The right process can save your organization a lot of time and money as you select new software. But how do you get started?

Podcasts: They seem to be sprouting up everywhere these days. Similar to social media and the smartphone, the rise of podcasts—audio programs released as a series of episodes that you can subscribe to and download onto your device—has brought significant changes to the way we consume our media today. In 2013, Apple’s podcasts hit the one billion subscriber mark.

I am not an expert at fundraising in the traditional sense. As a recovering choral conductor who became a recording engineer, I’ve never held a fundraising position for any arts nonprofit organization. I did, however, spend 10 years working for two symphonic choruses with budgets of over $1 million and administrative staffs of less than five people. Like many of us, I’ve gotten an on-the-job crash course in fundraising and patron cultivation.

As you begin exploring your technology options, here are some ways to make the most of the evaluation and decision-making process.

Your chorus needs effective digital tools to support everyday management, but how do you know what the right tools are? Consider these questions and tips for choosing the most effective technology for your needs.