1. Find THAT Board Member - Who comes to mind as the natural influencer in the group? Who does the board respect, appreciate, like? Who is modern, hip, and tech-savvy? Anyone popular on social media? Who has the latest iPhone in their pocket? If they have a background in software or a tech-related field, you definitely want them to be an advocate.

Send Them Resources - As you consider new technology, forward them the resources you receive from the tech company. Include them in demo calls. Let them know their input is valued & necessary. Listen-- You need to have their buy-in. Technology does not raise money-- people do. Talk about their concerns & listen if they are not on board. Let Them Pitch It-- Find THAT board member to cultivate and include them in the decision-making process. When an influential member of the group pitches the idea to the board rather than a staff member, buy-in is much stronger.

2. Explain the Value -- Clearly explain why adding technology is in everyone’s best interest, especially those benefiting from your cause.

For example, technology can help :

Raise more money to support clients/programs Acquire new donors Collect valuable donor data to foster relationships Make the board members look cool Reflect an organizational culture of modernity, innovation, and forward-thinking Reduce the line at check-in Armed with clear practical reasons like these, your board can overcome the little frustrations associated with implementing something new.

technophobia

3. Reduce Discomfort-- People tend to resist the unknown, especially when it contains technology. I mean, think about it...technophobia goes back to the Industrial Revolution. Consider works of literature about the destructive effects of technology, like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Expect the push-back, but plan your response.

You don’t need to be tech-savvy! That’s the software company’s job. A great technology tool will have strong customer service to help educate and guide you. However...when technology goes awry, have an action plan. Are you going to notify a specific person ? Write down the issue? Call customer service? What are the specific action steps to mitigate stress? Do you have a millennial or younger board member who enjoys technology? Assure the board that this millennial has it under control--it’s second-nature to them, after all.

4.Read #1 Again-- It is the most important.

Photo credit top to bottom: Association for Psychological Science, ES Resource Support Center