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Monthly Archives

July 2023

Jul 24

Technology’s impact on work culture

By Sponsor Insight

Support your employees with the tools needed to success

by Cody Lents, partner, COVI, Inc.

An ideal philosophy on information technology can be broken down into three primary focuses:

Cybersecurity. Ensuring that you stay operational and survive crises.
Culture. Empowering your people to succeed daily.
Impact. Ensuring that daily activities lead to fulfilling your mission and delivering the best experience to your customers and communities.

Our focus, for now, will be on culture.

According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, “Culture is the leading indicator of our future success.” Considering this, it is important to track and understand how IT solutions and operations impact your teams and individuals. A good IT partner will strategize around elevating your culture and maximizing your impact, just as they would budget for tech and security against hackers.

The most impactful areas to focus on include:

Hardware. Don’t spend a dollar to save a penny; invest in business-class quality and up-to-date (current generation) components.
Software. Ensure that they are configured to be intuitive and scalable.
Standardization. Standardize specific manufacturers, specs, and channels to provide emergency backup equipment and streamline IT operations, such as procurement and deployment procedures.

The following focuses on three areas, along with the top five positive attributes for each one.

Hardware

Having up-to-date computers can bring numerous benefits to employees, such as:

Increased productivity. Up-to-date computers are faster, more efficient, and equipped with the latest software and hardware capabilities, which enables employees to perform tasks more smoothly, ultimately reducing wait times and improving overall productivity. Faster processing speeds and improved multitasking abilities can help employees complete their work faster and more effectively.

Enhanced collaboration. Modern computers often come with advanced collaboration tools and software, such as cloud-based platforms and communication applications. These enable employees to collaborate seamlessly with colleagues, regardless of their physical location. Features like real-time document editing, video conferencing, and instant messaging facilitate better communication, teamwork, and information sharing among employees.

Improved security. Outdated computers are more susceptible to security threats due to the lack of essential software updates and security patches. Up-to-date computers, on the other hand, benefit from the latest security measures and protocols, protecting sensitive data and minimizing the risk of cyberattacks. Regular updates help ensure that employees can work in a secure digital environment, safeguarding both personal and company information.

Access to advanced software. Contemporary computers often have the capability to run resource-intensive applications and software. With up-to-date hardware specifications, employees can take advantage of the latest software tools, such as advanced design software, data analysis tools, and virtual reality applications. This empowers employees to perform complex tasks efficiently and unlocks new possibilities for innovation and creativity.

Better user experience. Updated computers offer improved user experiences through user-friendly interfaces, streamlined workflows, and enhanced performance. Employees can benefit from the latest features and functionalities that simplify their work processes, reducing frustration and increasing job satisfaction. A smooth and enjoyable user experience can have a positive impact on employee morale and overall job performance.

By keeping computers up to date, employers can provide their employees with the necessary tools and technology to thrive in their roles, leading to increased productivity, collaboration, security, and job satisfaction.

Software

Provision of exceptional software for employees can lead to several positive outcomes, such as:

Increased efficiency and productivity. Excellent software is designed to streamline workflows and automate repetitive tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. It eliminates manual processes, reduces human errors, and allows employees to focus on higher-value activities. Customizable dashboards, intuitive interfaces, and efficient data management features contribute to a smoother workflow.

Enhanced collaboration and communication. Quality software often includes robust features that streamline employee communication. Shared document repositories, real-time editing capabilities, project management tools, and integrated messaging systems facilitate effective collaboration, even when team members are geographically dispersed. Improved communication leads to better teamwork, knowledge sharing, and decision-making.

Access to comprehensive data and insights. Excellent software often integrates data analytics and reporting functionalities, providing employees with access to comprehensive insights. This enables them to make data-driven decisions, identify trends, and monitor key performance indicators. Access to accurate and real-time data empowers employees to analyze information effectively, improve processes, and drive business growth.

Simplified and streamlined processes. High-quality software simplifies complex processes, eliminating unnecessary steps, reducing manual effort, and improving efficiency. By automating routine tasks, employees can better manage their workload through complex processes. This streamlining of processes not only saves time, but also minimizes errors, and enhances the overall user experience.

Scalability and adaptability. Excellent software is designed to scale with the organization’s growth and adapt to evolving business needs. It accommodates increasing workloads, supports additional users, and integrates with other systems. Scalable software ensures that employees can continue to perform their tasks efficiently without encountering limitations as the company expands or undergoes changes.

By providing employees with excellent software, organizations empower their workforce to work more efficiently, collaborate effectively, access critical data, simplify processes, and adapt to changing business requirements, contributing to improved productivity, streamlined operations, and a better employee experience.

