Software Selection
Presenter: Idealware
Cost: $120 or $95 with 2019 NDANO Member Discount (Login to Members Only Portal for code)
In any software category there are usually dozens of options. With so many features and pricing plans to sort through, how do you choose the right system for your organization?
Over three sessions we will teach you how to evaluate your organization’s needs, assemble a software selection team, sort through your options, review and test the software, and manage a smooth implementation.
If your organization is considering switching software or bringing on a new system in the next six months, you’ll save a lot of time, money, and headaches if you take the time now to think through the process and develop a plan. Let Idealware be there to guide you.
Learning Outcomes
- Reflect on whether you actually need new software.
- Learn how to evaluate your software needs.
- Consider the potential return on investment (ROI) of new software.
- Find out what it takes to build a selection team.
- Hear how to work with vendors to get the right system at the right price
- Plan for the big move.
- Think through how to onboard staff.
- Review what it takes to maintain the new system.
This three-part course takes place Thursdays, Jan. 17-31, 12-1:30 p.m. Central Time.
Part 1: Defining Your Process
Jan. 17, 12-1:30 p.m.
Before you begin listening to the sales pitches and walking through demos, in this session take a step back and ask whether you really need new software and consider how to measure the return on investment for your new software. From there look at the software selection process and lay the groundwork for a thoughtful plan.
Part 2: Evaluating Your Choices and Closing the Deal
Jan. 24, 12-1:30 p.m.
Once you’ve planned your process, it’s time to start learning about your different choices and comparing them against your needs. This session will show you what to look for as you evaluate software and will talk you through each stage as you move closer to making your choice and closing the deal.
Part 3: Your New System in Action
Jan. 31, 12-1:30 p.m.
The real work begins after you sign the contract. In this session, walk through each of the major stages as you implement your system and onboard it with your staff.
About the Presenter
Eric Leland, Founder at FivePaths.com
Eric has spent two decades working with progressive organizations and businesses tackling online and offline technology challenges. He’s a founding partner of FivePaths, a technology firm that offers strategic technology consulting, information architecture, and web CMS and CRM platform development expertise to each project. Eric is very active in nonprofit, philanthropy and technology circles, having served as co-chair to the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network in San Francisco, on the National Advisory Board for the Addiction Technology Transfer Center and as a member of NTEN and the Tech Underground.
Other Info
- Please register with the email address where you would like to receive the access and dial-in information for the online seminar.
- All registered participants are granted indefinite access to the Course Page which houses the recordings and presentation slides from each session.
- Participants who cannot attend any of the sessions due to scheduling conflicts will still have access to all the content of the toolkit.
- It is recommended that you add training@idealware.org to your contacts so the reminder and follow up emails can avoid any spam filters.
NDANO offers live in-person and online learning opportunities for nonprofits, often with partners. Members receive discounted rates on all NDANO events. All times are Central unless otherwise indicated.
Do you have a learning opportunity or event for North Dakota nonprofits to add to our calendar? Email NDANO with the details.
