Posted by Kathleen S on Thu, Jan 14, 2010 @ 07:43 AM
While nonprofits were once considered somewhat of an afterthought in the global market, this sector now represents significant growth and is home to organizations that range from hospitals and human service organizations to advocacy groups and chambers of commerce.
Even as this sector accounts for 5.2 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 8.3 percent of wages and salaries paid in the United States according to the Urban Institute, those operating in this sector still face common challenges when it comes to growing the membership base, satisfying stakeholders and maintaining the core mission all on a tight budget.
Technology Delivers Benefits
The good news is that nonprofits have access to technology today that was financially out of their reach not long ago. Most nonprofits today are networked, have Internet access and e-mail addresses. The focus now has to shift from basic technology options to those that can actually improve efficiency as the organization drives awareness and membership as well as educates and trains constituents.
In order for these tools to make the desired impact in the nonprofit, they must be easy to use, affordable and be able to support high volume. Many of these organizations function across large geographical boundaries and communication can be a challenge if the right tools are not in place. Even more important is communication with donors and other stakeholders, which must be made a priority where possible.
Continuity Matters
With tighter budgets, nonprofits also have to be able to easily and cost effectively replace staff members or volunteers when they leave the organization or a program. If staff or volunteers cannot be easily brought up to speed, programs may be reduced to inefficient or ineffective operation, which can hurt creditability in the community and donations and other support in the long run.
To prevent problems internally and drive effective communications both inside and outside of the organization, nonprofits need a solution that can overcome the challenges of training, communicating, building community and membership while controlling costs. One proven solution is that of Web conferencing.
Advanced Communication Tools Now in Reach
This advanced technology tool was easily out of reach of the nonprofit in the not too distant past due to the substantial cost. As the technology has evolved, its cost has come well within an affordable range for this sector. Now, such organizations can use it to build community and disseminate information.
Now that Web conferencing is within the financial range of the nonprofit, the organization can enjoy such functionality as document sharing, call recording, chat transcripts, support of multiple presenters and platform support. In addition, participants can gain the value of face-to-face communication when travel is not an option.
Challenges will always exist for the nonprofit, but with access to new technology, these challenges are more easily overcome so the focus can be on the core mission.
Posted by Kathleen S on Wed, Jan 06, 2010 @ 07:38 AM
Tight budgets are generally a standard business practice for a nonprofit, so looking for ways to streamline operations to cut costs is nothing new in this sector. A new trend that could be causing pressure for the nonprofit is the focus on being “Green”. While it is considered to be good for the environment, not all Green processes are light on the pocketbook.
So, why should the nonprofit worry about whether or not they follow this latest trend? For one, many of the same people responsible for supporting the nonprofit with donations and volunteer hours are also socially conscious and want the nonprofit to be carbon friendly. The best way to achieve this goal is through Web conferencing.
Environmental Cost
Consider the environmental cost of air travel. One 2,500 mile flight for one person emits 760 pounds of CO2, which is the equivalent of 5 percent of a U.S. home’s electricity use for one year. When Web conferencing provides the face-to-face collaboration time you need without the air travel, your organization does not contribute to energy waste and saves the cost of the plane ticket, the hotel stay, the rental car, etc.
Web conferencing provides a platform for virtual meetings where live interaction is possible. Participants all sit at their own computer and are connected to other conference participants by way of their Internet connection. When live attendance is not possible due to scheduling conflicts or time differences, the conference can also be recorded in its entirety so absent attendees can later listen to the presentation and interaction, view slide shows or demonstrations and more.
Ease of Participation
One of the key attributes of Web conferencing that makes it so easy to use is not all participants are required to have specific software on their system in order to participate in the event. While the software can be downloaded, it can also run on a virtual server that allows the participant to simply click on or enter a URL to join the conference.
Robust tools allow for more than just voices and images on a computer screen. Online collaboration and conferencing is maximized through voice, chat, instant messaging, desktop sharing, virtual sticky notes, whiteboards, editing capabilities and so much more. Such robust tools are now more readily available to nonprofits as their cost no longer negates the benefit they can deliver.
With Web conferencing technology tools – now available at a fraction of the cost of first generation systems – the nonprofit can take a more environmentally friendly approach to doing business, while keeping their sights set on the main goals of the organization.
Posted by Kathleen S on Mon, Jun 22, 2009 @ 08:47 AM
Even small non-profit organizations often have employees, fund providers and volunteers located across the country and even throughout the world. Email and telephone communications will make up the bulk of your communication, but they are not well suited to brainstorming sessions or working out the details of funding initiatives and events.
Cut Costs with Audio Conferencing
It does not make sense for non-profit organizations to waste precious funding on travel expenses. It is much more cost effective to use toll free audio conferencing to communicate with groups on projects. All parties can meet together at the same time, facilitation quick and productive communication and planning.
How Audio Conferences differ from Traditional Meetings
There are some obvious differences between traditional meetings and toll free audio conferencing sessions. Travel costs are the most obvious. Lost productivity is another. Audio conferencing eliminates travel expenditures and reduces lost productivity due to travel time.
Audio conferences are also run a little differently than in -person meetings. Because audio conferences prevent visual connections between participates, a moderator will run the meeting and help attendees put names to voices during the meeting. He or she will also run the agenda and steer the meeting towards its goals.
Why Toll Free Conferencing?
Toll free audio conferencing will cost much less than traditional meetings. The toll-free number and conferencing service are the only costs. No more paying for hotel rooms and airplane tickets. By using a toll free number, you help reinforce your organization’s legitimacy and importance in the eyes of funders. For volunteers, it is only polite to offer a toll free number rather than making them pay for the cost of a phone call in addition to volunteering services.
Advantages to Audio Conferencing
Audio conferencing offers advantages beyond savings in cost. It is also better because these meetings are easy to record and transcribe, giving you valuable reference material for future meetings, planning and presentations. It allows those who missed the meeting to secure necessary information to move forward on initiatives.
Whether your non-profit organization is large or small, you will benefit from toll free audio conferencing. Occasional, smaller meetings benefit most from a pay-per use plan. Large organizations may prefer a monthly subscription service for the most economical rate.
For more information on affordable conference calling services visit FlyConferencing.com. If you need non profit conference calling services or discounts, check out http://www.c3conferencing.com.