Standardization

Standardizing computer hardware and IT processes Can result in a variety of positive for employees, such as:

Consistent user experience. Standardizing computer hardware and IT processes ensures that all employees have a consistent user experience across the organization. Regardless of their location or department, employees can expect a familiar interface, software configurations, and hardware capabilities. This consistency reduces confusion, minimizes the learning curve when transitioning between devices, and enables employees to focus on their work rather than adapting to different systems.

Improved technical support. Standardization simplifies technical support and troubleshooting processes. When hardware and IT processes are standardized, the IT team becomes well-versed in the specific configurations and issues related to the standardized setup. This allows for faster problem resolution and more efficient technical support for employees. It also enables the IT team to develop standardized solutions and documentation that can be easily accessed by employees.

Enhanced compatibility and integration. Standardizing computer hardware and IT processes ensures compatibility and seamless integration between different systems and software. When employees use standardized hardware and software configurations, it becomes easier to share files, collaborate, and integrate various tools.

Streamlined IT procurement and maintenance. Standardization simplifies the IT procurement and maintenance processes. By having a standardized set of hardware and IT processes, organizations can negotiate better deals with vendors, benefit from volume discounts, and reduce the time spent on selecting and configuring individual devices. Additionally, standardization makes it easier to manage software updates, security patches, and system maintenance, ensuring employees have access to reliable technology.

Increased security and data protection. Standardizing computer hardware and IT processes helps enhance security and data protection. With a standardized setup, security measures and protocols can be uniformly applied to all devices and systems, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities due to inconsistent security configurations. Further, standardized processes simplify enforcing data protection policies, implement backup and recovery procedures, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safeguarding sensitive information.

All in all, the standardization of computer hardware and IT processes creates a more reliable and productive work environment for employees while enabling the IT team to operate more efficiently.

I’ll leave you with a brief note of caution as you pursue a better IT culture. A 2021 Gartner survey found that “60% of employees experience frustration with new software.” This translates to tech solutions beyond software, as well. So, expert evaluation is of the utmost importance before implementing anything new, and investing in high-touch professional services is worth the price tag when it comes to implementing them.

Jul 17

Prioritize partnerships to strengthen your nonprofit marketing strategy

By Feature

INHP marketing executive recommends collaboration to better connect with audiences

by Shari Finnell, editor/writer, Not-for-profit News

(Note: A recent study by the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy revealed that a significant number of Americans do not understand how their lives are impacted by nonprofits. During the months of July and August, the features in Not-for-profit News will focus on ways nonprofits can elevate their profiles in their communities as well as increase the public’s understanding of the nonprofit sector.)

For many Indianapolis residents, INHP is a familiar acronym for good reason. As an established nonprofit, the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership has been working to increase affordable and sustainable housing for thousands of households since 1988.

Yet, even with that decades-long history, the organization relies on numerous marketing strategies and tools to increase awareness of INHP among potential beneficiaries, donors, and enterprise audiences, said Morgan Hoover, CFRE, vice president of philanthropy and marketing for INHP.

And the team also has found that establishing partnerships with other organizations is essential to expanding its reach, Hoover said. “Working with community partners is key,” she said.

By forming a partnership with La Plaza, for example, INHP has been able to reach individuals and families who may not realize resources are available to help them find housing. La Plaza is a nonprofit that supports Latino families in Central Indiana through educational programs, social services, and workforce development initiatives.

“We have a really strong partnership with La Plaza,” Hoover said. “Their customers may not know INHP, but their customers need INHP support and services. You must have trusted partners in the space that you’re operating, especially if you’re not known in that community. We’re reaching the consumers where they are,” she said.

When seeking out partnerships, Hoover said, it’s important to identify gaps in the populations that you’re trying to reach, and then ask the question, “How can we connect with what you are doing as the trusted resource in their community?”

Consistency also is essential in developing a successful marketing program, according to Hoover. INHP focuses on having a consistent message year-round to make sure they’re reaching their audiences. “You have to be out there letting clients know they can come to you for services, including those who may or may not know that they need them,” she said.

In addition to forming partnerships throughout its service areas, INHP utilizes a comprehensive suite of marketing services and strategies, including earned, paid, and owned channels as well as more traditional methods such as radio, billboards, digital advertising, community, events, sponsorships, testimonials, videos, and blogs, Hoover said.

“We continue to evolve as an organization,” said Hoover, noting that the team is continuously seeking areas to improve their core values continuous improvement.

