The Nonprofit Technology Conference, hosted by the Nonprofit Technology Network, just concluded after a whirlwind week filled with captivating sessions, numerous vendors, strategic planning sessions, and even a few games thrown in the mix.<\/p>\n
There were over 100 informational sessions, with presenters highlighting all aspects of the nonprofit spectrum including IT, fundraising<\/a>, marketing<\/a>, leadership and program development.<\/p>\n Speakers included Devon Hopkins of EveryAction, Jenna Hubbart of Blue Planet Network, Allison Jones from the Nonprofit Technology Network, Keith Porcaro of Social Impact Lab and Megan Teich of Change.org.<\/p>\n Whether you were interested in learning the nitty-gritty of Google Analytics, or brainstorming ways to create insightful and fun memes for your organization, chances are there was a session for it!<\/p>\n Yes, it was a memorable conference- that\u2019s for sure. So, let\u2019s dive into some of the highlights of the week that were shared via Twitter.<\/p>\n Here are 30 tweets that summarized #16NTC:<\/p>\n “Storytelling is not a ‘nice to have.’ It’s critical for human action and belief.” @Michael_Hoffman<\/a> #16ntconboarding<\/a> #16ntc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Miriam Brosseau (@miriamjayne) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Data only gets you so far. To ensure that you grab the attention of your audience and get them to truly believe in your cause- focus on your story<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Technology is easy. People are hard.” #16NTC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/UsAmbhus6x<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 charlcies (@charlcies) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n There are tools to figure out basically everything you need to know about your donor base. But, don\u2019t forget that data doesn\u2019t solve everything. Simply put, you have to humanize your work.<\/p>\n “the general public is not a target audience, they don’t have an email address…” #16NTCdataframeworks<\/a> #16ntc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Steve Heye (@SteveHeye) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Not everyone is going to want to be a part of your cause, and it\u2019s likely that you don\u2019t want absolutely everyone involved. Know your target demographics and keep them in mind when marketing.<\/p>\n Great point that integrated CRM systems make it far easier to convert volunteers to donors (and back again) #16NTC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/6iv4BDZnDM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rob Winikates (@rob_w) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software can help you guide your prospective donors through the donor engagement<\/a> ladder and track information such as inconsistent engagement and follow-up communications.<\/p>\n “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room” – Jeff Bezos #16NTC<\/a> #16NTCdesign<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vFEdqFGjum<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Chris Tuttle (@ChrisTuttle) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos knows a thing or two about branding, so this quote is a perfect summary of how your branding should be designed. Make your brand speak to everyone the same, and you\u2019re bound to turn heads.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t finish the story like you have solved the problem. #16NTCdirectservice<\/a> #16NTC<\/a> @LAIAtlanta<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Dr. D.S Pickett (@iamdspickett) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n In storytelling, there\u2019s a tried-and-true formula to get your point across. But, don\u2019t jump the gun when telling your story. After all, you may have impacted numerous lives, but you haven\u2019t solved the problem in its entirety. Remember, there\u2019s always work to be done.<\/p>\n I’ve posted the #16NTC<\/a> Diversity in Giving slides. https:\/\/t.co\/yINXDUtPZt<\/a> @blackbaud<\/a> @erincduff<\/a> #16NTCGiveDiversity<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Danielle J Vermenton (@DJVermenton) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Long gone are the days when you just have to focus your fundraising efforts on Baby Boomers. There\u2019s a diverse audience of potential donors out there, you just have to use the right techniques<\/a> to appeal to them.<\/p>\n BRILLIANT: segment your email list into engaged (open) and unengaged. Send only important emails to unengaged. #16ntchightech<\/a> #16ntc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Debra Askanase (@askdebra) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Your loyal donors are likely highly engaged with your organization. They know what\u2019s going on, unlike your unengaged audience. Don\u2019t send fluffy correspondence to those that are unengaged- keep all communications important<\/a> to ensure that they stay connected.<\/p>\n “I guarantee your data is more interesting to you than to your audience” – you have to make it interesting #16NTCdatastories<\/a> #16ntc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Steve Heye (@SteveHeye) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n There is definitely such a thing as too much data, and chances are your audience doesn\u2019t want (or need) to know all the ins and outs. Keep it simple, tight, and interesting.<\/p>\n There is a dance-fight on stage at #16NTC<\/a> between different departments of a (hypothetical) non-profit #16ntcignite<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/S1oLfDeZCM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kayley Whalen (@LenoreGore) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n There\u2019s a time to be serious, and a time to have fun. Good thing the folks at #16NTC were up for having a good time. There\u2019s nothing like using a bit of dancing to highlight the struggle between different nonprofit departments.