Evidently, over the last 10-20 years, technology has made big advancements and has impacted almost everything that we do. The debate still goes on however, there are those that have really embraced it and those that want nothing to do with it at all.
Failure to innovate
Innovation is the development of a certain value that meets a new need of your volunteers, staff, supporters. In the early 2000s Blockbusters was one of the biggest DVD rental companies in the world. But they failed to innovate and adapt, which led to their demise. Blockbusters didn’t envision a future for digital, after enormous opportunities to take over Netflix. Now, look at who’s leading the way for streaming services world wide.
Toys R Us is another example of an organisation that wasn’t willing to change due to its dominance in the market, that was until
With the browsing experience becoming digitised, most of us can find anything we are looking for on our phone from the comfort of our home. Toys R Us could have shifted to offer a fully integrated online experience but instead was left stranded with no online presence and the near-impossible task of catching up.
The take from this is that the world is changing and the third sector just as much as any private organisation will be affected. But the true lesson is small and large organisations alike need to continue to put time and budget into innovation or prepare to fail!
Why all third-sector organisations need to be using digital technology
Technology is present in everyone’s daily life, from how we get about, shop and communicate. So it’s no surprise that technology is developing the connection between volunteers and non-profit organisations.
As of June 2018, 55.1% of the world’s population had internet access. More than 3 billion people around the world now use social media each month, with 9 in 10 of those users accessing their chosen platforms via mobile devices.
So why do all third-sector organisations need to be using digital technology?
Tell your story to the world
People can’t support you if they don’t know who you are. So having a strong website is one of the most important resources organisations can have.
A website can also allow visitors to donate, view events and even volunteer for you. Implementing these functions can make it easier to develop relationships with a wider audience and increase support towards your organisation.
Having your own volunteer website allows visitors to interact with your organisation directly. A good website will communicate your mission to the world and showcase your community impact!
Don’t go extinct, get online
If you’re not online, you’re pretty much non-existent. All non-profit organisations should be active on social media and engaging with hundreds of potential supporters and volunteers.
Social media can have a huge impact on non-profit organisations. Individuals can volunteer from the comfort of their homes with the use of just a mobile. A great example of this one of our international clients Humanity Road.
Humanity Road pioneered the new generation of humanitarian relief through social listening. When disaster strikes, Humanity Road helps to solve critical needs through innovative applications of technology and the power of social media!
Take advantage of cloud based software
Often the goal for a non-profit is to achieve organisation milestones whilst keeping operating costs down. Switching to a volunteer management software may seem costly, but the reality is, IT’S NOT!
Cloud-based software can save you hundreds even thousands of pounds in the long-term. Having a SaaS (Software as a server) means you only pay for what you need and most cloud solutions scale on demand to meet changing needs.
Good cloud-based software will allow you to work from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. With more people using mobiles than ever, this on-the-go access can
If you’re still unsure try our FREE volunteer management system and give your volunteer program the revamp it needs.
What TeamKinetic is doing to make a better impact
We believe that technology has the capability to change the world for good. TeamKinetic helps to build better volunteer communities by providing great tools for volunteer managers that save time, make a better impact and improve insight. Our goal is to make volunteering easy for everyone no matter what. But don’t take our word for it, why not check out our customer review
For more information on volunteer management software visit our website or contact one of our team members on – 0161 914 5747
