technology planning for small orgs (at nonprofits in motion 2014 conference)
DESCRIPTION
This presentation was about how small nonprofits should approach technology planning. It also included an ignite session which I uploaded to youtube at:TRANSCRIPT
Managing Technology for Small Orgs
Steve HeyeManager of TechnologyThe Cara [email protected]
Agenda
1. Small org approach to tech planning 2. Common excuses 3. Tactics to overcome excuses 4. Tools, resources and next steps 5. Open Q&A
Where do you think your
org is?
You might be thinking to yourself…all of the this tech planning talk is too much for me.
Let’s simplify.
Enterprise Applications
Business Applications
Core Business Support
Desktop / Laptop
Infrastructure Management
Help Desk
Servers / Network
• Patch Mgmt • Upgrades • Anti-Virus • Asset Tracking
• Password Reset • “How to”• Equipment failures
• Fault Mgmt • Performance Mgmt • Configuration • Upgrades
• SPAM• Upgrades
Value
Commodity
Tactical
Technology HemispheresTechnology Hemispheres
Flickr photo Sergio
Flickr photo pretorianguard
Technology Planning
• Look for common questions\problems– Document mgmt, data, slow computers, etc.
• Identify themes– Security, innovation, reporting, stability,
communications, collaboration, etc.
• Mission Impact– Get input from the people you serve or look to
others in your field
7
8
Strategic1.Business Process2.Staff Skills3.Strategy Begins
Strategic1.Business Process2.Staff Skills3.Strategy Begins
Mission1.Innovation2.Impact
Mission1.Innovation2.Impact
Tactical1.Focus is on keeping things running2.Network, Hardware, Software3.Little to No Strategy
Tactical1.Focus is on keeping things running2.Network, Hardware, Software3.Little to No Strategy
Make it HappenTactical Strategic Mission
Planning Tech Plan = Focus on a solid foundation (network, hardware & software) for efficiency
Operations Plan = Integrate tools, people and process to improve effectiveness
Org Strategic Plan = Align technology and innovate to make an impact & add value
Implementing Focus on IT, stability & basic support
Cross Departmental, build collaboration & skills
Change program/ service delivery & organization culture
Budgeting Replace & upgrade based on software/hardware inventory, build IT skills
Include process improvement, training and support
Allow for experimentation, innovation and technology fund
Infrastructure Infrastructure& Operations
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Where to start
• Inventory• Help Desk• Network Documentation• Security & Stability
Flickr photo Sergio
Where to start – back one step
Training• Tactical Tech Training
from Idealware• Nonprofit Tech Academy
from NTEN• Alison• Lynda
Books• Accidental Techie
from CompassPoint• Managing Technology to
Meet your Mission from NTEN
Flickr photo clement127
To improve the quality of life for the residents of our communities through
the integrated delivery of health, education, and human services.
Our Mission
Leap of Faith Tech
Basic Tech:• Google Voice – Phone • Mobile Citizen – Clear
modem for Internet• Netbook and Printer –
donated Netbook & printer, rest is built around BYOD.
• Quickbooks – Finance • Google apps with Gmail –
Email & Intranet• Doodle – find meeting
availability
Marketing & Communications• WordPress on Dreamhost –
Website • Google AdWords Grant • Dropbox – Website Back up• PayPal – Online Donations• Facebook page• MailChimp – email blast• Remind 101 for text blasts
Leap of Faith TechProgram Management• Studio Director – Class Mgmt. &
Online Reg. • Tututix – ticket sales• Curtain Call – dancewear plus
shoes• Evite – occasional free event• More Than Great Dancing -an
affiliation of Dance Studios they use for management, marketing, curriculum and lots of other resources.
Donor Management• DonorPath – provides more
than donor software, they are providing support, guidance and resources to help make them a success.
• PayPal – Online Donations• Square – Credit Card
Processing
What stands in the way?
Flickr photo Floodllama
Small Org Barrier Small Org Opportunity
No budget Qualify for more donations, discounted licenses, opportunity to seek funding
No staff Less people to convince, less bureaucracy, less licenses needed, less time to implement change
No Tech skills Less biases and assumptions to overcome, allows you to make an honest plea for support
Getting past the barriers
Flickr photo Stefan
Steps to Refocus Strategy
1. Figure out what core Tech you have.2. Figure out where you are spending your
money and time3. Categorize core Tech (Value or Commodity)4. Review how your efforts, dollars and
strategy are spent5. Source anything that doesn’t add value6. Refocus on moving your mission forward
Small Org Barrier Resources
No budget TechSoupExisting VendorsDonors
No staff Volunteers (Board) Tech CommitteeOUTSOURCEShared Resource
No Tech skills Volunteers (Board) Tech CommitteeOUTSOURCEShared Resource NTEN & Community
First complete the Technology capability and
maturity assessment
Available on steveheye.blogspot.com
1. Create Tech Project request process2. Set priorities of requested projects 3. Identify process, policy and skill
changes needed 4. Determine training, support and
consulting needed5. Create timeline
NOTE: Involve key stakeholders to begin building understanding & buy-in for technology 21
Next step - Strategic
Flickr photo pretorianguard
Unleash Innovation
• Understand your Needs• Know what Tech is Available• Connecting the Needs• Make the Change Happen• What Success Looks Like
From an article written with MAP for Nonprofits, Idealware and NTENhttp://idealware.org/articles/unleashing-innovation-using-everyday-technology-improve-your-services