Social media from a non-profit perspective (at least mine) is like being a five year old in a candy store with one minute to fill your goody bag. Before diving in a good 5 seconds is spent taking in the moment and realizing how many choices you have, followed by 40 seconds of filling your bag with every candy possible, 5 seconds worrying that you missed something and the last 10 seconds spent confirming everything you missed and wondering how to throw it in your bag anyway.
Familiarization changes everything and once you’ve been to one candy store you kind of know what to expect (except when it comes to Jelly Belly’s because we all know there are way more then the 50 official flavors). The world of social media is not only having to decide what candy you want, but what color Starburst, red or black licorice, Malt Balls or M&M’s (you get the point). The possibilities are endless!
I need a list, which is humorous because anytime I’ve attempted to bring one to the supermarket I’ve left it in the car or on the kitchen table. I need to know all of the options, what audience I’m reaching and what tools are needed to maximize my efforts. I am the “social media expert” for the organization I work for and well, I’m writing this blog because I am confused and overwhelmed (after reading a dozen or so “social media guides for non-profits”).
Just when I think I do have a grasp, I realize that I haven’t checked my organization’s Facebook page or group in over a month, I still haven’t figured out the Causes feature and I don’t have a clue what Digg is (I’m serious). I am sure there is a Dummies guide to Social Media, but new and updated applications are introduced daily and by the time I actually do purchase the book – it will be outdated (I say this with the utmost respect for the Dummies series).
Socialpedia – I actually checked on this and it’s already purchased, but not being used (someone reading this should attempt to purchase the site, how’s that for sharing an idea). A Wikipedia for social media – a reference of every site, the purpose they serve, the benefits and a breakdown of every possible tool you can use on the site. For instance, Twitter – a reference of every application available (something I can only find via a Google search which I know means I’m doing something wrong). Figuring out the different applications and their purpose is like having to pick all the red skittles out from the rest (in the big tube in a candy store), finally separating them all and then dropping them on the floor. You know it’s overwhelming and tedious and you know it’s going to take a long time. Just when you get it, Twitter Lists come out and you now you have something new to figure out.
In my world, in the world of fundraising and development – the potential of social media is endless. I have introduced my organization to countless volunteers, foundations, corporate partners and similar non-profits that could lead to future collaborations. Junior Achievement of New Jersey (@jaofnj – hey, I’ve learned something) is part of a worldwide organization and through social media I am able to connect with colleagues around the world to share best practices, read articles and blogs on programs being offered and have access to endless resources related to JA’s purpose (financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs for today’s youth). I’m able to acknowledge, thank and praise JANJ’s supporters immediately – a development officers dream. I have “met” fascinating people, conversed with great minds and been introduced to incredible organizations while building my network and resume. And although I have accomplished a lot, I know there is so much more potential and so many more ways I could be connecting with people!
I am literally a five year old standing in front of 99 different types of chocolates trying to figure out where to start.
Tags: Applications, development, fundraising, junior achievement, social media
Njdevmgr's Blog 
October 31, 2009 at 6:03 pm |
Amy – Have you visited http://wearemedia.org? It’s a wiki by Beth Kanter.
November 1, 2009 at 2:30 am |
I definitely will, you always have sound advice!
March 10, 2010 at 10:02 pm |
bohzo (Hello)
You are write about non profits, there are so many good ones that it is very hard to know what to support.
I can’t even decide how to dress my teepee, I change my banner and ribbon nearly every day. I followed you because I have a lot of celebrities rolling in my site and I thought that it might benefit you to be able to network with them.
I enjoyed reading you blog, it is old, are you done blogging? I hope not.
Bodewadmi
November 15, 2010 at 9:32 pm |
Amy the best things to do when it comes to social media is to keep updated along side the professions. Reading blogs like http://greatfinds.icrossing.com/ (Icrossing) or http://blog.reachlocal.com/ (reachlocal) can really give you valuable insight in a quick read. You might also consider reaching out using more specific social media for your organization. For instance in my company we belong to HedgeHogs which is a social media site dedicated for finance/investors. Perhaps there is something out there targeting your audiences. If not perhaps you might consider creating one which would then put YOU and YOUR organization at the forefront of all issues concerning your area of expertise. Nothing says “give me money” than showcasing how your organization is *the* expert in what you are talking about.
The thing about social media is that you have to be social; It cant just be once a while. If you went to the gym once in a while you might feel good about yourself but you wouldn’t lose weight. So if you are unable to keep up on ALL social media than be specific in what you are looking. Twitter isnt for everyone; Tumblr isnt for everyone…be aware of your audience..If your goal is fund raising than perhaps Twitter really isnt the place. it is hard to raise thousands of dollars for a non profit with only 140 characters at a time.
ps. havent seen you since High School..glad to see you are doing well 🙂
January 6, 2021 at 9:32 am |
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