<\/p>\n RT @iGiveLocal<\/a>: So true! #storytelling<\/a> #16ntclongform<\/a> #16NTC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/z1nAYuETMK<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Manatee Comm Found (@ManateeCF) March 27, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n All of your communications should focus on answering this question: \u201cWhy should I care?\u201d<\/a> You must keep on giving your audience a reason to get (and stay) involved.<\/p>\n When you don’t understand your target audience. #16NTC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/M3Pt86uTSZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 \u263c John Haydon (@johnhaydon) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Yes, this sign is completely ironic, and this can happen in your nonprofit as well. Always be aware of who you are speaking to and don\u2019t assume that people know the ins and outs of your cause. Start with education and talk to your audience on their level.<\/p>\n Learning more about memes #16NTCmemejacking<\/a> #16NTC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Allyson Bullian (@AllysonBullian) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you are looking to go viral, try a meme. They are highly shareable across multiple social media platforms.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s make our data visualizations mobile-friendly first! @ddjournalism<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/dvrq9HS5rS<\/a> #npdata<\/a> #dataviz<\/a> #analytics<\/a> #nptech<\/a> #16NTC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Leah Kopperman (@kopperwoman) March 28, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you aren\u2019t, you should be! For many, the first point of contact they have with your nonprofit is from their cellphone<\/a>. Don\u2019t make the mistake of ignoring mobile!<\/p>\n First thing to help convert volunteers to donors – thank them, ask them, connect their experience. #16NTC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Robert McAllen (@robmcallen) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Getting volunteers to donate isn\u2019t impossible. After all, they are already engaged<\/a> in your work. Start by thanking them for their efforts, ask them for a donation<\/a> and then follow up with that ask with a direct connection between the volunteer work that they are doing and the big picture work that needs to be done through donations.<\/p>\n Full house captivated by secret sauce of #googleanalytics<\/a> @devonvsmith<\/a> @JuliaCoyner<\/a> #16ntcGAsecrets<\/a> #16NTC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/t4fFR3J4qH<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Joyce Sood (@joycesood) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Google Analytics can help you convert more website visitors into engaged donors. This program is a marketer\u2019s dream and can help you truly figure out your return on investment (ROI).<\/p>\n First thing to help convert volunteers to donors – thank them, ask them, connect their experience. #16NTC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Robert McAllen (@robmcallen) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Has the engagement ladder analogy been overused? Maybe. This #16NTC attendee had a great idea about how to spice up this popular symbol.<\/p>\n Packed house for our @Devon<\/a>‘s #16NTC<\/a> panel on Mo’ Content, Mo Money. pic.twitter.com\/mTbw39KZoP<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 EveryAction (@EveryActionHQ) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n One of the most tweeted sessions was presented by Devon Hopkins. He argues that the key to more visibility is the creation of engaging and informative content.<\/p>\n .@JaneMeseck<\/a> of @msphilanthropic<\/a> shares @Microsoft<\/a> vision 4 the future: Public Cloud for Public Good #16NTC<\/a> #nptech<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/qh1g1wt1TJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TechSoup (@TechSoup) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n This conference is all about using technology to promote social change. An unlimited number of great ideas were tossed around over these 4 days. One of these was Microsoft\u2019s plan for a public cloud.<\/p>\n Learning from @julienburns<\/a> on empowering, supporting, not tokenizing – let’s have challenging conversations #16NTC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/SjfmCBCLSg<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Leana M (@LeanaMayz) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n All too often, we create stories based on our token client, average recipient, or normal donor. It\u2019s time to break the mold and start empowering our audience with real stories that feature a diverse group of protagonists.<\/p>\n Learn to Think Like a #CRM<\/a> Admin from @ReadingPartners<\/a> @saveSFbay<\/a> @ExP_SF<\/a>, 1:30pm in 210A https:\/\/t.co\/n4EmEZj3bp<\/a> #16NTCadmincrm<\/a> #16NTC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SalesforceOrg (@SalesforceOrg) March 24, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n CRM <\/a>isn\u2019t just for your data manager. Everyone should be using this software to better the donor experience, and you really don\u2019t need to be a tech-wizard to learn the basics of these programs.<\/p>\n Big takeaway from #16NTC<\/a>: “People and processes are more important than tools.”<\/p>\n \u2014 Becky Koenig (@becky_koenig) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n As nonprofit marketers and fundraisers, it is easy to get bogged down with software programs, visitor analytics, and data management software. Yes, all of these tools are important, but your audience should get the majority of your attention.