Skype has been around for quite some time – long before FaceTime and Google Hangouts. It was a lifesaver when I was interning in the United Kingdom in college and it was especially handy when I wanted to see my dog while I was away at school. But one of the most innovative – and expense reducing – Skype uses is the job interview. With several video chat programs out there, it’s possible to use virtually any device with a camera to conduct an interview these days. And you absolutely should. The obvious plusses: You don’t have to worry about being onsite. You can interview people from all over the world in the same exact way. And, from the perspective of a Millennial, this makes you look like an incredibly cutting edge company. There are obviously some disadvantages to a digital interview. But here are a few ways to set expectations, eliminate those disadvantages, and get everything you need out of the Skype interview. Test your connection…and the software. You’ve got to know the software and the hardware and you need to make sure that everything works properly. Nothing screams “YOU DON’T WANT TO WORK HERE” louder than a 10-minute…

The changing business landscape has forced companies to constantly evaluate and redefine their concept of working teams, and how these teams are constructed. The evolution of management priorities, along with advances in technology, has pushed organizations toward leaner and more flexible structures. Nonprofit organizations, like their for-profit brethren, are realizing the need to specialize in order to differentiate from competitive organizations. They’re choosing to be unique to someone over being everything to everyone. They’re choosing to cultivate talent and focus on services that support core strengths. The looming question is how to fill the gaps that fall outside of core strengths. Many organizations turn to outsourcing, a growing trend consistent with the need to produce more with less. This is particularly applicable to marketing. With the right talent, outsourcing doesn’t have to feel like working with an outsider. Whether the arrangement is temporary project-based assistance or freelance assignment, the benefits most often far outweigh the cost. Sometimes, we can’t see the forest for the trees. Outside strategists can introduce a fresh perspective and help you gain altitude to see the problem in new ways. External resources come with added expertise. Organizations to tell their stories through many venues, and to…

The nonprofit sector is an incredible force given all the good it does every year. Quite literally, it is a source with which to be reckoned, as it makes up about 10% of the US work force. Those who work at nonprofit organizations take the task of improving the social and cultural fabric of our world very seriously. Made up of roughly 1.5 million organizations in the US, nonprofits address issues ranging from local animal rescue to helping underserved autistic populations learn skills that will make them employable them as they age out of programs and into adulthood. At the heart of every legitimate organization is a mission that has an impact. The traditional sources for funding of nonprofits has always been charitable—be it private funding, individual donations, grants, or otherwise. Straightforward donations and fundraisers have been the most popular sources of financial development. But, that is changing with the times. Enter the Social Entrepreneur. Just as technology has changed consumer behavior over the years, philanthropy, too, is changing. And technology (especially social media) has democratized philanthropy. Now, anyone with a smartphone can easily support a friend’s attempt to raise funds for their charity of choice with just a couple…

Whether you are leading a nonprofit team, a project, an agency, cultural institution, or angling to be the leader in your next career move, you’ll learn something along the way if you stay connected to these 5 great nonprofit leadership blogs. 1. Nonprofit With Balls If you prefer to read leadership advice with a lot of bite, humor, and pop culture references, you really must subscribe to Vu Lee’s blog, Nonprofit With Balls. The blog covers a wide range of topics which affect all leaders in nonprofit, but with an infectiously witty slant. Want to better understand job descriptions for an open position? Be sure to refer to his recent post, “Common nonprofit terms and concepts and what they actually mean.” Otherwise you won’t realize that “a dynamic work environment” is often code for “a very disorganized group”. 2. Seth’s Blog Leadership isn’t sector or job specific. It can help you in your journey to become a better person, one who can inspire others to give their best, whether it is your kid or your co-workers. A very literal characteristic of a leader is being the one who goes first. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more forward-thinking blogger…