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February 2006 eNews

Dear Friends:

Some of you are aware that my life has changed radically within the last six months. I have moved from San Diego where I was working as the Associate for Stewardship & Development at St. Paul's Cathedral to West Hollywood where I have launched an organizational development consulting practice to non-profits – od180. (Check out the new website!)

The contrast is dramatic. While I cherish the wonderful people I got to know in San Diego (not to mention the other Episcopal institutions I have served over the years), I am thrilled about the new venture. It is already off to a fast-paced start. I am meeting great people who are doing life-changing work – from educating future peace-makers to advocating for people with HIV/AIDS. In short, I am helping leaders become more effective at doing their transformational work. And for me, that is very exciting as well as deeply fulfilling.

What you may not know is that I have brought together an alliance of consultants, each member being extraordinarily talented and accomplished in a particular arena of organizational life. With this team approach, od180 is equipped to provide leaders with much of the help they need to meet their organization's challenges. This ability to provide services in an integrated, seamless way makes what we provide not just more comprehensive but also more efficient and cost-effective.

One of the new areas for od180 is a communication and technology expertise which is essential for an organization's growth and long-term health. Successful web presence and web-based communication will reduce costs, increase visibility, enhance participation, and contribute substantially to organizational vitality.

For the next few months I will be introducing you to the full scope of services that od180 can provide to turn around organizations in distress, stabilize those that aren’t, and grow those that are ready expand their vision. Thank you for your friendship and thank you for your support in this new endeavor. It is appreciated.

Peace,

David Norgard

Web-based Communication

The odd thing about technology is that an organization doesn't really exist unless it's on the web. Ironically, the web is the most imaginary place on earth. The facts are that tremendous goodwill, revenue, and volunteers are lost to an organization because of their website's lackluster appearance and function.

Especially those who are writing grants may unknowingly be hindering their efforts as major funders visit the site and discount the proposal because your website does not properly reflect the professionalism, information, and image of your group. A polished website reinforces your grantwriting program.

Web-based newsletters like this one, provide an organization with the means to touch their donors, volunteers, or members weekly at very low cost, with very current information. Electronic newsletters (eNews) become a call to action rather than historical documentation.

In the coming year, we recommend working diligently for a web budget. Organizations often find that a solid website, highly interactive and action-provoking decreases their overall expenses as print costs, ad costs, and mailing costs drop significantly.

So call us if you are considering enhancing your web-based communication. Follow this link to a before and after example. <more>

od180

Suggested Reading

A great book by Hillman Curtis, renowned web designer, about the structure of the design process.