<\/p>\n Tools to create #data<\/a> #visualization<\/a> for good #16NTCsmalldata<\/a> @techraiser<\/a> #16NTC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/rzD4xeLXhL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Markets for Good (@MarketsForGood) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n You don\u2019t have to go big or go home. Instead, work within your means. There are a lot of free and\/or affordable ways to get your data into the hands of your audience.<\/p>\n If social sharing is your only link-building strategy, you’re in trouble #16NTCmocontent<\/a> #16NTC<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rainee Taylor (@craineeum) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you are relying on any one strategy for your marketing, then you are missing out on a broader audience.<\/p>\n .@devonhopkins<\/a> pro tip: look at time on site more than clicks or shares to see how well your content is doing. #16ntcmocontent<\/a> #16ntc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Lizzie Kendrick (@eck659) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Website analytics are difficult to decipher, especially when you aren\u2019t looking at the right data. Instead of worrying about the number of visitors to your website, consider focusing on the amount of time people spend there.<\/p>\n Build and evolve your website continuously for maximum happiness. #16NTCproductteam<\/a> #16NTC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/n9GlpRRb1b<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Hannah Wilder (@WilderWrites) March 25, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Your website should evolve with your organization. The idea of change may make you worry about branding and consistency issues, but if your nonprofit is experiencing growth of any sort, your website needs to keep up.<\/p>\n Emerging Social Media Plan \u2014 Lauren Girardin (@girardinl) March 24, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Don\u2019t just set a communications calendar. Instead, focus on an extensive plan that considers satisfaction surveys, engagement opportunities, and regular communications.<\/p>\n What makes a successful Facebook video + crafting content strategy. Great tips via @HumaneSociety<\/a> #16ntc<\/a> #16ntcvideo<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ScgF43Vj1E<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TechSoup (@TechSoup) March 24, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Videos posted to Facebook will either go viral or be a complete bust. The Humane Society presented some great information on how to get your videos out to the public.<\/p>\n .@CharroseCK<\/a> and I are speaking about design + brand for nonprofits at #NTC16<\/a>, 3\/23 3:30PM PT https:\/\/t.co\/m0XuBR8Ftf<\/a> #16ntcdesign<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 KC Sledd (@kcesledd) March 22, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Another highly popular session that had attendees on a Twitter frenzy was this session by KC Sledd and Charrose King provided a great introduction to design. They proved that design may be specialized, but even novices can produce good pieces.<\/p>\n Target donors that have donated between $10 – $100 to turn into recurring donors #16ntcsustainers<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rob Wu (@robjwu) March 23, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Recruiting sustaining donors can be difficult, so prioritize your donor list. Try targeting donors giving $10 to $100.<\/p>\n The Geek Games at the end of #16NTC<\/a> are an annual highlight. Here’s @jasoncsking<\/a> studying his next Jenga move! pic.twitter.com\/mYMYKit4ce<\/a><\/p>\n30 Most Valuable Lessons & Insights for Nonprofits from #16NTC #nten <\/em> <\/i> tweet this<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
#1 Storytelling Is King<\/h2>\n
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#2 Learn Your Audience<\/h2>\n
#3 Have A Specific Target Audience<\/h2>\n
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#4 Convert Those Volunteers Into Donors<\/h2>\n
#5 Brand Management<\/h2>\n
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#6 \u00a0Have You Really Solved The Problem?<\/h2>\n
#7 There\u2019s Potential For Growth<\/h2>\n
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#8 Prioritize Your Email List<\/h2>\n
#9 Don\u2019t Drown Them In Data<\/h2>\n
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#10 It\u2019s All About Having Fun<\/h2>\n
#11 Make Them Care<\/h2>\n
#12 Remember Your Audience<\/h2>\n
#13 Memes Can Go Viral<\/h2>\n
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#14 Is Your Nonprofit Mobile-Friendly?<\/h2>\n
#15 Donor Conversion Should Always Be A Priority<\/h2>\n
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#16 Use Google Analytics<\/h2>\n
#17 So, About That Engagement Ladder<\/h2>\n
#18 Mo\u2019 Content, Mo\u2019 Money<\/h2>\n
#19 Lots Of Feel-Good Ideas<\/h2>\n
#20 Stay Away From Tokens<\/h2>\n
#21 Everyone Is Focused On CRM<\/h2>\n
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#22 Empowering Takeaway<\/h2>\n
#23 Share Your Ideas For Free<\/h2>\n
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#24 Don\u2019t Limit Yourself<\/h2>\n
#25 It\u2019s Not Just About Numbers<\/h2>\n
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#26 Websites Aren\u2019t Static<\/h2>\n
#27 Make A Plan<\/h2>\n
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\n? Listen & Learn
\n? Create Value
\n? Be Ready to Engage
\n? Communicate
\n? Evaluate
\n? Repeat#16NTCembraceSM<\/a> #16NTC<\/a><\/p>\n#28 Shareability Is A Hot Topic<\/h2>\n
#29 Fake It \u2018Til You Make It<\/h2>\n
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#30 Retention Rules<\/h2>\n
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#31 Game Time<\/h2>\n