CivicActions

I recently submitted a proposal for a session at next year's South by Southwest Conference titled "Flexible Technology Strategies for NGOs and Social Ventures". There are hundreds of great topics that have been submitted this year, and one of the methods that the organizers will use to pick the topics is to open them up to public vote. If you would like to see me present this topic, please vote for it at: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/ideas/view/1378

Summary:
Technological changes are coming at a rate that is dizzying, even to the professionals. We will review real world examples of how NGOs, political organizations and social ventures put together technology plans and budgets that withstand the daily feed of emerging platforms, solutions, and changes in social culture.

Questions that I hope to answer:

Communicating
* How do I present plans to my board that are realistic and obtainable?
* What are some of the key metrics used to track success?

Managing Teams
* How can I manage expectations when developing in agile?
* What key resources do I need in-house?
* Where can I find educational resources to bring my group up to speed on best management practices?

Reducing Risks
* How can I protect against becoming dependent on commercial SAAS providers
Seizing Opportunities?
* What are the best technoloy platforms that can adapt to the delay feed?
* How can I leverage best practices to reduce risk?

Managing Budgets
* What strategies, operating plans and metrics should be presented to funders and boards?
* What are the best techiques to keep costs under control?