Keeping up with technology is a constant challenge. Every day there’s a new application, new regulations and unless your business is rooted in technology, it’s easy to fall behind. It can be especially tricky for associations as they have member data to protect and investing in new technology can be risky.
Another challenge to survival in a tech-centric world? Your budget. “…All nonprofits face…an expectation from customers that they can have an Amazon-like experience with everything they do with you…we don’t have an Amazon budget or workforce. Managing that expectation is huge,” says Heidi Byerly, CIO of the Society of Human Resource Managment.
Investing in new technology can be scary. Yet the thought of constantly lagging behind others in these modern times isn’t a good feeling either. Rather than choosing one side, pick a spot in the middle. ASAE suggests a few ways to improve your technology presence, for association employees and members, that are safe and require a small amount of overall budget.
Social Media
Social media is a great way to engage your members and increase visibility. And because social platforms are so heavily used by almost every company out there, you can trust that they’re fairly secure for sharing blog posts, white papers and more (though we always recommend specific strong passwords for each account).
Going Mobile
Now, we’re not necessarily talking about the performance of your site on a mobile device, more that your employees should, if needed, be able to access information online and complete some of their work from their phone. The days of archaic databases saved to that one really old windows 7 computer are gone. Employees (especially ones in my generation) expect flexibility and modernity in their work environment. If you’re concerned about data security, purchase work phones for employee that have specific security programs installed.
Cloud-Based Programs
Installing programs on your computer seems to be a practice of the past (for most services). I remember installing The Sims on my computer back in middle school. Though the program worked fine, anytime the gaming company made an update, I would have to buy the latest version and reinstall it on my computer. Nowadays, these routine updates can happen with the click of a button. While you may feel like you have more control with a desktop program, hosting your membership software in the cloud is more accessible and easier to update.
Technology is constantly changing – the evolution is exciting and exhausting. Instead of jumping in feet first, start small and make gradual changes.