Non-Profits Turn to Technology for Holiday Fundraising

While most people take the holidays to relax with family, non-profits organizations see this season as a chance to capitalize on the abundance of generosity and good cheer. Charity fundraisers and events are popular this time of year, as even our favorite stars take the time to give back. Celebrities run successful charity events for causes they are passionate about, including Harrison Ford’s conservation initiative, Olivia WIlde’s fundraiser, “Artists for Peace and Justice” and Ashton Kutcher’s charity to end human trafficking, “Real Men Don’t Buy Girls.” The holiday season is an important time for these and other charities.

Last year and this year, a coalition of non-profits came together to promote “Giving Tuesday,” a spin-off of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The day is designed to kick off the holiday seasoning the right frame of mind. Launch the right fundraising campaign and your non-profit will take a stocking full of momentum into the new year.

Embrace technology to spread your cause this holiday season. Social media is the perfect way to connect with potential donors. If you’re out on the street seeking donations, a mobile credit card reader is a convenient tool to process credit card transactions. Above all, a clear message and purpose with draw the attention of willing donors.

Craft an Elevator Pitch

Non-profits don’t like to think about competing with each other, but during the holidays, they are. You’re competing for attention and awareness, and the only way to make your mark is with a strong, concise pitch. No one wants to get guilt-tripped into donating. Those who donate after hearing how little they care for a cause usually won’t be drawn to a life of activism. Rather, people want to partner with causes that they believe in. Instead of reciting how much your non-profit needs to raise, lead off with what you’re going to do with the money. Craft your campaign’s elevator pitch. Why are you raising money? Where will it go? And how can people donate? You’ll earn money from donor who relate to your cause and respect from those that aren’t able to donate.

Social Giving

Fundraising campaigns are as much about awareness as they are about money. Get a wave of support behind your cause and the money will follow. Luckily for today’s non-profits, a revolutionary marketing tool is at your disposal, and it’s free. Social media is the most efficient way to spread the world about your holiday fundraiser. The key is connecting with users through videos, photos or personal messages. Consider adding incentives to your social media fundraising campaign. Randomly selecting those who re-tweet a link to your donation page will generate some viral energy and awareness. The more creative you with your social media content, the better.

Accepting Donations

You’ve seen Salvation Army representatives ring bells outside of malls and department stores. It’s obviously an effective fundraising model, but it’s held back by it’s analog nature. As fewer shoppers carry cash, non-profits that are able to accept credit and debit cards have the upper hand. Mobile credit card readers turn your smartphone into credit card POS system, complete with electronic receipts and encrypted software. Intuit credit card readers, for example, attach to your smart phone and receive credit card swipes. You can accept credit cards anywhere will cell service, and Intuit charges as little as 1.75% per transaction. If your non-profit asks for donations on the street, a mobile credit card processor will undoubtedly boost your income.

Cedric Goodwin

Cedric loves all things sports and is the social media director for several local sports teams.

Balancing Act between Technology and Lifestyle!

Technology is a Balance!

It isn't everyday that you hear people say that they have to balance work, family, and Technology.   Technology has never been in demand like it has today.    Everyone can say they do it really easily but it isn't always that simple or some would just stretch the truth.   Truth be told no one ever thought it would be this difficult to keep up with technology and keep themselves involved with their kids and work. 

Human Error!

Human error is always going to be a problem because no one can do the job a 100% that being said we have seen in the past where Human error can cause data lose.  That though isn't as big as keeping your data safe from those bad guys that would love to find out all that personal information from your tablet or computer.   Some would say that Facebook has problems too, and I would tend to agree but it isn't the end all to keeping your information safe from Identity Thefts.

Protecting your Data!

I am sure most people will say that it is impossible, I tend to agree but we can at least make it harder for someone to get that data that they want to use against you or just to see what you've been up.   Here are a few things you can do to make it that much harder for someone to get that information!

• Encrypting your Data -- You can do this from several different ways.   It just depends on how you want to proceed.  If your an Android user you have several options to encrypt your device.  I won't go into much detail on how because each device is a little different but you know where you can start!
• Password Manager -- This has been something that I tell people every time I see someone's account being hacked.   If you don't have a strong password than you can't possibly keep people from gaining access.   I suggest using Lastpass and even tell people to invest in Yubikey also!
• Back up your data -- It isn't easy but it is Essential to keep your data backed up because you never really know what will happen and you should always try to keep at least three or four different backup options.   This way if one fails you have a redundancy to help you keep your data from getting lost!

How to Balance Life with Technology!

Here is something you probably are very interested in learning.   I only have one rule when it comes to this and it is something that I have to work at each and every day.   I have come to the conclusion to set time limits on when I use my computer and when I am using technology.   I will not use it all the time and I will not miss being with my kids.   I am sure you have the same problem as me and that is why you were looking for this answer but it isn't like it will help you because it is all about discipline and you only gain that by doing this every day in school, work, or home.  One tip that I can help you with this is, set a limit and slowing each week or day take a minute off until you get to that limit.   It will be a slow process but it will be a rewarding one at the end.

Paul Sylvester

What is intimacy and how to use in Technology!

