Ninja Feedback Wanted! Let's talk perks :-)

Crystal Bruce · January 2023

As you know, we are constantly looking for ways to evolve Blackbaud Community. Part of our plans for 2023 include taking a closer look at our ninja program and the benefits of being one of our most engaged members. Our current ninja privileges include an exclusive community (this one!), a badge to signify your elite status, and feedback opportunities for new community features. As we look at what it means to be a super user in 2023, we’d like to hear from you! While of course we can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to implement all of your suggestions, we feel it’s very important to include your voices in our planning. So, what ninja opportunities/benefits would be meaningful for you?

Liz Hackett · January 2023

Hi @Crystal
I'm going to be bold and say ‘a discount'!! Not sure if that's in any way possible but maybe a free feature pack once a year?

Being a ninji is fabulous but I can never attend any of the catchup's (middle of the night for me) and something that would capture the attention of our managers would be great. Nothing does that more than a reduction in expenses at a NFP!

If that isn't possible, something like a discount on conference attendance (in person events), BB merchandise or similar.

Faith Murray · January 2023

@Crystal Bruce,

I admit that my thoughts went the same direction as Liz's, only perhaps a bit more modest in scope, such as an exclusive webinar pass. In the Champions program, it was the education perks I enjoyed the most (as well as the Starbucks gift cards, of course).

However, as I think more about it, I feel like the true spirit of being a ninja is our connectivity and our expertise. Those who are most active in the Community tend to be those who are really fluent with Blackbaud services, and therefore feel they have experience to share. Being able to somehow capitalize on our Community engagement to strengthen our career paths would be a great perk.

Obviously, we don't want to write on our resume, “Spent 30 minutes daily assisting employees at other nonprofits besides my employer.” ? But being invited to author a guest post, contribute materials for a webinar, or receiving recognition for "volunteer consulting" as a regional support ambassador, could look good on a resume or even count toward CFRE accreditation points if the context were right. These kinds of leadership opportunities could even incentivize newer BB users who are still working to grow their field of influence.

Liz Hackett · January 2023

@Faith Murray
Great ideas !

Marie Stark · January 2023

@Crystal Bruce A discount to BBCON would be nice, or a breakfast at BBCON> It seems they cut down on things like that the last couple of BBCONS. I also Faith's idea of a blog. Maybe we can revive the “Stuff you need to know” webinars.

Sunshine Reinken Watson · January 2023

@Crystal Bruce I am with everyone else on a discount for BBCON. Exclusive Ninja swag would be fun as well. Several BBCONs ago, Champions and Community hosted a specific table at bbcon breakfasts as a drop-in, informal hangout. That was really nice, and it only cost the hosting staff members' time.

Coco Parham · January 2023

@Crystal Bruce A meeting with ninja's at the next k-12 in-person conference? and get cool t-shirts with the new badge on it.

IS there a plan for an in-person conference? I vote to have it in Charleston! Please!!!!!!!!

Barbara Kunkel · January 2023

@Crystal Bruce
I am trying to figure out a perk that doesn't involve BBCON in-person perks. I cannot attend an in-person conference because I have no budget for meetings, so even a discount would not apply to me or special gatherings at BBCON. I am a super user, but I like being in the background and not a presenter. I want a way to convey to my Vice President that I contribute to this vital community. I also like the idea of listing this on a resume for leadership skills.

Sunshine Reinken Watson · January 2023

@Crystal Bruce Revive the annual “Robert C. Hernandez Award of Excellence” (award for outstanding leadership in Blackbaud Community and Champions given in 2016 and 2017). Or invent a new award. It is great on professional bios and resumes. I list mine on LinkedIN

Dariel Dixon 2 · January 2023

@Crystal Bruce Thinking of some of the perks we have received in the past, I think that things that are more recognition based are good. Last year, the bbcon call for speakers was limited on only ninjas, which is cool but exclusionary for many of our colleagues that don't have the time.

I think that something along the lines of a bbcon presale and a ninja meetup or a special pin or badge. Also, I think we need to encourage some of the knowledge we have here to branch out a little more.

@Barbara Kunkel mentioned that we need to have a perk that doesn't involve attending bbcon. I think that's good. I think that's a good idea, but I don't know what that looks like.

If there was a special phone number for support for ninjas that would be verrry much appreciated. I'm kidding, but not really.

Elizabeth Johnson · January 2023

@Crystal Bruce just read through all the ideas presented so far and lots of good stuff here. I want to expand on the BBU discounts. I may be biased but having Ninjas in the webinars IMHO makes them more engaging for others participants. While the trainers are awesome discounts on individual classes and learn packages for organizations that have Ninjas would be sweet! I would also vote for discounts on bbcon! live and virtual passes. I've got my fingers crossed that I'll be able to go to Denver for this year's event! Room upgrades are fun too.

Elizabeth Johnson · February 2023

@Crystal Bruce Not sure this happens or is possible but when you do @ and someone's name Ninjas automatically sort to the top. Like @Dan Snyder would be first - he is for me but is that based on Ninja status?

Daniel R. Snyder · February 2023

@Crystal Bruce Lots of good ideas, I also can't always get the budget to attend bbcon in-person so I love @Sunshine Reinken Watson's idea of reviving the “Robert C. Hernandez Award of Excellence” and @Liz Hackett's swag idea.

Miki Martin · February 2023

@Crystal Bruce I know I would not be able to convince work to pay for attending conferences in person so discounts would certainly be a motivator! I really like the swag idea. That's a simple way for me to be able to promote the awesomeness here.

Ninja Feedback Wanted! Let's talk perks :-)

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