When Will The "Twitter" of Mobile Payments Hit Mainstream?

A colleague recently forwarded me an article from MediaPost about a new study from Pew about the role of mobile web in people’s “digital lives.” (Love that phrase, digital lives.)


As someone very new to mobile web (I was forced into it by the recent demise of my old cell phone), I wasn’t surprised to learn that most Americans (61%) still prefer the good ole PC/Laptop browser to surf the digital waves, but apparently more and more of us are getting the hang of this mobile thing, especially now that we have screens where you don’t need a microscope to read.

The Pew Study defines digital users into 10 groups based on their level of engagement in social networks and mobile media adaptation, which are summarized in the MediaPost Article:

5 groups who are using the mobile web :

• Digital Collaborators: (8% of the population) Very much about continual information exchange with others, as they frequently interact with others to create and share content or express themselves.

• Ambivalent Networkers: (7%) Extremely active in using social networking sites and accessing digital resources "on the go," yet aren't always thrilled to be contacted by others.

• Media Movers: (7%) Active distributors of user-generated content such as photos and videos.

• Roving Nodes: (9%) Active managers of their social lives via basic applications--texting and emailing--to connect with others, pass along information, and improve personal productivity.

• Mobile Newbies: (8%) Many in this group are recent cell phone adopters and very enthusiastic about how mobile service makes them more accessible.

Stationary media users include:

• Desktop Veterans: (13%) Tech-oriented, but in a "year 2004" kind of way. They consume online information and connect with others through traditional means such as email on a high-speed home connection.

• Drifting Surfers: (14%) Have the tools for connectivity, but are relatively infrequent users.

• Information Encumbered: (10%) Spend an average amount of time online, but complain about information overload and need help getting gadgets to work.

• Tech Indifferent: (10%) Have limited online access at home, and while most have cell phones, they bristle at their intrusiveness.

• Off the Network: (14%) Lack the tools for connecting digitally, with neither online access or cell phones.

I would venture to say that Gen Yers, and increasingly Gen Xers, fall into the first three groups of Mobile Users: creating, sharing and distributing content (yes, photo albums count), keeping tabs on social networks, and looking for professional opportunities online.

The Pew Study also notes that shift in trends, which is, in a way a "duh" finding: people in the more mobile-attached group said it would be increasingly more difficult to live without their cell phones. As I discovered a few months ago, for many, their cell phone (or PDA) functions as much more than a way to call someone up and say hello.

With increased screen size, connectivity, storage capacity and ease of use, I wonder when the day will come when I won't need my laptop at all.

But for fundraising, as for many consumer product marketers, there is still one catch that has not been popularized: as a Gen Yers, I like things to be quick and easy. Trying to type my credit card number into a cell phone screen is a huge pain in the behind, plus, I am not that comfortable with the "security" of the whole transaction. This means, that if I want to donate (or if the case might be purchase) something, I still have to log in to my laptop, browse over to your website, fill in all the info...I know this doesn't sound difficult to do, but having to switch technologies can be a roadblock-if this is the only reason I need to turn on my laptop, I may choose not to.

So, when is the "Twitter" of mobile payments going to hit mainstream--concise, to the point, an easily accessible via text, email, or IM? PayPal has a way to transfer funds via your cell phone, but in a recent experiment, this also turned out to be a bit of pain to figure out. More importantly, I have never met anyone actually using it for regular payments, and on a professional levels, most organizations I am familiar with have only recently added PayPal as a payment option on their website, if at all.

Wouldn't it be neat if you could text "Give $15 to Red Cross" to a specific number, and alakazam!, like magic, $15 gets transferred from your checking to the Red Cross?

The technology is certainly out there. Cell phones are used to pay for all kinds of things worldwide, and as Americans catch up to the rest of the world in getting attached to their cell phones for all of life's "information-related" needs, I hope my fears about the fundraising community's pace to "mobelize" will be long forgotten.

I know there are several organizations out there working on creating apps for cell phones that will do just that, and figuring out how to navigate the whole thing from a technological perspective (check out MobileActive for all kinds of useful info), but the tipping point has not yet materialized on our side of the Atlantic.

So what can you do?

• Learn about mobile, and I mean learn it. What does it mean? What are the constraints? Understand the tech side of it: like what happens during those commercials that say "just text YES to 87946"? How does that work? I'm not saying you need to become a telecomm expert, but you need to get it conceptually, the same way you get the caging process for your DM gifts.

