Managing Technology for Small Orgs Steve Heye Manager of Technology The Cara Program @steveheye steveheye.blogspot.com
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.
Technology Hemispheres Core Business Support Enterprise Applications Business Applications Value Flickr photo pretorianguard Commodity Tactical Desktop / Laptop Patch Mgmt Anti-Virus Help Desk Password Reset Equipment failures Infrastructure Management Upgrades Asset Tracking How to Servers / Network Fault Mgmt Configuration Performance Mgmt Upgrades E-Mail SPAM Upgrades Flickr photo Sergio
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
Strategic 1. Business Process 2. Staff Skills 3. Strategy Begins 1. Innovation 2. Impact Mission Tactical 1.Focus is on keeping things running 2.Network, Hardware, Software 3.Little to No Strategy 8
Make it Happen Planning Implementing Budgeting Tactical Strategic Mission Tech Plan = Focus on a solid foundation (network, hardware & software) for efficiency Focus on IT, stability & basic support Replace & upgrade based on software/hardware inventory, build IT skills Operations Plan = Integrate tools, people and process to improve effectiveness Cross Departmental, build collaboration & skills Include process improvement, training and support Org Strategic Plan = Align technology and innovate to make an impact & add value Change program/ service delivery & organization culture Allow for experimentation, innovation and technology fund Infrastructure Infrastructure & Operations 9
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
Our Mission To improve the quality of life for the residents of our communities through the integrated delivery of health, education, and human services.
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 Tech Program 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 No budget Small Org Opportunity Qualify for more donations, discounted licenses, opportunity to seek funding No staff No Tech skills Less people to convince, less bureaucracy, less licenses needed, less time to implement change 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 time 3. Categorize core Tech (Value or Commodity) 4. Review how your efforts, dollars and strategy are spent 5. Source anything that doesn t add value 6. Refocus on moving your mission forward
Small Org Barrier No budget Resources TechSoup Existing Vendors Donors No staff No Tech skills Volunteers (Board) Tech Committee OUTSOURCE Shared Resource Volunteers (Board) Tech Committee OUTSOURCE Shared Resource NTEN & Community
First complete the Technology capability and maturity assessment Available on steveheye.blogspot.com
Next step - Strategic 1. Create Tech Project request process 2. Set priorities of requested projects 3. Identify process, policy and skill changes needed 4. Determine training, support and consulting needed 5. Create timeline Flickr photo pretorianguard NOTE: Involve key stakeholders to begin building understanding & buy-in for technology 21
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 NTEN http://idealware.org/articles/unleashing-innovation-using-everyday-technology-improve-yourservices