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In It ForEVER | Helping Businesses Grow Through Events and Membership Programs

Dan and Nicole Ratner are a power couple in the association world leading organizations to achieve record growth in membership and plan highly efficient events over their 36 combined years in the industry. After climbing to the highest levels of leadership in multiple organizations, they both made the unusual choice to step off the corporate ladder and put family first. Throughout this podcast, you’ll hear how they help non-profit and for-profit businesses move from incremental growth to exponential growth, from passive customer relations to active customer relationships, and from surviving to thriving. They’ve introduced a unique business model called the In It ForEVER™ Principle that emerges from the belief that members/attendees/customers are in it for…a quality positive Experience, ever-increasing Value, intentional Engagement, and consistent and reliable Relevance. The show includes a mix of discussions, interviews, and education focused on topics, such as, event planning, meeting planning, membership development, member retention, member engagement, value proposition development, marketing, direct sales, selling, strategic planning, managing a governing board, customer service, vendor and provider relations, and curating and cultivating partnerships. As independent entrepreneurs growing their own small business (The Next Steps, LLC), listeners will also get a glimpse into the challenges and struggles they face managing their family and business together.
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In It ForEVER | Helping Businesses Grow Through Events and Membership Programs
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Now displaying: 2017
Dec 30, 2017

We learn a lot by making mistakes. To take us into the New Year we've put together a fun montage of some of our mistakes while podcasting these past few months--otherwise known as bloopers. So enjoy this quick listen and cheers to 2018! 

Dec 15, 2017

In this episode we are talking about stepping up in 2018. How will you step it up with your goals for the future? We give you a fun tool to use to see what your focus may look like in the New Year. 

Dec 8, 2017

In Episode 19 we touch base on Meeting Trends for 2018 and offer a few tips as you plan and prepare for your events. Regardless of the event make sure you know what the trends are and if they fit find a way to integrate. 

Dec 1, 2017

In this episode Dan talks about shifting from customer service to concierge service. Here are some tips to take it to the next level and better serve your members, customers and clients.

Nov 16, 2017

Working with crappy leaders isn't always easy so in this episode we each offer 5 tips to dealing with crappy leaders. Plus we have a fun contest around how many times we said 'crappy'! 

Nov 9, 2017

Nonprofit associations are an important part of our society. In this episode Dan does a little storytelling on the power of associations.

Nov 2, 2017

Listen in this week as Dan talks how to get your staff and volunteers on board with change. We think it is a lot like getting a stubborn teenager to wake up in the morning! It's all about getting their attention and removing their comfort with the familiar.

Oct 26, 2017

In this episode we are talking about whether you can plan for a crisis for any type of event you are planning. Did you know that you can be liable if something happened and you weren't asking the right questions of your attendees? Take a listen in to find out some tips to show that you've done your due diligence for event planning. 

Oct 19, 2017

In this episode we give you 5 tips in 5 minutes on events. As we gear up for one of the busiest seasons for hosting and attending events it's important to remember 5 basic musts, so take a listen. 

Oct 12, 2017

In this episode Dan offers 4 tips to help you grow your business based on a maxim he believes in for your membership, customers or clients. What is this all about? Take a listen!

Oct 5, 2017

In this episode we interview Girls to the Moon co-founder Courtenay Rogers. Girls To The Moon is a Nashville-based social enterprise company that brings together inspirational leaders, creative events, and impactful content to guide girls to become their best selves, impact their communities, and create a more inclusive culture. They surround girls age 10-14 with truth and education on topics ranging from healthy relationships and sex to creative writing and coding. The Next Steps, LLC team had the pleasure of assisting with onsite logistics for their annual Campference held in September, 2017. In addition to an annual event they also offer memberships. Listen in to hear all about this amazing community and why this annual event and memberships are vital to the growth of this small business. 

Sep 28, 2017

Welcome to our tenth episode of the In It ForEVER podcast. This episode is part two of a series on Carried To Full Term (CTFT) – a non-profit organization that operates a maternity home in Haymarket, VA (Prince William County) – and their journey to become sustainable and expand their reach within Northern Virginia. CTFT commissioned The Next Steps, LLC to plan and manage their annual fundraising event Life is a Gift held on December 2, 2016. In part two of the series, we catchup with Frances to discuss the 2016 Life is a Gift event and its outcomes. [Part 1 is episode 005]

Sep 21, 2017

We are finishing up our In it ForEVER with the R: Relevance. If you don't have 100% market share within your field, industry, or sector then you must become more relevant to your core base and develop products, programs, and services that better meet their needs. The premise of this principle is that you should not move out of your lane and you should focus completely on the one carrot or what your following wants and needs from you and your business or organization. Join us as we offer suggestions on the ways you can stay relevant. 

Sep 14, 2017

In this episode Dan & Nicole explore the 3rd letter of the In It ForEVER principle of ENGAGEMENT. Not the kind where Dan got down on one knee and proposed! Rather the type that you have with your attendees and members. 

Sep 7, 2017

In this episode we talk about the membership and attendee VALUE as it relates to the In It ForEVER principle. We talk about what is commonly found when analyzing the value proposition of a business, the difference between unique selling proposition and the value proposition, how to be more disciplined about delivering value, how to remain at the top of your customers' minds, the 3 questions to ask members and customers when surveying and why value is tied to monetary figures. On the meetings side we touch on how to make sure your attendees aren't left feeling overwhelmed with tasks, networking and how it impacts the value of your meetings and events and the value of gratitude. 

Aug 31, 2017

In this episode Dan & Nicole take a look at the first need in the In It ForEVER principle--the need for a quality membership or attendee Experience. 

Aug 24, 2017

In this episode we interview Frances Robin of Carried to Full Term (CTFT) and how we are working together on their annual fundraising event and membership program. 

Aug 22, 2017

In episode 4 Dan & Nicole talk about how networking is like dating! Learn about the stages of networking, why it's important, thinking outside the box and extending your reach. Not to mention what to do if it doesn't work.  

Aug 15, 2017

In this episode, Nicole describes and explains the In It ForEVER Principle and how it applies to your meetings and events. Remembering that its the Experience, Value, Engagement, and Relevance will bring your event full circle. 

Aug 15, 2017

In this episode, Dan describes and explains the In It ForEVER principle and how the relationship a business has with its customers is more dependent on delivering a quality experience, ever-increasing value, intentional engagement, and consistent relevance and less on marketing, sales, and renewal. 

Aug 8, 2017

This episode is a brief introduction to your hosts of the In It Forever podcast, Dan and Nicole Ratner. They provide some details about their background and combined 35 years of experience growing organizations and businesses through events and membership programs. You'll hear how their business helps you improve and optimize your business to "get your house in order". 

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