• Understand the differences between payment with text or via web. With people using their cell phones to text and browse, learn about vendors offering mobile payment applications, both via text and via a mobile web payment app.

• Find a "mobile" mentor-an organization or company that is doing mobile well and ask your mentor the "what don't we know yet" questions: i.e.-given what you have experienced, what do you think we all still need to think about?

• Start to put a mobile plan in place at your organization. Start at the conceptual level-what could mobile do for us? How will it change the way our donors interact with us? What added value could we provide to them and also, what are the potential pitfalls?

• Ask yourself: are we, as an organization, prepared to handle mobile? If not, what do we need to do to get there? (How will you account for donations via a mobile device in your donor database for example? Or, how will you create "renewal" efforts via the mobile web? Do you have a mobile-browsable version of your website?)

• Keep a close eye on the private sector. Where they go, we will, inevitably, follow.

Where is the Nonprofit "Apprentice"?

The other day, I was watching a show on Style Network called "Running in Heels." In this show, three interns compete for a position at Marie Claire magazine.

What a great promo for the mag, I thought to myself. And, this was just the newest in a myriad of reality TV shows, that while not specifically focusing on promoting a specific company or product, acts a great promo vehicle. Love Top Model? Each and every show they mention the grand prize-a spread in Seventeen magazine. Ever watch Top Chef? Those people at Glad sure must be loving their stuff flashed in front of our eager viewing faces. And the likely most unabashed promotion of stuff I have seen lately is on Biggest Loser,"where the trainers helpfully give advice on "losing weight" by shamelessly exulting the weight loss benefits of a certain brand of gum, or oatmeal, or cereal.

Really, it's a win win for everyone. Someone waving around a box of cheerios isn't going to turn me off from finding out who is going to be voted off that week, and hey, maybe next time I am at the store, I will pick up a box of those Heart-healthy treats.

The best symbiotic reality TV relationship I have seen has to be The Apprentice. For product marketers, Donald Trump must be the holy grail. Not only do they get to launch new products to the American public, BUT they even get free marketing ideas from teams of highly educated, highly ambitious individuals competing to be not fired by the Donald.


(picture from www.businesspundit.com)

Even if they have to pay to be part of the show, millions of eyes glued to their product for close to an hour has to be well worth it, especially compared to the declining ROI of TV ads.

Why am I going on and on about this? Thinking about this, I got to wondering, where is the Nonprofit equivalent of "Running in Heels," or "The Apprentice"? Just imagine the exposure a nonprofit organization could get from its own version of "The Apprentice?" Some are already reaping the rewards from celebrities competing to claim the title on the celebrity version, with huge amounts being raised an exposure for organizations little know nation-wide.

Just imagine the possibilities: What if the top prize wasn't a job with Trump, but say getting to work with Melinda Gates at the Gates Foundation? What if instead of competing to be Paris Hilton's new BFF, the competition was to be Angelina Jolie's travel assistant while she was busy ambassadoring on behalf of the UN?

Maybe some might think that a show centered on a nonprofit would be depressing, but I think it has all the makings of a reality TV show.

Just imagine the tasks the frenzied contestants could compete in:

• Plan a huge fundraising dinner, including corralling rich people and their friends, getting goodie bags, and meanwhile, actually making some money on behalf of the organization
• Convince "The Board" about a new strategy or project
• Put together an annual report (good luck getting that info from the field offices ;) )
• Train volunteers
• Come up with a great new "a-thon"
• Get the most "goods" donated for your cause
• Figure out a way to recruit the maximum amount of people to your cause
• Recruit the most people to your Facebook group
• Convince the IT department to "let go" of the website..

This could be a great show. A great way not only to come up with new ideas, but to provide exposure to the serious business on nonprofit work, from fundraising to helping hands on the ground. A great way to spark people's interests in building a do-gooding career.

And a great way to reach out to Gen Y. We grew up with watching the proverbial people "like ourselves" do all kinds of strange things on television. We are the generation that made the Real World, a.k.a. the mama of all reality shows, a generational institution and have kept it going for longer than some Millinneals have been alive.

