That’s Good Soup

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Thanks to blogging compadre Joe Patti, I discovered an enormously useful resource called TechSoup.com. The organization describes itself as offering “nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition to online information and resources, we offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock. Here, nonprofits can access donated and discounted technology products, generously provided by corporate and nonprofit technology partners. At Joe’s suggestion, I spent some time digging through the site and although the interface is a bit dated the content is useful for a wide variety of budget size nonprofits…

laptopFortunately, there’s a big notice on their homepage indicating they are in the process of redesigning the entire site, the results of which should make navigating the bounty of content much easier. Given yesterdays rant about performing arts blogs (and ongoing examination of all things web/tech oriented in this business); it is comforting to find a site like TechSoup that provides some solid advice for tech related issues.

A good place to start is one of their recent articles entitled A Nonprofit’s Guide to Building Simple, Low-Cost Websites. Although I could quibble with some of the advice and services listed, overall it is a very useful guide for lower and mid budget performing arts organizations looking to redesign their website.

Postscript: Speaking of websites – don’t forget that the Annual Orchestra Website Reviews are coming out next month which means the examination period could start any day now – maybe it’s already started…

About Drew McManus

"I hear that every time you show up to work with an orchestra, people get fired." Those were the first words out of an executive's mouth after her board chair introduced us. That executive is now a dear colleague and friend but the day that consulting contract began with her orchestra, she was convinced I was a hatchet-man brought in by the board to clean house.

I understand where the trepidation comes from as a great deal of my consulting and technology provider work for arts organizations involves due diligence, separating fact from fiction, interpreting spin, as well as performance review and oversight. So yes, sometimes that work results in one or two individuals "aggressively embracing career change" but far more often than not, it reinforces and clarifies exactly what works and why.

In short, it doesn't matter if you know where all the bodies are buried if you can't keep your own clients out of the ground, and I'm fortunate enough to say that for more than 15 years, I've done exactly that for groups of all budget size from Qatar to Kathmandu.

For fun, I write a daily blog about the orchestra business, provide a platform for arts insiders to speak their mind, keep track of what people in this business get paid, help write a satirical cartoon about orchestra life, hack the arts, and love a good coffee drink.

View all posts by Drew McManus | Website

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