Ep 8: Use Technology like a Pro (Even if You’re Not One)

Because “I don’t do tech” isn’t a good enough reason to struggle.

Greetings, digital dreamers and hesitant clickers!

It’s me again—BoardSpace Bill, the governance unicorn who once tried to mute myself on Zoom by casting a silence spell. (It worked. Too well. For three meetings.)

Today’s tip is for every director who’s ever said:

“I’m not good with technology.”

“I still prefer paper.”

“I just get my daughter to help me.”

Hey—we get it. Not everyone was born with a smartphone in their hoof.

But tech doesn’t have to be terrifying. And it definitely doesn’t have to be a barrier to being a great board member.

So let’s talk about how to use board tech like a pro—even if you still think “cloud storage” means putting your files in a thunderstorm.

Why Tech Matters in the Boardroom

Technology isn’t here to replace directors. It’s here to help us:
• Stay organized
• Share information securely
• Track decisions
• Keep everyone on the same page
• And run better meetings

Especially for volunteer boards, where everyone’s busy and working remotely, a solid tech setup isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

What’s Holding You Back?

Let’s name it:
• Fear of “breaking something”
• Worrying you’ll look silly asking questions
• Feeling overwhelmed by passwords, logins, updates, and apps

Guess what? You’re not alone.
Even the most confident board member has had at least one “wait, where did that file go?” moment.

But here’s the real truth:
“I don’t do tech” often just means “no one taught me in a way that made sense.”

And that’s fixable.

Bill’s Sparkle-Smart Tech Tips

1. Start with the basics
Learn how to log in, find your agenda, and view minutes. That’s your foundation. BoardSpace makes this easy with a clean dashboard and clear navigation.

2. One password manager to rule them all
Use a secure password manager. It’s better than writing your logins on the back of last year’s AGM notes.

3. Ask. Ask. Ask.
Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Tech-savvy board members are usually happy to walk you through it. (Or, ask me. I’ve taught squirrels to screen share.)

4. Take five minutes a week to explore
Don’t wait until five minutes before the meeting to figure out where the documents are. A little poking around builds big confidence.

5. Use the right tool for the job
Stop emailing Word docs back and forth. Stop tracking actions in six different notebooks. Tools like BoardSpace centralize everything—meetings, tasks, files, and more.

When Tech Works, Boards Work Better

Suddenly:
• Directors come prepared
• Meetings run faster
• Follow-up is clearer
• And no one’s rifling through their junk drawer for a printed agenda from last month

This isn’t about becoming a coder. It’s about feeling confident and competent—no matter your experience.

Bill’s Final Thought

We don’t need perfect tech users—we need willing learners.

Being tech-resistant doesn’t make you noble. It makes meetings harder for everyone else.
So take that step. Ask the question. Click the button.

And remember: if a unicorn can learn to fly a drone, you can definitely learn to click “Share Screen.”