ADRP International Conference 2018: What We Learned, Tech Edition
We're always looking for the best tools to do our jobs and make our lives easier. Two of the sessions I attended while in St. Louis offered tools that do just that. Below you'll find a few of the tools we've already started using (or were already using) as well as links to the session materials.
Stewardship TechXchange Resources
Speaker: Cheryl Smith Lintner, Director of Donor Relations, Meridian Health Foundation
Felt App
When it comes to a thank you, or just a “thinking of you,” the more personal you can make it, the better. Felt allows you to do just that from your iPhone or iPad or Android.
You begin by selecting a greeting card or use photos from your personal library.
Next, you can choose to write your message, or use their nifty type tool for maximum legibility.
To finish up, add mailing and return addresses and checkout. In under 5 minutes, I sent my mother a card that should lead to a phone call the minute she receives it. This was so easy to use, I've subscribed to their monthly service. Just think how easy it will be to send a client or donor a very personal "thank you" on the spot and check another item off your list!
Full resource list: Stewardship TechXchange Resources
Get More Done in Less Time: Productivity Resources
Speakers: Carrie Casper, Senior Director, Campaign and Donor Engagement & Joni Jordan, Director of Donor Relations, Clemson University
At the beginning of this session, attendees were asked what keeps them from being productive at work. Constant interruptions, meetings, and conflicting schedules were all called out, but one that many people in the room seem to agree on was email. On top of the productivity complications, you probably get one or several emails regarding each of these "interruptions" throughout the day. Email is the primary form of communication for most of us and getting to "inbox zero" has become a bit of a compulsion in the modern day office. Boomerang for Gmail is the solution for those of us who use Google's mail service as a stand-alone or as part of the greater G-Suites product. It is a fully integrated add-on for Chrome that allows you to have full access to the tools the service provides.
Top Features
Pause Inbox: This feature (which I'm using while I write this post) puts a pause on incoming mail. This helps ease the distraction of the never-ending flow of communication arriving in your inbox.
Send Later: Going away and need to send a message on a specific date? Need to send a reminder and don't want it to get lost in the list of todos? This is for you. Write your message, click the "Send Later" button, and then choose the desired delivery date and time..
Don't have time to deal with a message right now? Use the Boomerang button and have it sent back to your inbox when you'll have time to properly address it.
Joni and the central development team at Clemson University are now experienced Smartsheet users (as is the Heurista team!)
When it comes to project management, it's hard to find a more malleable, adaptable tool than Smartsheet. Manage multiple projects with varying team members. Work in different information views including Gantt and calendar. Assign projects to specific users and then ask for updates at the click of a button. Run reports across multiple projects and link to project-related files outside the Smartsheet environment, including those shared with clients and other parties.
Time Management
View project progress in real time, allowing you to redirect and reallocate resources when needed. You can export any report your heart desires with Smartsheet's easy to use in-app tool.
“But what about the tools we’re already using?” Smartsheet has you covered with its host of integrations with the most commonly used tools in the marketplace. If you're looking for a solution, Smartsheet is a smart move.
Full list of resources: Get More Done in Less Time, Productivity Resources