Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
Non-Profits should take advantage of free/cheap technology to stay competitive and relevant
Monday, June 08, 2009 by Michael Holley
I stumbled across this blog entry about a technologically savvy
rabbi that raised some excellent points. The rabbi speaks of the
importance of embracing change within community and process in
order to communicate effectively with new generations. Advoca
ting the use of modern tools will help stop congregations
from "fading into history." Although the post is directed to
churches and synagogues, the message applies to any nonprofit
organization, or really any organization that benefit's from
engaging its members.
The problem, of course, is that embracing cutting edge
technology can be quite expensive, frequently extending beyond the
overtaxed budgets of the typical nonprofit. However, many of us
erroneously overlook cheap and easy technological tools that can
make a big difference for members, employees, and patrons. Below is
a list of examples from the rabbi's blog, mixed with some of my
own:
- Using Email, Blogs, Social Networking (FREE) -
While some members of your audience may prefer notices and
announcements via physical mail, the world's preference is rapidly
shifting to electronic media. It costs nothing to create an email
list and keep members up to date with periodic newsletters.
Similarly, blogs and social networking sites are excellent ways to
keep everyone engaged and recruit more people to your cause.
- Creating a Good Website (FREE/Cheap) - People
are spending more and more time online, and no entity can afford to
ignore the opportunity to reach its audience online. Re-evaluate
your organization's website: Does it look modern? Is it updated
frequently? Is it interactive? Is it useful? The key to an
effective online presence is to make users feel stimulated and
involved. No one will visit your site if you don't give them a
reason to do so.
- Tearing Down Barriers (Cheap) - Does you
organization provide training or adult education of some sort?
Videotape sessions and make them available online. Does part of
your revenue rely on the sale of merchandise? Make it so people can
make orders and pay online. Do you want to encourage busy adults to
spend more time with you? Give them wireless internet access for
their laptops. Provide real-time updates to programming or event
information on your website so it becomes easy for your audience to
make plans to join you.
There are, of course, many other examples as well. Remember that
as technology develops, it simultaneously becomes more accessible
and more essential. Don't let its opportunities pass you by!
Best,
Michael Holley
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Consulting
& Support
Rochester
IT Consulting & Support
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