Is Your Charity Mobile?

Happy New Year!

I've neglected my blog for awhile. I don't like to write unless I feel really compelled to say something.  Today, I got the feelin'. 

While many charities are sitting around grappling with how to "do social media" and whether development or communications should be managing it; and while you're working on writing "social media strategies" and getting board approval - the world is changing.  We're a collegial bunch and we like to take our time, compromise and make everyone happy.  That's really nice, but sometimes we just need to "go". The world is moving fast and it's going with or without us. Jen Love, at Agents for Good recently wrote a great post about these types of situations. Feel free to check it out here.

By the time these types of charities decide to stop talking and start doing, something else will come along and they'll have to start much of it all over again.  What will that be?  I don't know exactly, but I suspect it will be mobile.  If you're not looking at how to make an app for iPhone, Blackberry, Android, and other new technologies, you're missing the boat.  We're moving around with our technology today and charities can learn to move with people or get left behind.

Kindle editions of books are now outselling print books. The new tablet from Apple is rumoured to be close to a laptop in terms of functionality, but portable enough to compete with ebook readers.  Unlike social media and other surfing type activities, ebook technologies involve an activity where people are spending time focusing and absorbing.  How can charities take advantage of that?  I don't know - but I bet the charities who try to find the answer (and test a few things) will do really well.

Are your staff mobile?  Are they tweeting or posting fun things on facebook as they drive around and meet donors, attend events, or deliver your programs?  Can they work from home if there's a snow storm or their transportation is delayed or cancelled?  Alot of great work is happening outside of your office - people work, socialize, live and engage online while they are on the move.  Is your charity on the move with them... or is it laying back and hoping that people look up and notice it.  Do you really think they'll notice you amidst the millions of charities who are also hanging around waiting to be noticed? 

This isn't about changing the core of who and what charities are. We still have to deliver meaningful well crafted messages and build relationships, as Ken Burnett points out in his most recent blog. However, you can't build a relationship with someone who doesn't know you exist. And people won't know you exist if you're sitting in your office hoping they notice you. Get mobile and join the world where it lives... out there ===>

P.S. In case Ken happens to read this, I apologize in advance for my horrendous grammar and punctuation (and possibly a type-o or two). Sorry Ken!

P.P.S. If you'd like to make an iPhone app and you don't have much money or the tech skills to do it? Beth Kanter just posted a great deal for an easy iPhone app maker here. Go get it!

Comments

[Lesley-Anne Evans]

Your post makes me think, and at the same time wonder, about 'how' to effectively 'get out there' and make the most impact (while utilizing modern technology) and, most of all, not waste precious time? While part of me says this can happen one person at a time, the other part says that's a naive and short sited approach. Having ideas, vision, creativity, and being able to develop those ideas in a way that will engage an audience are two different things. Having a heart/desire to make an impact on the world is not enough, you have to get out and make one.
So, I wonder if the first relationships we develop should be with like minded people who bring a slightly different gift mix to the table and allow ideas to grow wings? I know I need the momentum that's created when people work together… synergy. So, how do I find those like minded people?
Could you be one?
Thank you so much for your comment on my blog today. It encouraged and re-focused me. And made me ask myself more questions, which is ALL good.
Feel free to call me as well. 250-764-4869
Lesley-Anne Evans