Beth’s Blog

Can Stories Be Data?

Your numerical data can tell stories, but can stories be data that leads to continuous improvement?   Do numbers only matter?

There are lots of debates in the amazing world of measurement and learning.

The only valid data is quantitative data
Real time analysis is not useful because it is drive by analysis
Make data-driven decisions only, don’t trust your gut ever
Only measure impact, not process

And so it goes ……

Yesterday I came to the conclusion that it isn’t an either/or, but a both/and.  … Read More

Measuring Social Media Outcomes Is Easier than Measuring Hurricane Strength

I grew up in a small town by the New Jersey shore in a house a block from the Atlantic Ocean that my elderly parents still live in today.       With Hurricane threatening a direct hit and potential devastating damage,  emergency officials called for a mandatory evacuation — something that hasn’t happened in many years.… Read More

What Does the Data Say?

What Does the Data Say? Guest Post by George Weiner, DoSomething.Org

Note from Beth: Last week, I wrote about SoSomeThing.Org as an example of a nonprofit with a “data-driven culture.”   What initially caught my eye was the above presentation from George Weiner.  

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Interview with Shonali Burke: Analytics Tell Stories

Note from Beth: Last May, USA for UNHCR launched The Blue Key campaign as a way for U.S. residents to show their support for the 43 million refugees around the world leading up to World Refugee Day on June 20th.   I was honored when Shonali Burke invited me to be a Blue Key Champion.    

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Social Media: Ask What’s the Impact, Not the Return!

I’ve just finished co-authoring a book about measuring the Networked Nonprofit with colleague, KD Paine.   One of the concepts that we wrestled with was ”Social Media ROI,”   I don’t think it necessarily works for nonprofits, especially when it applied as a litmus test to see if there are financial outcomes — cost reductions or increased revenue.  … Read More