Podcasts about tiny blue sky

What’s In This Episode: Brad hates the word "content". He thinks that whatever you put out, it's got to be of a quality that people would pay you for it (and sometimes, they do). "It's very different to know your boundaries and then to actually do something about them. " - Jill Web designer, podcast host, musician, and mother of twins Gretchen DeVault calls in to ask how to deal with burnout. Brad and Jill advise her on why sleep is so important, scheduling a day off every now and then, turning off tech, and consider outsourcing some of her responsibilities. And how can she cover that cost? Raise prices! "Speak in your own voice and tell your own stories." - Brad Content used to be a thing that set businesses apart but now we're drowning in it, says Brad. So how can you stand out from the noise? They discuss lazy content, consistency, and inspiration. Where are you in the stages of entrepreneurial success?  Listen in!» Guest: Gretchen DeVault is the co-founder and lead web designer and strategist for Tiny Blue Sky. She has 15+ years of web design and branding experience and an established record of producing award-winning work that drives business. Gretchen is also a business expert and shares her love of all things entrepreneurship as co-host of Lean the F*ck Out, a weekly podcast for female entrepreneurs. She is also a singer/songwriter and guitarist for the indie pop band The Icicles(along with her husband Zane), and shoegazer band Voluptuous Panic. Her music has been licensed in commercials for Motorola and Target, as well as several independent films.

In this episode, we're talking with Zane DeVault, lead developer at co-founder of Tiny Blue Sky about updating WordPress plugins. Zane explains why plugins need to be updated regularly on WordPress websites, what to do if something goes wrong during the update, the importance of backing up your website and some overall website maintenance best practices. What is a WordPress plugin? If you currently have a WordPress site, you might know that some of its functionality is made possible by plugins. A plugin is a bit of software that can be added to your site to do a thing that your site couldn't do before. For instance, let's say you want to have an online store but your current site doesn't include ecommerce. A plugin can be added to your site, and voila, you're in business. How to choose a plugin? There are currently 54,737 plugins available to extend your website experience. And that number is growing all the time. So how do you know which one to chose? Zane recommends starting within your current site. On your WordPress Dashboard, hover over Plugins and select Add New. The plugins here have been vetted by WordPress. From there, look for Plugins that have been installed on lots of other sites and check for high ratings. Updating plugins: when, why and how Like most software, plugins require updates from time-to-time to keep them secure and working as they were intended. You should update your plugins—it's a good thing. Before you update, back up your site and your database. Not sure how? Check with your host (Zane recommends WPEngine and Flywheel. At Tiny Blue Sky, we use WPEngine and love that it automatically backs up our site daily). If your host doesn't make backing up easy for you, there are plugins that can help. Zane references Backup Buddy, Updraft, VaultPress and Duplicator. Once your site is backed up, update the plugins and then give your site a quick once over to ensure everything is in working order. If for some reason something isn't working properly, pat yourself on the back for having a back up. Contact your host or developer and ask them to help you restore your site. Zane recommends updating your plugins every week. This ensures you won't miss a security update, unintentionally making your site vulnerable to an attack.  What happens if you don’t update your plugins? There's a chance that nothing will happen. That said, you're also leaving your site open to the possibility of an attack. If you're hacked you're site could go down or become associated spam activity, which will negatively impact your Google search results. Have something to ask Zane? If you have a question for Zane. let us know. We may use it in a future episode of the Tech Savvy Nonprofit Podcast. Send your question to zane@tinybluesky.com.

In this episode of the Tech Savvy Nonprofit, we dive into digital marketing and online tools that nonprofits and foundations should be using.   WEBSITE Most nonprofits at the very least have a website. But the big piece that’s often lacking here is a good website OR not utilizing your website as a tool on an ongoing basis rather than as a brochure. Tool Recommendations: WordPress or SquareSpace Yoast for SEO if you have WordPress Google Analytics SOCIAL MEDIA The platform(s) depends on your organization. Social media is the place where you can build more community with your cheerleaders. It’s probably not where you’ll find donors, but it is where you can get people to share info about your org. Tool Recommendations: Sprout Social / Buffer / HootSuite EMAIL MARKETING Email marketing is one of the best ways to connect directly with your audience. It is extremely cost effective and it’s measurable! Tool Recommendations: MailChimp ActiveCampaign or Drip.co Should be managing this in AirTable and Asana DONOR SOFTWARE As you initiate relationships with people online, you need a place to store and organize that information. Many donor systems integrate with your website, which is great for online giving. They also give donors and other the ability to keep their contact information with you up-to-date. EDITORIAL CALENDAR & PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS Process is everything. It really is. You need to plan and manage your content. Don’t just let it happen haphazardly. Tool Recommendations: AirTable or Google Docs Spreadsheet Asana for project management The Tech Savvy Nonprofit Podcast is brought to you by Tiny Blue Sky.

In this episode, we discuss five essential things that should be part of every nonprofit or foundation’s website.   Good Bones   Ability to update the site (easy-to-use CMS) Runs smooth and is fast Built mobile-first Google Analytics Optimized for search Security  The Right Messaging Positioning. Clear and concise (rather than we do a bunch of programs). Avoid the internal jargon. Know your audiences and speak to them What is your story? Make us love you more. Navigation That is Easy to Follow Don’t overwhelm your audience If you have to direct people as to where to find things on your website, you have a navigation issue. Don’t structure your menu like you structure your organization. Your audience doesn’t think in the terms you do. Think like your audience!! How would they be looking for content?  Professional Design that Reflects Your Organization Just because you are a nonprofit doesn’t mean your site should look outdate. Part of design should be user experience. Hire a professional. Does the website reflect the experience a client/volunteer/member/potential donor has in person? It should! Grows your impact Websites are often forgotten about, but they are working for your org 24/7 Your website is not a flyer or business card What organizational goals do you have tied to your website? The content (messaging and imagery) makes the audience want to engage with your organization, whether it is via volunteering, donating or spreading the word How are you making the case for your organization on an on-going basis? The Tech Savvy Nonprofit is brought to you by Tiny Blue Sky.

In this episode, Tera Wozniak Qualls, founder and CEO of Momentum for Impact, LLC and Gretchen DeVault, co-founder and Director of Digital and Creative Services at Tiny Blue Sky, talk about finding your network in a new city, the importance of learning and support, and the difference being authentic to yourself can make.

In this episode of Lean the F*ck Out, Gretchen DeVault, co-founder and Director of Digital and Creative Services at Tiny Blue Sky and Tera Wozniak Qualls, founder and CEO of Momentum for Impact, LLC, talk with Maureen Isern, founder of Moped Productions. The three women talk about the struggle of taking work one day at a time, celebrating accomplishments, affirming progress, and making our businesses our priority.

In this episode, Tera Wozniak Qualls, founder and CEO of Momentum for Impact, LLC and Gretchen DeVault, co-founder and Director of Digital and Creative Services at Tiny Blue Sky, talk about identifying the ideal client while weeding out the dysfunctional ones, staying steady and trying out new systems, honing models and staying targeted, and keeping creativity in all our work. There two lessons for the week include developing a client score card and giving their models a chance.