Intimacy Mean:

in·ti·ma·cy  noun  

intimacies, plural

Close familiarity or friendship; closeness - the intimacy between a husband and wife

A private cozy atmosphere - the room had a peaceful sense of intimacy about it

An intimate act, esp. sexual intercourse

An intimate remark - here she was sitting swapping intimacies with a stranger

Closeness of observation or knowledge of a subject - he acquired an intimacy with Swahili literature

Thanks to Google Search

The Back Story!

When I first started asking questions like "What is Intimacy?"  I was trying to figure out how to get that feeling back.   Most people if not all want to have some kind of intimacy with someone who they care about.   It isn't abnormal to want to as they say feel close to someone and have a physical attraction to someone.   I've even started looking for someone who I could possibly be intimate with.  Even though I failed at my last relationship and got a divorce it isn't over for me.   I'm going to keep looking for that one person who can make me happy and I can make them happy.  I've seen the movie "Fireproof" [Affiliate Link] and I actually liked it.  It is Christian based and thus if you don't believe in the believe then this movie isn't for you.   I even got the book to go along with the movie, which is Called "The Love Dare" [Affiliate Link]! It does require you think about the other person and to be intimate with them by asking questions.   I honestly think my ex-wife has tried that with me in the last few weeks she keeps asking me how I am doing and such.   I usually don't respond because it is something that bothers me with her.   We would always argue and get my Blood Pressure to go up.   So After the break up, my Blood Pressure has dropped significantly and I am much happier.   So I am not saying we will never get back together but it doesn't look good!

Can you be Inimate while using Technology?

I say it is possible, because each of us have a busy life.   It isn't a substitute by all means but it can be a way to communicate and still be intimate with the person you care about and want to be open with.  You should know it can be very hard to show your defenses are down when you are typing a message or texting because the other person can't really see your face or hear your voice.   This is the limitations of technology, although we know have Apps like Face time, it can still be hard to have those intimate encounters.   Intimacy requires no firewall per say, it is us being who we are with not acting.   Even I know that we sometimes act different to show off or to look or be smarter.   It is that sort of thing why we desire to be ourselves.   It is far easier to not worry about being judged then to wonder how we are doing and worrying all the time.

How to use Technology to be Intimate!

I'll say this, you will have to be creative when it comes to this part of it.   I will however give you a few ideas to try to help you along your way.   Nothing out of the ordinary but it can be really nice to show you care!

• Texting -- keep the communications going doing the day.   Show them you want to talk.   It isn't always easy but it is necessary!
• Emails -- If you can write emails to your significant other this is one way to communicate with her.   You could do this daily if you prefer but it must be done as if you are writing to that special someone.
• Use Social networks -- If you both have a social network that you both use then this would also be good.   Just remember if you want it private don't make the mistake of making it public.   
• Record Video -- You have several options but you can always use Youtube to post to just remember that those are public.  It is a good way to get a little face time with your other half.

Well these were just a few ways that I could suggest to help you keep intimacy, I am sure there are quite a few ways but I want to you to be creative.  Creativity helps you be more intimate with your partner and thus it is just as important how you do it then what you do.

Paul Sylvester

After Holiday Inventory -- What you should know and why!

After Christmas is time to relax!

So you've given you family some technology gadget for Christmas and you really didn't research it.  It always seems to happen that way.  We're so excited we found something that we think will do the job.   I know all about this because my extended family seems to want to give these types of gifts to my kids and their own.  So here is a quick breakdown on what I've observed over the last few days and what seemed to worked and what didn't.

• Kindle Fire HD 7' [Affiliate Link]-- So my sister got one of her kids this and I must say she wasn't happy.   Here are a few things you need to worry about.   Easily remove parental controls without a password, and no wall charger for it.  Seems kind of useless to give to kids right now.
• Paper Jams Pro Guitar [Affiliate Link]-- My kid got this one, but It isn't really that good.   I don't think it sounds anything like a guitar but it does work really well to entertain my kids.  I personally would of wanted something a little more authentic but it does the job.  
• Nintendo DS Lite [Affiliate Link]-- This is one of the ones that I bought my kids and knew they'd play this very much.   It wasn't easy to find the games they liked but if you search around you should have a lot of success like I did.  Worth the money I paid for it, keeps my kids happy.
• Cricket Phone [Affiliate Link]-- I have talked about Cricket Wireless in the past but recently they are being available in my local area.  I might go back to them if it looks to be more reliable.  I've loved them in the past but it seems to be a good choice for my daughter even if I didn't think she was ready for it.
• Skywriter UFO [Affiliate Link]-- Great little helicopter for my 7 year old.   He loves to fly this helicopter around and write out messages.  It was worth the money to buy this little beauty.   It probably won't last long but it as least is being used and flown around the house.

So this was my quick breakdown on the electronics that worked and what you should be careful in your future buys.   I'll be talking with my other sisters about what they gave their kids and will report back later.   It however is just luck what works with my kids, as it probably does with your kids.   So I just wanted to tell you my experiences and let you decide what they might want to get for their birthdays or next year when it comes to buying gifts.

Happy New Year and I'll see you in 2013!!

Paul Sylvester

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