Field Guide to Technology Tools for Association Executives
(Updated March 2011)
This guide will help you learn tips for doing information technology yourself, keep up with legal issues and learn new training ideas. (D. Shumaker, Senior Library Information Specialist)
Technology Presentation
NAR's Chief Technology Officer Mark Lesswing presented to the 2008 Leadership Summit in Chicago on technology issues and adapting to change.
Technology in Practice 
How to Pick the Right New-Media Communications Tools, (Associations Now, July 2010). Some new media surge in popularity and then quickly disappear. Others really are around for the long haul, or at least long enough to make a difference for your organization. The trick for association communicators is to know which is which.
Online Video: Not as Scary as You Think, (Associations Now, Mar. 2010). As online video continues to grow as a medium, it means videographer, director, and video editor are all new hats for an association professional to wear. One association communicator has found great early success with video and shares her tips for doing video right. Plus, a visual guide to an effective video.
What Cloud Computing Means to REALTOR® Associations, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2010). The hype surrounding technology's latest buzzword may be larger than what cloud computing can deliver, right now at least.
Boards and Blogs: Does Your Association Need a Blog?, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2009). An in-depth look at which REALTOR® associations are blogging, why they made the decision to blog, and how you can get started.
Struggling with Social Media? Here's Why, (Associations Now, June 2009). Now that we've all stumbled out of the blocks on social media, it's time to get it right. Marketing and social media expert Charlene Li says one rule comes before all others: Use social media within the context of your association's strategic goals. Otherwise, why bother?
Using Technology to Advance Your Board, (Nonprofit World, May/June 2009). Q Use your Web site to help create a strong, energized board of directors.
Escape from the email monster, (Associations Now, Mar. 2009). Email is a great business tool, but too often it feels like a chore, if not an absolute nightmare. With better habits and better tools, learn how to tame the beast in your inbox.
Using Social Media to Advance Your Goals, (Nonprofit World, Jan/Feb. 2009). Q Successful non-profits not only communicate regularly with their constituents -- they also provide channels for interaction and dialogue. The Internet provides powerful solutions for you to build relationships with supporters in innovative ways.
2008 Realtor® Association Technology Survey, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2008). Associations are spending more on technology and providing more online services than ever before while battling spam and struggling to find new ways to make members embrace technology.
Consumer Web sites: Alternative Sites, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Fall 2007). More and more associations are launching informational Web sites, for a variety of reasons, specifically targeting consumers.
Tech Watch: New Kid on the Block? Assess Your Tech Needs, (REALTOR® Magazine, Mar. 2007). From choosing cell phones to GPS solutions, here’s what you need to know to make wise decisions when outfitting your new business with technology.
Technology Training
Build Your E-Learning Business Model, (Associations Now, Mar. 2011). Associations have learned the hard way that a "build it and they will come" attitude is not enough for a profitable e-learning program. But if you follow five strategic principles, you can build an e-learning business model that will provide a positive revenue flow sooner rather than later.
Build an eLearning Center in 120 Days, (Associations Now, Aug. 2009). "If you build it, they will come." That's what one association hoped for when it put together an e-learning center in 120 days.
Take Your Meetings Online, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Fall 2008). Web-based collaboration and meeting tools save (gas) money and time.
Teach first, install second, (Associations Now, Mar. 2008). The biggest roadblock to success with a new technology in the workplace? Your own staff. As promising as your fancy new system might be, if you don’t teach your staff how to adapt, they’ll never fully realize those new advantages you’re trying to give them.
Technology and the Law
Social Media Resources for Associations, (National Association of REALTORS®, n.d.). Includes links to Social Media Guidelines, Checklist for Drafting an Employee Social Media Policy, Checklist for Drafting a Blog Policy, Social Media and your Association, Social Media RPAC Q&A, and Using NAR Trademarks in Usernames.
MLSs Embrace Social Media, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Fall 2010). Although associations have encountered problems with members displaying other members' listings on social media sites, so far, this issue is not widespread.
Technology Use Policy, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2009). How staff can and should be using the technology at your association to avoid liability.
Blogging at Work: It’s Time to Draft a Social Media Policy, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2009). Social networking has opened up a whole new realm of employee activity that associations should regulate with clear policy to avoid legal liability.
Tech Reviews
REALTOR® Magazine Buyers Guide, Get details on the latest products and technologies that impact your business.
CNET, Previews, rates and reviews a wide range of consumer technology - from cell phones and digital cameras to PDAs and home stereos.
PCWorld, Online version of the popular magazine. Top 10 lists for PCs, laptops, peripherals, etc. Offers some tech tips and training for simple upgrades and pc maintenance.
Center for REALTOR® Technology Blog, Keep up to date with what's catching the attention of NAR's tech gurus.
Security Issues
Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business, (Federal Trade Commission, n.d.). Interactive tutorial on creating a sound data security plan.
Curb Financial Data Risk, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Fall 2008). Keeping members’ credit card numbers on file may be riskier than you thought.
Best Practices for MLS Data Security, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2006). You may refer to it as “data,” but to thieves, your MLS listings are valuable content. To secure your content, consider using a number of tools and methods.
Avoiding Data Disaster: Many small businesses fail to protect their core documents from the threat of calamity, (Vital Records Protection, June 4, 2003).
The Center for REALTOR® Technology (CRT), facilitates the adoption and use of technology by REALTOR® organizations.
The following publications relate to technology issues for associations.
REALTOR® Secure White Papers & Executive Briefs
The Association Executive's Guide to Protecting Real Estate Information, (Nov. 2004). [PDF File]
Technology Reports
Curious about the latest technologies? Consult the NAR's Technology Reports to discover how emerging technologies will impact REALTORS®.
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following ebooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Blogging for Business (MP3/WMA Audiobook)
Buying a Computer For Dummies (Adobe eReader)
Digital Video For Dummies (Adobe eReader)
Electronics for Dummies (Adobe eReader)
Marketing to the Social Web: How Digital Customer Communities Build Your Business (Adobe eReader)
Nonprofit Internet Strategies (Adobe eReader)
Podcasting for Dummies (Adobe eReader)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Information Central. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Central at 800.874.6500 for assistance.
A Real Estate Agents Guide to Technology, (Chicago: Trans-Equity Inc., 2009). HF 5548.5 B64a
Policies and Procedures in Association Management: A Benchmarking Guide [Technology], (Washington DC: ASAE, 2006). HF 294 Am3ppt
Realty Blogging: build your brand and outsmart your competition, (Chicago, IL: McGraw-Hill, 2006). HF 5548 N11
Digital handshake: finding revenue in new relationships, (Chicago, IL: American Society of Association Executives, 2002). HF 5415 H22
Executive's guide to Internet law, (Washington, D.C.: American Society of Association Executives, 2001). HF 294 M61
The myth of the paperless office, (Cambridge, MA.: MIT Press, 2002). HF 5521 S43
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Choosing and Using a Smartphone
Field Guide to Marketing with Blogs
Field Guide to Redesigning Association Web Sites
Field Guide to Using Digital Video as a Marketing Tool
>> Have an idea for a new Field Guide? Click here to send us your suggestions!
The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
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