Monthly Update - September 2022
Welcome back to the monthly blog!
We had a busy back to school season and shipped over 500 computers. If students in your classroom are lacking access to a computer or laptop, make sure to visit the request page to see what options are available. We’ve updated our forms for an easier application process and continue to update the Featured Inventory section highlighting specialty items available on a one time basis.
On September 15th, we challenged BC to go one hour of their work or school day without technology. The point of this OFFLINE HOUR initiative was to show British Columbians the positive impact that their tech donations have on those who lack access to a computer or laptop. For many, this is a reality that they face each and every day.
We’d like to thank all of our lovely September donors, highlighting a donation from Johnston Meier Insurance Agencies Group and look forward to sending their equipment to a new home (now that the hard drives are all wiped of course).
Finally, we are back with the latest Meet our Team installment. This month I had the pleasure of chatting with our communications lead: Keely Rammage-Scott. As our communications lead, Keely is responsible for content management, the planning and execution of our events, as well as managing all digital external communications.
Meet Our Team
Communications Lead: Keely Rammage-Scott
What is your role at BC Tech and what do you do on a daily basis?
As the Communications Lead at BC Tech, my daily activities include responding to client requests, and overseeing our marketing efforts, including social media, advertising, and our website. I also manage all of our digital workflows in an effort to keep our organization’s internal activities as efficient as possible so we can serve our clients and donors to our best capability.
Tell me about your past experiences that prepared you for working at BC Tech?
I’ve been managing a variety of social media accounts for over 6 years now. I have also worked in a number of communications and administrative roles over the past few years. Before I joined BC Tech full time I did my marketing internship here while I was still in my undergrad.
What do you like about working at BC Tech?
I love knowing that we make a difference in the lives of those who may not otherwise have access to tech. The positive environmental impacts of our work are also really important to me. What I love in particular about my job is being in charge of organizing in person events, because it gives us the opportunity to meet our clients and donors and hear their experiences firsthand.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I’m usually out playing bass as a hired musician. I play with a number of artists in the Lower Mainland. I also enjoy kickboxing and skiing (when we’re in the right season for it, of course)!
Do you have any interesting fun facts?
I can quote both Scooby Doo live action movies from front to back.
Can you describe how you approach organizing events?
Event organization requires an impeccable attention to detail. I like to start by mapping out my budget. From there, I look at what my fixed costs are, versus what could be flexible or negotiated. From there, you can decide which vendors and venues will work best, and sort out details such as timelines and agendas for the night. I tend to leave myself extra room for setup before the event starts, and begin planning as far in advance as possible, since I know from experience that something will always go wrong, no matter how well you plan for it.
How do you keep up with social media trends?
Honestly, the only way to really do this is to spend lots of time on social media. Social listening is such an important part of managing social media. You need to spend lots of time inside of your niche in order to understand what’s resonating with your audience. You also need to pick trends based on your brand and audience’s interests. Don’t just hop on a trend for the sake of participating, it needs to be able to fit in with an overall message that is important to your audience.
What are the components of a successful social media campaign?
A successful social media campaign will engage your target audience and create a discussion. Enabling participation can be especially important. Apple’s #ShotOniPhone was successful because it was asking participants to do something they likely do in their everyday lives anyway. How easy is it for an iPhone user to pick up their phone and shoot a video, upload it to social media and include a hashtag? This user generated content was free advertising that Apple didn’t have to pay a dime for, and it was coming straight from the mouth of the consumer.
