I've been doing a lot of training lately, most recently a class at the Bayer Center last week called DIY Websites with WordPress. Upon reflection, I realize that I'm hearing a good deal of self-criticism, particularly in hands-on technology trainings. For example: "I have a stupid question." "I'll never remember how to do this." "I'm so dumb when it comes to technology." "I totally screwed this up." This makes me very sad. The people who come to my workshops are highly intelligent … [Read more...] about Struggling to Learn New Technology? Adopt a Growth Mindset.
NPtech
A First-Timer’s Guide to Enjoying the Nonprofit Technology Conference
It's time for the mother of all #NPtech conferences, NTEN's Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) in Washington, DC, this week from March 23-25. I attended for the first time in 2007, and since my employer has seen fit to send me back annually since then, #17NTC will be my 11th trip to this particular conference. Thinking back to my first time at the NTC, I remember being in a state of ecstasy and overwhelm for much of the event. So many like-minded people! So many exhibitors! So many breakout … [Read more...] about A First-Timer’s Guide to Enjoying the Nonprofit Technology Conference
My Current List of Favorite WordPress Plugins
About This List In a previous post, I discussed how to evaluate WordPress plugins and mentioned I would post a list of my favorite plugins. Here it is. This list changes as I find new/better/different plugins, so this is current as of February 2017. Do you have a favorite WordPress plugin not on my list? Send me a tweet or email! Disclaimer: I am unable to make guarantees about plugins on this list because I am not the plugin author. Always back up your website before making changes (you … [Read more...] about My Current List of Favorite WordPress Plugins
Evaluating WordPress Plugins
Someone recently asked me this question during a WordPress clinic: "How do I know if a WordPress plugin is a good one to use?" An excellent question, though the answer is a little less straightforward than I'd prefer. WordPress is an open source community and as such, anyone who wants to create a plugin can do so. WordPress.org maintains a plugin directory but the guidelines for submission are primarily centered on licensing and keeping people from doing illegal things via plugins. One would … [Read more...] about Evaluating WordPress Plugins
The Importance of (and Resources for) Technology Planning at Nonprofit Organizations
I've been thinking about nonprofits and the importance of technology planning a lot lately. I strongly believe that every nonprofit organization, regardless of size or budget, should have some semblance of a technology plan. As part of my work, I've helped many nonprofits assess their technology usage and become better at planning for tech. I thought it could be useful to share info on this topic, so I went digging through some materials I have handy. One of the first things I found is a … [Read more...] about The Importance of (and Resources for) Technology Planning at Nonprofit Organizations
The Happy Healthy Nonprofit Professional: There’s An App for That! (Guest Post by Beth Kanter & Aliza Sherman)
Beth Kanter and Aliza Sherman are my guest bloggers today, giving us some useful advice on how to have a healthier relationship with our digital life and devices through apps. They recently released the book The Happy, Healthy Nonprofit to provide organizations with a manifesto for a culture shift in the nonprofit sector, starting conversations about the importance of individual self-care and WE-care in the workplace. The Happy Healthy Nonprofit Professional: There's An App for That! By Beth … [Read more...] about The Happy Healthy Nonprofit Professional: There’s An App for That! (Guest Post by Beth Kanter & Aliza Sherman)
