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Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: First Time Attendees

Attending a conference for the first time can be daunting for even the most social person. Ben Markens shares 3 things that his group does to make the experience more comfortable for first time attendees.

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: Accreditation

In 2014 our firm became accredited to the Association Management Company Institute. “It was definitely worth our time.” – Ben Markens

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Social Media: Engage!

Does Your Association Need Social Media?  We’ll cut to the chase: the answer is yes! Some of our clients are initially resistant to starting a social media program for their association. Some think their demographic isn’t on social media. Others say that they’ve been fine without social media, so why change? But the truth is,…

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: Holidays

Many people take time off at the end of the year. Ben Markens has some food for thought as you reflect on the holidays and the state of your associations and business.

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Find Your Banana Moment

By Laura Spencer Has a unique perspective or enlightening idea ever inspired you to change the way you do things? That kind of insight is as important in business as it is in broader life. Some people refer to those perspective-shifting experiences as “aha moments,” but for me they’re “banana moments.” I know, I know—it…

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: The Rocket Book

Ben Markens loves technology, and he found a notebook that allows him to connect his hand written notes to his synced file storage. And it’s reusable.

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Meet Susan Martins, Controller & Office Manager

Susan Martins joined The Markens Group in October of 2008. Her role as Controller and Office Manager, she manages the accounting, event planning, training, and office for TMG. 1. How long have you been working in your field? 32 years 2. What are you most passionate about professionally? Personally? Professionally: getting the job done right…

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It’s the Most Generous Time of the Year

Many holiday stories center around charity. They call for those with greater means to take in the poor from the cold, feed the hungry, and share prosperity during the long winter months. Just think of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, where Ebenezer Scrooge ultimately changes his miserly ways and opens his heart and pocketbook to…

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: Ways to Engage

“I’m always interested in new ways or continuing ways to engage the folks who work at The Markens Group.” Ben Markens talks about engagement opportunities he practices with The Markens Group team.

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: Bad News First

“Tell me the bad news first, because the good news will never hurt me.” Ben Markens advises to address problems immediately and non-defensively. Happy customers are willing to wait.

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: Facilitation

Brainstorming is about quantity and creativity. Ben Markens shares some tips on being an effective facilitator.

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The Markens Group Certified by Great Place to Work®.

The Markens Group has been certified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®. We earned this credential based on ratings from anonymous employee surveys. “It’s my personal philosophy, backed by research from Heskett and others, that employee satisfaction directly correlates to business success,” said Ben Markens, our president and…

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: Getting More Out of Q & A

At your meetings, do you have problems getting people to participate during the Q&A portion? Here’s a tip that we often use.

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Don’t Rough Up the Mic: Tips for Awesome Presentations

By Laura Spencer, Member Services Coordinator Speaking at association conferences can be daunting—especially for those of us who don’t do it every day. Beyond preparing the material, there are a number of audio, visual, and logistical considerations that can truly make or break a presentation.

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: Gobble Gobble

As Thanksgiving approaches we think about how thankful we are for our customers and members. Ben Markens talks about the personal touch we put on sending our appreciation to them.

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Meet Kate Smith, Member Services Coordinator

Kate Smith joined The Markens Group in May of 2017. Her Roll as Member Services Coordinator is to support all client activities, database management & collaborate with staff on different projects. 1. How long have you been working in your field? I’ve been in association management for 3 years, with a background in operations management.…

Ben’s Video Tip of the Week: Competitor’s Website

“The first place people go to learn about our organization is our website.” Ben Markens shares tips on making sure your website makes the best first impression.

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What’s That Smell?

The opportunity to network with peers is one of the biggest values of association conferences, yet it can be incredibly difficult to start the conversation if you don’t know anyone. Even the most extroverted folks still struggle to break in. Fortunately, there are many ways to start and sustain meaningful conversations. Of course, there are…