and on our own daily to-do list. We’ve assembled some practical AI applications for associations, along with essential considerations to make AI work for you.
Key Questions to Ask Before Implementing AI:
A rapidly growing number of AI tools exist to help associations streamline their work, but it’s essential to choose ones that align with your needs.
- What problem are we solving? AI should address a real pain point or inefficiency.
- How does AI fit into our existing tech stack? Integration with platforms like Salesforce Einstein, Microsoft Copilot, or your AMS is crucial.
- What data do we need, and why? AI is only as good as the data it learns from. Be intentional about what you collect and how you use it.
- What level of analysis are we seeking? Some tools summarize, analyze, and assist with writing tasks, but data privacy must be considered.
- What are the security protocols? Member data security, for example, is essential. Ensure your organization has an SOP and potentially a contractual agreement to use the data.
- How will we measure success? Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to track AI’s impact.
- Is the investment worth it? Avoid over-investing in flashy AI tools that don’t offer real value. Some tools are very strict in supported formats so decide what’s most important to you as you consider use case and fit with your tech stack.
- What is the tool’s origin story? It’s helpful to know who developed it and its original intended purpose, and knowing how access points can fluctuate helps plan ahead.
- How user-friendly is it? If the team needs to conduct training or supply better instructions, it could add to the workload initially but might pay off in the long run.
- What are the tool’s limitations? Some tools don’t support audio or image processing; some work with PDFs but have limitations.
The Future of AI in Associations
AI isn’t about replacing people. It can enhance human expertise and make work more efficient. But technology alone won’t solve problems. Thoughtful implementation, clear policies, and a strong understanding of AI’s role in your organization are what drive real success.
At the end of the day, AI should help you better serve your members and staff, not create more complexity. Start with a clear purpose, focus on integration, and always ask “why” before jumping in. By taking a strategic approach, associations can harness AI’s power to create more meaningful and efficient member experiences.