Techsoup (the site that provides tech advice to nonprofits) has published an article on What is Web 2.0 anyway? covering blogs, RSS, tagging, social bookmarking and AJAX. The author Alexandra Krasne writes:

Web 2.0 tools are important, but their impact goes much deeper than their gadget-y novelty might suggest. Individuals and organizations alike are finding new and increasingly effective ways of connecting through Web 2.0 technology. This is the human side of this technical transformation.

Even the smallest organization has a story to share and voices to amplify. Web 2.0 can help you be heard. This new Web of connections is already allowing nonprofit supporters to build movements for social, environmental, economic, and political change. Don’t let your movement leave you behind.”

As a blogger and an entrepreneur, I strongly believe that the emergence of these social technologies (the so-called Web 2.0 trends) will change the ways nonprofits and foundations work and thrive in the Information Age.

If you are currently dealing with an outdated website and trying to find the best way to manage the web re-making process you are not alone. Redesigning a large website can be an overwhelming task, demanding much effort and expense. In some cases, the re-design can do real damage. Here is an interesting article on this topic. It shows that even a task of such magnitude can be achieved… if taken step-by-step… in small portions.

Innovative use of the Internet has become a mainstay for nonprofit organizations, with many using interactive technologies for education, collaboration, member communications, management of meeting attendance, and publishing. What was once considered innovative is probably mainstream today, as both nonprofit organizations and their members become more comfortable going online.

Yesterday [September 22], in mid-town Manhattan, four nonprofit organizations were honored for their outstanding work in ePhilanthropy. Hosted by the ePhilanthropy Foundation, the 2005 International ePhilanthropy Awards recognized 23 finalists whose innovative use of the Internet in meeting their missions set them above the rest of the nominees. The awards, distributed in four categories, consisted of a $500 cash award to a charity and an original glass sculpture, and were presented to the winners during a two-hour ceremony led by Bob Carter, President and CEO of Ketchum.

Find out which organizations won the awards (article by Kate Golden, OnPhilanthropy).

Have you heard the buzz?…

I (dba Zayko) was featured in the main story (Branding Your Creative Business) of the Fall 2005 Boston edition of CREATE Magazine.

We unravel the mystery behind cutting-edge branding by revealing what creative types in Boston are doing to brand their own businesses” – says CREATE Magazine.

I was very surprised when I learned I was selected along with only three other creative professionals from the Boston area! There is always this feeling of “am I worthy of this?”… but apparently, the answer is “yes.”

Linda K. Pilgrim (the writer) has truly captured and communicated the essence of Zayko brand:

Sotirova’s brand is simultaneously linked to her personally – as is her approach to her work as a designer.”

I am so happy and hopeful this wonderful opportunity will open doors for new friendships.

Today’s donors know what they want. They know how they want to accomplish it. They are direct and decisive. They want to know what’s going on, where their money is going, how it is being spent, and what their last donation did, before you ask them for more. They want to understand what you do, how it’s different from what other organizations do, and what you’ve accomplished…

So, what should nonprofits do for their donors? Here are a few guidelines to follow in shaping your nonprofit organization’s communications strategy:

Donors want to feel appreciated…
Donors want to feel involved…
Donors want to be recognized…
Donors want to help solve problems…
Donors want to help people…
Donors want to feel more than think…

Yes, you will definitely raise more money, but first, please, give donors what they want. Read more…