So come on MTV, where is that "alternative spring break" host and party? And hey, NBC/Hulu--I want to be the next "Gates Foundation Apprentice." And I know a lot of people who would compete for the opportunity to spend 1 year setting up the new field office somewhere in a far away land. I even bet we'd get lots of corporate sponsors falling all over themselves to get featured as the "proud sponsor" of whatever task at hand. TV producers-do not fear, there would be drama galore!

When "Not Me" Comes Home, how is giving affected?

Something unprecedented is happening in the United States, at least unprecedented for my generation. According to news reports, Americans are saving more of their monthly earnings now than they have for decades.

We are so spooked, it seems we have turned from a country of instantly gratified consumers to careful ants, building up stocks for the rainy day (that has apparently already come). So if people are saving more, does that mean they have more to give? Given the panicked state of most Americans about the economy, will they give even if they can?

Many organizations are certainly feeling the pinch. Odds are if you are an organization that fundraises for anything other than things like feeding people, putting clothes on their backs, performing life-saving medical miracles, you are on your 9th million reforecast of your projected budget for the next few months, with your marketing and finance team secretly bidding on magic crystal balls on Ebay that may give some insight into when things will turn around.

As a fairly frequent donor, I have been using myself as a giving weather-vane (very scientific, I know). And, based on my very large test group and extensive scientific methods, I have developed a theory that goes like this:

Donors are likely to keep giving in difficult economic times as long as they are living in a "this is not happening to me" universe. As soon as their direct personal network is affected, donors are likely to retract giving.

What do I base this on? I have written here before about my giving habits: Give once a month to an organization I care about, on a rotating basis. Even as news of collapsing stock markets, multbillion dollar companies disappearing over night, huge layoffs, was spinning all around me, I did not stop giving. Sure, I got nervous. Cutback on spending. But when my local radio station had its annual membership drive in February, I gave them $60. I was actually spurred to give by the thought that this year they needed my dollars more than ever since some of their prior donors may be even more needed!

And then, last week happened. Two people in my immediate network lost their jobs. Now these are very bright people, great at what they do, and frankly, people I would hire in a minute. "If they can lose their jobs, no one is safe!" is what my mind was thinking.

And then I got an email from another organization I give to here and there. They are in a dire crisis. They need my help. But, well, since no one is safe anymore, should I give them my dollars, or squirrel them away in my bank account? I have not given yet.

I write this not to scare. But because this is what we are up against as a fundraising community this year. Even those steadfast donors we can always "count" may be faltering. Even those who are fine (like me), are worried that they won't be fine tomorrow. And so the case we must make, is that parting with those dollars is worth it. The last thing I would want to do is to regret giving away my money to an organization.

While driving home yesterday, I heard something that has certainly inspired me to continue giving, even when I am uncertain. Peter Singer, the Australian animal rights philosopher, has come out with a new book called The Life You Can Save. Here is the example Mr. Singer gave the host: (paraphrasing):

Say you are going to work in your nice suit and shoes and you see a kid drowning
in a shallow pond. Go in and ruin your shoes. But you would push that thought
right out of your mind and wade right in to save the child.

Well, Mr. Singer's basic argument is, that just because you don't see the kid thrashing around in the pond, doesn't mean you couldn't save a life for the cost of a pair of shoes. And let's face it: even if you were out of a job, wondering how you are going to make your next house payment, on your way to an interview, you would still run in to save the child from drowning, ruined nice shoes and all.

I don't think I'll be spending cash to buy Mr. Singer's book, but I will certainly spend time thinking about how we, as fundraisers, can re-create the "obvious" need for giving this story evokes. And I'll keep on giving.

There is no where left for young people to hide on the internet

Last June, a certain presidential candidate admitted to the New York Times that "I don't e-mail. I've never felt the particular need to e-mail."

Fast forward one election lost and a party recovering from "social media whiplash" and guess we learn that Senator McCain is doing a "Twitterview" with ABC's George Stephanopoulos.

Forget the politics and consider this: the oldest man to ever run for president, who just 8 months ago was "learning to get online", is now going to get interviewed and limit himself to answers that are 140 characters or less.

The first thing I have to wonder is whether he is going to be actually answering the questions or if there is going to be some younger whipper-snapper condensing into Twitter-speak. Can one go from no email to thinking in 140 characters in under a year, after a lifetime of pens and ink?

I certainly think so. And as an industry, this should make us take notice. As a Gen Yer, I have to wonder if there's anywhere left to hide. The fastest growing population on Facebook are 50 somethings. They long ago took over MySpace. I wonder if John McCain knows how to text message? Maybe we can hide out in mobile for a while...

