Thursday, July 28, 2011

Who Is Driving Revenue? - Robert I. Evans, Founder & Managing Director of The EHL Consulting Group, Inc.


Streaming Services

Using technology pro-actively in fundraising requires a strategy and an understanding about what attracts donors and makes the donation process as easy as possible.  Here is one prominent fundraising consultant’s thinking about being donor friendly.

Every non-profit organization, including the thousands North American Jewish congregations, employs a varied staff to service many important functions. The clergy leads the spirituality of the congregation, the executive director oversees overall operations, the financial expert safeguards the financials, the school staff nurtures learning, and the teen director creates social experiences for the young adults; increasingly, congregations are adding a development director, too. Together, it is a sophisticated blend of managing the membership base and keeping current and potential members happy . . . and generous.

But who is really responsible for strengthening the congregation’s fundraising and how is new technology becoming the new driving force in raising that money? Think about your congregation’s staff as your own personal social network. How many of them actively pursue the synagogue’s development interests? In reality, the responsibility lies within the purview of every staff member. That’s right, EVERY synagogue staff member, no matter what functionality or level of authority, is in essence a part of the fund resource development team. Now think of technology as enhanced technological social network. Let’s begin with your own synagogue website.

It is also important to reach out to your members in a free and non-abrasive way. Collect Twitter handles and create a Facebook Group. With Twitter, you can create a hashtag for your synagogue functions (a # before your posts that signals for Twitter to create it as a topic). With Facebook, you can add events and drum up interest by self-promoting. Every person interacts directly and indirectly with people, knows someone, is connected to someone or can introduce someone to the congregational family. This works on both a personal and as a social network level.

Working in a membership based organization is different than with almost any other situation. Mechanics see cars come and go, a plumber may fix the sink and never need to be seen again, a chef cooks food but seldom interacts with the restaurant’s patrons. All are important service-oriented industries that rely on repeat customers but synagogues offer a special warmth and emotional service that cannot always be calculated. Unless every member of the congregation’s team is working in concert to show the values of membership, members may affiliate elsewhere.

As it is true that the Rabbi may often be the most often acknowledged fundraiser because he/she is the face of the congregation, more money will be raised if the staff is considered as an invaluable aspect of the fundraising team, involved and passionate about the synagogue.

Think about who brings in the dollars from members and realize that every man and woman is part of the fundraising process. Recognize, too, that online fundraising is probably the “new” area of fundraising for Jewish organizations and especially congregations. Truly think outside of the tzedakah box in considering new revenue streams, using technology creatively, and appealing to members of the Jewish family at all ages and at all levels of technological proficiency.

Robert Evans is the founder and managing director of The EHL Consulting Group, based in suburban Philadelphia. EHL Consulting works with non-profits across the globe on fundraising, strategic planning, non-profit business practices, and volunteer leadership issues. Look for frequent blogs on www.eJewishphilanthropy.com. Contact him at revans@ehlconsulting.com

Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Future of Synagogue Software An Interview With Jim Gelles



There has been a lot of talk lately in the Synagogue Software industry about new platforms, and new directions. With Rakefet leaving the market, Synagogues all over the world will be looking for something new. So I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to sit down with one of the leaders of the Synagogue software community, Jim Gelles, owner of Membership Management Services and publisher of MM2000. He was kind enough to spend some time with me and answer a few of my questions.


Mike: Jim, thanks for this opportunity to sit down with me. So give me a little background, how long have you been in business?

Jim: I started working with computers in the late 70's, mostly selling computer systems. It wasn't until 1987 when I got into software. In '87 I started Membership Management Services with the intention of selling specifically to synagogues.

Mike: Why synagogues, why not go into something a little bigger?

Jim: I thought that the synagogue market was one that hadn't really been explored. It was a niche market, and so we went for it, and I've continued since then. We felt it was important that we specialized; only working with Synagogues.
  
Mike: How do your account for staying in business for over 25 years?

Jim: The one thing that Membership Management Services has been successful at is continuing to keep up with the development of software. In the late 90's, when Windows really took off, we moved from a DOS to Windows Package. Because I do a lot of the programming, and own the company, I had the knowledge and was willing to put the time in to move from one platform to another. That's what made us successful. We are one of the few companies that can say they've been successful moving from one platform to more effective ones.

Mike: Is this what makes MM2000 and Membership Management Services stand out above the rest?

Jim: MM2000 stands out because after almost 25 years of development it's what synagogues need. MM2000 has been developed over the years by letting the synagogues tell us what they want, and us modifying the program to match their needs. This has made our software into a more diverse and complete package.

Mike: So what is the next step?

Jim: Well there is a lot of talk right now about going to the cloud, this is indeed the future. We're determined to take another leap forward just like we did with DOS (to Windows), by rewriting our entire package in the language of the internet, JAVA. The project is currently being worked on and by the end of the year we will have something to show everyone at the Conventions.