“How do we always move the needle?” she said. “We don’t pretend that we’re relevant. We do the data and the research. We look at the analysis. We ask, ‘What are the barriers that led to people being denied for mortgage financing?’ ‘How are we helping families achieve that access?’ ‘What’s the identified barrier?’ ‘How are we positioned to serve and does that make sense in our wheelhouse?’”

The organization also continuously seek to understand how best to communicate to its varied audiences, including clients, donors, partners, and community stakeholders, Hoover said.

When asked about public perceptions of nonprofit, Hoover said people often focus on the tax status of the organization.

“We are a mission,” Hoover said. “We are a business producing a social mission. People have this lack of general understanding about what a nonprofit is. They may think of nonprofits in terms of a tax status — not a way of doing business.”

Jul 03

Nonprofits must prioritize marketing efforts

By Feature

The sector still has significant work to do to get its message across, IU philanthropy expert says

by Shari Finnell, editor/writer, Not-for-profit News

It’s no surprise that nonprofit organizations have struggled to gain the same brand recognition as their for-profit counterparts. With marketing budgets that traditionally far exceed those of nonprofits, many B2B and B2C companies are able to invest in marketing teams and strategies to elevate their brands.

But it wasn’t until the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy released a recent report did many industry leaders fully understand the impact of that investment gap, said Dr. Bill Stanczykiewicz, senior assistant dean of external relations and director of The Fund Raising School.

The report, What Americans Think About Philanthropy and Nonprofits, included several surprising findings, which the Not-for-profit News recently highlighted in the article “Do Nonprofits Have an Image Problem?” The survey revealed a general lack of understanding among the public about what defines a nonprofit. For example, when it came to philanthropic entities like foundations, donor-advised funds, and giving circles, a majority of survey respondents said that they had heard of them but were not familiar with them.

But most alarming, Stanczykiewicz said, was that only 5.4 percent of survey respondents said that they or someone in their immediate family has been helped by a nonprofit organization in the past year. “That caught the attention of all of us quite quickly,” he said.

With a significant number of people regularly interacting with various nonprofit organizations, including religious services, museums, theatrical productions, educational programs, and public hospitals, there appears to be a gap in understanding a basic definition of nonprofits, Stanczykiewicz said. Also, one out of every Americans work for a charitable organization.

While the survey didn’t capture the reasons behind these poll responses, Stanczykiewicz said that there may be numerous factors contributing to the public’s lack of knowledge about nonprofits.

“Nonprofits may be so effective in doing their jobs that we don’t know what life would be without them,” said Stanczykiewicz, comparing them to outstanding referees during a game.

“In most cases, if they’re making good calls, fans don’t really pay attention to them,” he said. “In the same way, nonprofits can be so effective in doing their jobs that we don’t know what life would be without them. We don’t always realize their impact.”

Another factor is that the nonprofit sector hasn’t traditionally done a great job of educating the community about the sector. “When people think of receiving services, they may think, ‘Well, I’ve never gone to a food pantry or received direct help from a medical clinic,” he said. “It raises the point that nonprofits have work to do to communicate that there’s so much more that the philanthropic sector does than provide services.”

Raising nonprofits’ profiles amid declining charitable giving

Misconceptions about nonprofit organizations, coupled with declining giving during the past 20 years — another statistic highlighted in the philanthropy report, should be a strong signal that nonprofits will need to prioritize educating the public about their mission and message in the coming years.

“Nonprofits have work to do to communicate the message there’s so much more to the philanthropic sector than “providing services,” he said. “There also is a lack of awareness. Most Americans just don’t seem to know who we are and what we do.”

Stanczykiewicz said nonprofits can consider numerous pathways to elevating their message and educating the public about the work they do — starting with encouraging their board members to actively lead in communicating the organization’s value.

Another challenge facing teams is the matter of budgeting for marketing. “Many nonprofits are focused on the resources needed for the programs, services, and materials,” he said. “Marketing may be something that ranks very low when it comes to the budget. It may not be in the budget at all.”

Community advocates and nonprofit supporters also may assume that everyone is equally passionate about their cause, such as eradicating food insecurity and homelessness, he said. “They might think, ‘Well, clearly everybody must be passionate about this cause so I don’t have to talk about it.”

Lack of confidence is yet another factor that may impede efforts to inform the public about the work of nonprofits. “At the Fund Raising School, we teach you to fundraise with pride. You should be very confident about the way you’re making a world a better place and, therefore, be very willing to talk about it.”

“With human behaviors, there’s usually not just one magic bullet explanation, but the study certainly does reveal we’ve got work to do to help more people become aware of who we are as a nonprofit sector and all that we do as a nonprofit. Sector,” he said.