Using technology to extend your program reach or further your mission is not something which happens overnight. It requires planning and assessment of your target community's readiness and willingness to follow you as you begin the process of communicating via the web.Here are some actions you might wish to take before you move online, and while you do your preliminary planning.
Do an online activity yourself, preferably using the type of technologies/software you intend to use with your community. I used blogging as my introductory activity, but you might use "Facebook", My Space"or LinkedIn.
Seek online communities specifically for your type of business or area of interest/work. How are they communicating online? Will a social network of this sort help you to achieve your goals?
Identify practitioners in your field, online, and see what they're doing. If you are comfortable, ask them to link with your blog or reference your website on theirs.
Locate resources and professional development opportunities that could help you understand the possibilities presented to you by moving online. Talk to younger people to see what they're interested in seeing online. Tie your e-mail to your blog, by adding a "Visit my blog" or "Look for me on Facebook" as a part of your signature line. The challenge is to connect, connect, connect.
Share resources online with your target market or program participants.
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