Mike:  So what is "cloud computing"?

Jim: The cloud is a methodology that allows access to data from many locations. It makes it very easy when you're sitting at home, your office, or even an airport to be able to access your data.

Mike: That is most interesting!

Jim: Well, it also raises a lot of concerns in terms of security; it's not something to just be rushed into. With saying all of that, there are many technologies out there right now to move to the cloud. In fact, a few of our customers have already done this. They are successfully running MM2000 with their data locations separate from their main office.

Mike: Can't synagogue members then just change their own data willingly without the synagogue ever knowing about it?
  
Jim: We feel that it is very important for the back office to be separated from the front office; we don't want the members to be able to manipulate the Synagogue's data. That's why MM2000 is designed with an optional App (module) called MMOnTheWeb. With MMOnTheWeb members can update their records, make donations, and even register for school or events. But because it's a separate application from MM2000 the synagogues never have to worry about members actually accessing the back office. Everything flows back and forth between the two programs smoothly all while providing a huge layer of security.
  
Mike: So why haven't you switched over fully to a cloud based program?

Jim: I think in the next couple of years the internet will be a lot more secure, but at this point every one needs to be very concerned with security. With huge companies like Sony, Google, and even the CIA are being hacked, right now the security just isn't there. That doesn't mean that the cloud isn't on our mind, and that the cloud isn't the future. That's why we are moving to JAVA, the language of the internet.

Mike:  So JAVA is the next step?

Jim: Yes. We are really excited about this. Going to JAVA will accomplish a lot of things. First, like I said, JAVA is the language of the internet. This way we can run the next version of MM2000 as a browser based program, giving you the ability to access the program from anywhere. But even before that, by moving to JAVA we will be able to run on just about any platform; Mac, Windows, even on the Ipad/Iphone and Android. So you truly will be able to run on anything.
  
Mike: That will make the Java version really convenient to access.

Jim: That's not all. You will also be able to theme the next version of MM2000, just like you would any web page. Think of it this way, you go on Constant Contact and select a certain look for your email. Our JAVA product will have the same capabilities. You will be able to pick your colors, font, and general look. I'm really excited to see what synagogues will do with this!
  
Mike: So why go with JAVA and not some other platform?

Jim: JAVA seemed like the most reasonable. We looked at going other directions like .Net, but we didn't want to be tied down by the limitations of just Microsoft. I'm looking at the long distance future, not just the short term future, and in 10 years how will Microsoft fair against everything else? I mean who knows, Android could become the dominant operating system. If we went with .Net we would have been forced to use only a Microsoft Database. As good as they are, they still have limits to what they can do. I see PC's and Ipads (tablets) as the future, and by going to JAVA we are already ready for this.
  
Mike: Is there anything you would like to close with? Anything you want to tell anyone out there?

Jim: Well to close, I like to think that our 25 years of experience speaks for itself. We successfully moved from one platform, DOS to the next, Windows, and now we are taking the next giant leap into the true internet age with JAVA.
  
We've always been about our customers, the synagogues, and what they want, and what their needs are today. MM2000 is an easy to use, user friendly software package. Because of that we have been able to offer the lowest support prices in the industry, usually 30% less than our competers. So even though we have more features than other software, our cost of ownership is much less than the rest of the industry. For example we charge $1100 per year for unlimited multiuser support.

For those who are looking for new synagogue software or just want to find out why MM2000 is the best solution for Synagogue software, check their web page at www.MM2000.net . You can also reach MM2000 & Jim Gelles, by phone at 818/988-0008 or e-mail at jim@mm2000.net. 
 
( The interviewer, Mike Gelles, is the Director of Markting for Membership Management Services, and also the son of owner, Jim Gelles.)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Streaming Your Services - Get Judaism Online.


Streaming Services
It's everyone's dream to walk down the street, and one day get spotted by Steven Spielberg to be the star of his next film.  I can almost guarantee this won't happen, sorry everyone.  But that doesn't mean you still can't be a star in your own right.  

Since the advent of YouTube, the internet has become the next place to get "found" in Hollywood.  From people like Rebecca Black (who used her Bat Mitzvah money to make a music video which became a viral hit) to the Star Wars Kid (one of the first internet sensations when he filmed himself wielding his Light Saber), it's now easier than ever to get noticed.  But we aren't really concerned with becoming famous, now are we?  What we want to be able to do is show the world that it's not what you do that makes you important, but how you live your life.

Today we are going to take a look at how to get that message out there, and how to make it easier for your members to attend services.  We are talking about streaming your Synagogue Services over the internet.

But, why should I stream, this is just something extra to spend money on! There are many times where your members are out of town either on vacation or work.  By streaming your services they can still feel like they are part of the community.  This also goes for the sick and elderly.  These people have trouble leaving their location, yet we don't want to exclude them.   Moreover, a member may have a B'nai Mitzvah, where the members family is out of town.  How great would it be if they could join in the celebration over the internet?  These are just a few reasons why you should think about streaming your services!

