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Communication, Strategy, Web 9

Reed Dickens – Speed and Transparency is Better than Silence

Posted By on May 1, 2009

silenceI attended Reed Dickens’ breakout about “Rules of Engagement: The Art of Communication” at The Orange Conference and perhaps the most important point that struck a chord with me is Reed’s discussion about speed and transparency.

Specifically for Crisis Management, the first 24 hours is the most critical and organizations must have a critical balance of the two.

But, the key take away, from my perspective, is how blogs (and microblogs) have enabled speed and transparency to an amazing degree and can be a valuable communications channel for ministries.

Reed gave a sad but typical example of a youth pastor who made one too many bad decisions with some of the female youth that he ministered to and how the ministry stayed silent instead of using the opportunity to be transparent.

Big mistake.

Instead of taking control of the situation the situation took control and it became an even worse crisis to manage.

Have you ever considered the blogging medium as a way to help manage crisis in your ministry or organization? It’s not only viable but easy to leverage as well.

[Image from CrashCandy]

Facebook, Strategy, Web 13

Facebook for Pastors – A Place to Start

Posted By on May 1, 2009

facebookforpastors

Facebook is big, big enough for ministries and churches to take note.

Naturally, it’s been a very important conversation piece here at The Orange Conference, especially because the demographic that the vast majority of those in attendance this week are having to “deal” or relate to their students that are in there 24/7.

But how does a Pastor or a leader, who may not have any idea about Facebook, begin their “study” of it? Where do you start?

Here’s a resource that I’ve suggested many take a look at: Facebook for Pastors by Chris Forbes.

Although it’s a bit old and some of the content doesn’t necessarily apply (because of dramatic changes to the user interface, core functionality, etc) it’s a heckuva better place to start than Facebook’s Privacy Policy (although you should read it too!).

So start there, but please don’t end there. The best way for you to understand Facebook is to actually use it. Use it. A lot.

A final word of caution as well is this: As good and as big as Facebook is today, it’ll be gone tomorrow. Learn the principles of strategic web engagement and not so much the individual (and temporal) tools. One of those will stay with you a lot longer.

Strategy, Web 6

When Technology Handcuffs You

Posted By on May 1, 2009

handcuffs

Hanging out at the Orange Conference has been unbelievable, in more than a few ways. I’ve met some amazing people who are super-excited about web technology and it’s use for the Gospel and their unique ministries.

But the vast majority of them are completely “handcuffed” by technology, and that’s unfortunate.

You see, technology is only as good as the freedom that it ultimately brings, to you as an individual and for the business and organization. Many of the leaders I’ve talked to in the last 3 days feel “hampered,” “limited,” “confused,” “frustrated,” and on and on and on.

This is especially damaging when there is a financial aspect to it, where they feel that they can’t do what they want to do because it either costs too much or they have to pay a large sum of money to 3rd party organization.

The bottom line is that there is definite wisdom in rethinking your strategy in terms of web technology the moment you feel the handcuffs go on. If your current web technology is cramping your ministry, time to get some new stuff.

[Image from Buck]

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