At the Speed of Technology

There is so much happening so quickly in the tech world right now. It's like standing at the heart of a whirlwind, where everything is spinning and changing with such speed that it can often seem overwhelming. That dizzying sensation, the fear of missing out (FOMO), is familiar to many of us in the nonprofit sector. The speed of technology can often lead us to ask, "What's the point of learning new technology? Something new is going to come out tomorrow anyway. What should we be paying attention to? What can we afford to let fall by the wayside?" These are questions we grapple with on a daily basis.

But here's the thing, amidst all this tech chaos, there's a silver lining. The trick isn't about catching every single innovation as it whizzes past, but about discerning which developments truly matter to your work and your organization. This discernment is what makes the tech landscape much more navigable, and believe it or not, it can even make it exciting.

Consider technology as a river. There's no point in trying to drink the whole river; not only is it impossible, but it's also unnecessary. Instead, take the time to understand the flow and direction of the river. Identify your own organization’s needs and the direction in which you want it to grow. This understanding is your filter, helping you to catch the relevant droplets of technology and let the rest simply flow by.

This is not to say that we ignore the tech world's rapid pace. Rather, it's a reminder that we should use it to our advantage. Staying up-to-date is essential, but not at the expense of losing focus on what truly matters for our work. Be it CRM systems, AI tools for analytics, or mobile platforms for donor engagement, what's important is to zero in on the tech that aligns with your mission, your team's capabilities, your organization's infrastructure, and budget.

One way to do this is to constantly review your tech strategy in light of your organization's objectives. This involves asking key questions: Does the new technology align with your strategic goals? Can it streamline processes? Does it enhance the way you engage with donors? If the answer is yes, then it's probably worth investing time and effort in understanding and perhaps integrating that technology.

Also, do not underestimate the power of professional networks. Staying connected with your peers in the nonprofit world, attending webinars and conferences, participating in forums, and actively seeking advice can provide valuable insights into what others find useful. This can help guide your own tech decisions.

The pace of technological change is fast and it's unlikely to slow down anytime soon. However, by focusing on what's important to your organization, rather than trying to catch every innovation, you can stay abreast of technological advancements without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, the goal isn't to ride every wave, but to surf the ones that will take you towards your destination.

Embrace the speed of technology, but do so with intention and focus. That way, instead of being carried away by the whirlwind, you'll find yourself at the helm, steering your organization confidently into the future.