Who knows how the interview will go tomorrow or how many )questions will actually get answered, but if you are as curious as me, you can follow it here at noon eastern tomorrow.

(picture from http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/03/twitterview-wit.html)

Networking grows more crucial in economic downturn

When I first graduated from college, I wasn't sure what to do with myself. A friend of mine from Germany, who was about to move back, had an internship at an online news agency focusing on developing world issues. She asked me if I might be interested in this type of thing. Why the heck not, I thought to myself. And poof! I was the new D.C. office intern at this news agency. I did not realize it at the time, but I was harnessing the power of networking.

In the time since, I would say that 50% of my career opportunities have in some way come thru my networks. And I am, what I would call, a network "underutilizer"-I am generally hesitant to use my personal and professional networks for career advancement.

But in difficult economic times, personal relationships are growing increasingly important for not only personal and organizational growth, but for basic survival. The odds are in the networkers favor.

Recently I received the following email with the following subject line from my Alma Mater:

Subject: "Hire a Hoya!"

Part of the body of the email included the following:

"I am writing today to ask for your support of fellow members of the Georgetown community, particularly those who are preparing to embark upon their journey into the professional world outside of Healy Gates. Georgetown's dedication to educating yet another generation of conscientious leaders who make a disproportionate difference in the world makes these young, bright and passionate students eager and willing to take on new challenges and embrace new opportunities. Fellow alumni may also be looking to embark on a new professional endeavor or transition given the economic conditions of today. You have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of both."

The email then went on with helpful suggestions as to how we, the alumni community, could benefit from the eager young minds, just a few months away from graduation:

"Open doors for fellow alumni and students...

• Harness the enthusiasm and mind of a current student by hiring a summer intern to take on innovative projects at a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee.
• Hire an eager graduating senior into their first position after graduation.
• Tap into the expertise of fellow alumni by hiring those who have been building upon their Georgetown education and foundation in a variety of industries.
• Share your expertise with students and alumni alike who are excited to connect with you."

In the years since I have graduated college, (and ok, it's not that many), I have been contacted numerous times through email and mail, like all alumni, to participate in local alumni events, donate, network, but never had the request to hire been so direct, and in some ways, so desperate. Basic message: we've got kids graduating college, on-campus recruitment is down, and we've got to get them into jobs! That's what a college education is supposed to get you!

At a recent event I attended, author and consultant Dave Evans, spoke of the "social network funnel" for both product and personal use.

While the funnels may be somewhat different, the key to both from a social networking perspective, according to Dave, was the feedback loop, that has become both instantaneous and real-time in a constantly connected world.

How you present yourself to your networks is key. Dave's suggestion for organization that haven't started on the networking process? Start by listening.

Google yourself (your organization). Subscribe to an RSS reader and put in key words that are relevant to you. If need be, pay for listening intelligence.

Almost anyone I know my age has at some point Google themselves. But how many organizations regularly keep up with what the online and social "network" is saying about them? If listening is the first step, becoming part of the conversation, and even learning to manage it's direction is advanced level super Mario Brothers. Who's got the handle on that? No one I know of. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't actively engage in learning how to.

Dave Evans suggested that there were three key networks currently to focus on from a personal perspective (I am paraphrasing here):

1) LinkedIn: People I know professionally/have seen me "operate" (I would say this is your "narrowest network)

2) Facebook/Myspace: People who've met my kids/wife/partner/know about that night in college...

3) Twitter: People who at some point in the future may be able to answer a question I might have

If these are the three key personal networks, then what are the three key organizational networks to be engaged in. My opinion, the only one that is currently different is #1:

1) YouTube: Show the world what my organization is doing

2) Facebook/Myspace: Tell the world about me and how they can find out more about me

3) Twitter: Update and get Feedback from the world about "what my organization is doing right now. Folks in PR departments, don't panic, TwitterWall lets you post in more than 140 characters.

Special note: the three networks above, are of course, subject to rapid and unexpected change. Just aske the folks at Friendster.

socStardom2: Social Media Marketing with Dave Evans

View more presentations from Mayra Ruiz-mcpherson.

Thanks so much to Mayra Ruiz-McPherson for slides/great evening with Social media minded folk in DC/herding great speakers!