Now you could go all out, spending thousands of dollars, bringing in professionals to operate your camera, an editor to throw in some transitions, a sound op to make sure that your choir sounds just right, and even a director to switch from camera A to camera B.  The problem with this, the cost would be way too high for just about any synagogue, and it would involve of working on Shabbat, a big no-no; but that doesn't mean that you can't stream your services.  

The best way to do this is to first find a site to host the stream.  I would suggest using either Justin.TV or Ustream.TV.  Both Justin.TV and Ustream.TV let people set up streams of their lives, TV shows, sports events, and even web cams of their pets.  What's great about both of these sites is that it is free!  You can use Justin.TV or Ustream.TV to host the stream, then just embed it into your website.  It's really easy to use, and makes it so that there is no cost.  The only problem, your viewers will see ads when they first start watching.  There is some good in this also; you can run ads in order to generate some revenue (based on how many people are watching your stream).  

"But Mike, we can't turn on the computer or open web pages, we're shomer Shabbos."  Well, I would do the same thing you do for all your other electrical needs.  Turn your computer on and set everything up before Shabbat.  When the services start, everything will already be running. Because there is no time limit on how long you are allowed to stream, you can just "set it and forget it!" (I think that's how it goes).  

Once you have an idea of how you are going to actually stream your services, you have to find a way to get it to that stream.  A lot of Synagogues will videotape their B'nai Mitzvahs and if you do, then you are already halfway there.  If you don't, then you need to find some sort of camera that will do this.  You could go all out and buy a Sony HXRNX3D1U but do you really need a camera that shoots in 3D and costs thousands of dollars?  Just go to Frys.com and look for web cams.  The technology is there, and you can get a 12 megapixel web cam that shoots in full 1080p HD for less than a hundred dollars.  Try and find something like this; it will do exactly what you need and won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Next, you will need to plug your camera in so that you can stream video, and your mics so you can stream the sound.  The camera is a little more tricky than the mic, so we will cover that first.  One of the many reasons I recommend a web cam is that it is just plug and play; you plug the web cam directly into a usb port on your computer and you are ready to go.  If you decide to use a camera, you will need some sort of capture card (a special piece of equipment that goes into your computer to convert the analog video signal into a digital one).
   
The mics are the easy part.  All computers come with an input for mics, a mini plug (like the one you see on your head phones).  Just connect your mixing board to your computer using one of these cables, or just string a second small mic from the pulpit to the computer.  This will take all of five minuets to do.  Need help?  Just talk to the technician who set up your sound system in the first place and they will be able to take care of it.  Once you've done this, you need to find a way to stream to the internet.  

A laptop would be your best bet to do the actual streaming (in fact, even an older laptop running Windows XP would work).  The laptop would connect to your internet and send the video and audio feed onto the site.  The reason I suggest a laptop is that they all come with Wifi, making connecting to the internet a lot easier.  If you want to go with a desktop, or you don't have Wifi, you can string a small Ethernet cable into the sanctuary (just string it with the other cables you use for mics and speakers) or like I said, use Wifi.  There are other options such as a device that plugs directly into the wall and into an Ethernet cable and runs the internet through your AC/DC circuit.  
Once you have this all set up, just head over to Justin.TV and sign up.  After entering a few pieces of information (name, email, etc.)  you are eady to stream.  But you don't want to send your members to Justin.TV and have them search for you.  The best way to fix this is by embedding the stream into your website.  Justin.TV already provides the code for embedding.  This makes it really easy and simple.  

This may seem like a lot of information or a lot of trouble, but it is actually easier than you think.  With just a few items you can be broadcasting to your members and others around the world in no time.  To give you an idea of what a high quality stream looks like, check out these synagogues who are already streaming:


So what are you waiting for?  Get online and start streaming your services; it's easy, fun, and a great way to spread some Tikkun Olam all over the globe without leaving your house!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Need Some Shabbat? Get It With Social Media!


Shabbat.com
Shabbat On The Go!
Ever been out of town and not know anyone? We've all been there, searching for a place where we can go to feel welcome.  With Social Media the new norm, it only make sense that Judaism would come around to it sooner or later.  Today we take a quick at a great little website that combines both!

Shabbat.com is a place where you can go to find a home for Shabbat.  Say you're out of town, on business, or maybe on vacation, but yet still want to have a nice Shabbat dinner.  You can go to Shabbat.com where they list fellow Jews who are willing to open up their home so that you can join them on Shabbat.  

It's all very safe, as before you can go to someone's home, you must have two references.  If you open your homes to others, you can view pictures of the people who are looking to come to your shabbat dinner, along with seeing their history and whom else they've gone to.

 I think this is a huge leap in how technology is affecting Judaism.  So head over to Shabbat.com and check it out for yourself!