Lessons from the Launch: Embracing the Unexpected

Patrick Davies • October 14, 2024

It Is Possible To Make No Mistakes And Still Lose. That Is Not Weakness, That Is Life.

Ah, Jean Luc, such a wise man. Recently you might have noticed we launched the State of the Sector Survey. And we did it online too… well, kinda. Ever get a case of the Gremlins? We did. You may not know, but I spent a couple of decades in theatre – several years as a tech and even a manager of a university theatre. So, I know my stuff, right? I wonder where this is going…

The day before the launch, we set up the hall, putting out the chairs, the lectern, the mic stand, etc., and testing the tech. We had a fantastic response to the online aspects of the launch and even more so for the recent Zui (currently sitting at time of writing at 187 registrations). As a not-for-profit, we scrimp and save like everyone else, which includes a free subscription to Zoom. But wait, that is capped at 100 attendees! And we have over 180!! Argh. But needs must when the devil makes some eggs; we splurged out for a month’s worth of WEBINAR STATUS (imagine strains of holy choirs).

Oh boy, we’re in the big time now. Um… how does this thing work? We did what everyone does – who do we know who can show me how to drive this thing? Up to the plate is a dear old tech friend, Hadley Thompson, who, on a warm Sunday night in the office, calmly gives me a tour of the wonderful world of webinaring.

Like most unknowns, it’s a little terrifying until you have a go, stuff it up, have another go, stuff it up less, and then finally breathe a sigh of relief when it works as you want it to.

So here we are, setting up the laptop, getting the camera angle right, and testing it. Did we need to test it more than once? Yes, I’ll come clean that there was no sound to start with, but boy, the presenters looked amazing. Did my blood pressure rise? Yes, it did. Did Dan solve it? Yes, yes, Dan did solve it.

Cut to the day of the launch – I still remember it like it was today (it was; I’m writing this in the past).

All ready to go! Awake at 5:45 am to get to the hall to set the tech all back up for doors opening at 7 am (we still have to make the coffee, set out the light snacks, and check the light level for the pictures).

And voilà! Nothing. Ummm… for some reason, the password that I have been using since July (always change those every 6 months) does. not. work.

Is it plugged in? Yes. Turn it off, turn it on. Nothing. Reset the password – it won’t let me. It actually locks me out. Can we use someone else’s account? No, the webinar status is on my email; that’s the link that’s been activated, and I can’t touch it to begin the webinar at all. Bugger.

Bugger. Bugger. Bugger. Bugger.

Take a deep breath; can we livestream on FB? Not really; how will people know? You know what, there’s another great saying about attempting all possible solutions and realising it's not going to happen. ‘When the horse is dead – get off!’

And so we did. Were we disappointed? Extremely. Was it beyond frustrating? Very. Had we done all we could to remedy the situation? Yes. Were we unhappy about losing the hundred-plus viewers online? Gutted, mate. That’s when the Captain of the Starship Enterprise (TNG)’s words came to me: “It Is Possible To Make No Mistakes And Still Lose. That Is Not Weakness, That Is Life.”

I still don’t know why Zoom locked me (I’ve since got back in – phew!), but more importantly, the report got launched – and that’s the real point of the story. Zoom or not – CNA launched the 2024 State of the Sector Report – and we’re bloody proud of that.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Hapori Aotearoa Conference Wrap-Up

By Community Networks • March 10, 2025

Last week Patrick represented CNA at the Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together in sunny Tauranga presented by Inspiring Communities and the Tauranga City Council. A two-day conference focused on providing practical resources amplifying community development. With each day having multiple concurrent workshops there were difficult (and esciting) choices to be made. The hottest topics were Social Return On Investments / Social Investment, Te Tiriti, and (no surprise) funding within the Sector. There were great speakers and a lot of table korero, spilling of tea, and sharing ideas and resources. Did you know there is a Regional Data Explorer on the Social Investment Agency website ? How might organisations use this to target their mahi and applications? “The Social Investment Agency’s Regional Data Explorer supports access to data for regional and sub-regional decision-making. It brings together 70 datasets or 'indicators' which can be filtered to meet a particular need." Another great workshop (Belinda Gorman ) looked into connecting with businesses to explore various ways of funding. Looking at alignment, how to approach and creating that relationship. One contribution we were able to make was a handy dandy doc on how to use the free version of ChatGPT to create a start – how to create a document that begins your journey on support, sponsorship and funding. Here it is – Using ChatGPT to Get $. And it was a great chance to catch up with Members – SociaLink (also a supporter of the conference); Volunteer Kapiti and Community Networking Trust. It was a time to catch up with friends from other organisations and to make new connections, both strengthening our reach around the Motu. Whilst conferences are expensive, attending can hit many birds with one stone and its important to get out of your own area, headspace to remind yourself that you are not alone in what’s going on; that there are people with ideas around you; and that (while it can be a draining experience) it is a fantastic way to recharge your spirit. We look forward to hosting our Members at our Members’ Only Hui on Friday, 7th November in Te Whanganui-a-Tara /Wgtn for exactly those reasons. Oh, did I mention it’s also our 50th Anniversary celebrations? Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

End-of-Year Finance Checklist for Community Organisations in Aotearoa

By Community Networks • March 6, 2025

As we approach the end of the financial year, it’s a great time for community organisations and NFPs to check in on their finances.

Need Help Making 1+1 = 6?

By Community Networks • March 6, 2025

This month, we’re focusing on financial health—cash flow, grants, audits, and long-term stability. But this isn’t just a checklist—it’s an opportunity to tap into the collective wisdom of our community!