Efficient e-mail is E-A-S-Y:

E	Eliminate any previous message text when you reply. Only quote the releveant senteces.
A	Always greet the inteded reader by name.
S	Short, simple messages with short, simple paragraphs.
Y	Your contact information included at the end of every message you send.

To make your EASY e-mail go even further, plan for plain. HTML messages add pizzazz to e-mail, but not every mail service can read or accept the code. When drafting a message in HTML, ensure the spirit and tone of your message comes through as well in plain text by using all capitals where you would normally use italics for emphasis, and astricks in place of bullets.

Do you want to learn how to engage students throughout the educational process? If so, then this “brief” workshop is for you. You will gain techniques to assist you in teaching more effectively and obtain skills to produce an active, stimulating and participative environment for students.

A must for any educator/trainer looking to motivate and energize their students, this 90-minute workshopis offered through the Mt. Airy Learning Tree (MALT) in Philadelphia and will be facilitated by Vivian McLeod and Danielle Taylor, both HR and training professionals.

The Internet bubble has burst, and in a tight economy, IT (Information Technology) budgets are under tough scrutiny. To save money, it may be tempting to neglect your existing website or not bother with one in the first place, but fight the temptation. A quality website is not a necessity just for huge, corporate conglomerates. Websites are especially crucial for non-profit organizations because even one, high-quality webpage is a more effective marketing tool than no having presence at all. You can choose to start small and build up your site over time, but how do you avoid overpaying for unnecessary bells and whistles or a site that simply doesn’t get the job done?

All websites are not created equal, so to build the most effective web presence, non-profits should begin the planning process with the realization that their Internet marketing needs aren’t the same as those of a billion dollar company. Also, since your organization is likely to have more limited resources than a major corporation, you need every cent to count and make an impact. A tailored website is the key, so, before any money changes hands or files get uploaded, three crucial items must be addressed: the website’s purpose, functionality, and image.

Step #1: Pinpoint Your Purpose
Determining a purpose for your website will provide direction for deciding its desired image and functionality. The most common purposes include providing information about the organization or an issue, soliciting private or corporate donations, collecting membership fees, selling products, soliciting volunteers, and advertising employment opportunities. Defining your purpose will help you pay for only what you need while getting exactly you want.

Step #2: Find Your Function
After defining the purpose of your non-profit’s website, the next step is to flesh out its functionality. Functionality can be as basic as static informational pages or as extensive as news updates, video webcasts, document downloads, contact forms, guestbooks, chats, activities, and games. Be forewarned: increased functionality usually means increased costs. So, choose wisely.

Step #3: Imagine Your Image
The final step in planning your organization’s website is to consider the image you would like it to embody. Your image will dictate the colors, graphics, and fonts used in the web design. Your image can be playful, edgy, contemporary, ethnic, or conservative, but it should connect in some part to your purpose while also reflecting and matching the overall tone and personality of your organization and its existing marketing material. You should also consider the demographics of your target audience and what would appeal to them.

Once you have worked out the purpose, functionality, and image of your non-profit organization’s website, you can turn your attention to creating the site (either in house or via a consultant). Whether you develop and maintain your website in the family (in house) or you outsource it to a consultant, you need to find someone who is technically proficient and willing to tailor your site to meet your goals and needs. When the site is completed, you need a way to get the word out.

To publicize your great new site at no cost, follow these six quick tips:

• Add your web address to your business cards, letterhead, fliers, and brochures.
• Add your web address to your email signature file.
• Send an electronic greeting card or postcard announcing your site and any major changes or updates to the site.
• Exchange links with related organizations or companies (display the HTML code, your logo, and directions for adding your link to their page).
• Add a “tell a friend” form to your site allowing visitors to recommend your website to friends, family, and colleagues.
• Shamelessly self-promote (Mention your site in articles you author, conferences you attend, interviews, presentations, and speeches).

Happy designing! T
 

About the Author

Kimberly G. Bonnette is founder and president of KGB Media Consulting, a small, minority and woman owned business specializing in marketing and branding solutions for both the private and public sector. Headquartered in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, KGB delivers customized web page and site design, development, and hosting. Bonnette can be reached through her website at www.kgbmediaconsulting.com or directly via e-mail at info@kgbmediaconsulting.com.