Winter Wonderland Clairity Click-it: Nonprofit Links, Free Resources
Click-it!
This week’s Clairity Click-it – your eclectic array of easy to-“click-it” links to posts I’ve found thought provoking. With, of course, a few comments of my own.
Body Language
Click-it: 4 Body Language Cues You Need to Know When Networking. It’s important to remember that first impressions count. A lot. You may be unconsciously giving the wrong one. This article by Ivan Misner in Entrepreneur describes how to avoid this. I myself have to constantly remind myself not to keep my arms folded (signifying boredom or being closed off). If you’re up for the challenge, try this suggestion from Misner: take a trusted friend with you to a networking function and ask them to give you honest, direct feedback on your body language. Provide them with a small checklist of the four factors discussed above[see article] and be prepared for their honest insights.
Purpose of Social Media
Click-it: Hyper-connect the world. The always thought-provoking Hugh MacLeod made me think again about the way nonprofits use (and don’t use) social media. What if, instead of thinking of it as something ancillary to what you do (an annoying marketing chore that you’re not devoting many resources to because you think you can’t afford it), you thought of social media as the very heart and soul of your mission? Isn’t philanthropy all about love of humankind? Aren’t you, as a fundraiser or marketer, a facilitator of our drive to express our humanity more fully? Hugh says:
My two cents: The Internet is made that way because people are made that way; that’s just how it is. The reason the world is becoming so “hyper-connected” these days isn’t just because it’s good for business, but also because that is who we are… We need to connect with our fellow creatures- the more, the better… Go, Internet, Go!
For more on our human drive to connect socially, see Survival of the Most Loving – and Loved.
Click-it: Choosing the Most Effective Social Media Platforms for Your Brand and How to Create the Perfect Post on Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]. I found both of these on a new site, DashBurst. Really useful stuff about how to get the right people reading and engaging with your compelling content online. These articles also get you thinking about your social media objectives and the skills you’ll need to post to the different networks.
New Tools
Click-it: 15 Ways Nonprofits Can Use Instagram. If you read my blog religiously you know I love Pinterest for nonprofits. Well, instagram is another trending tool for showcasing your great images. And it’s hot, hot, hot… especially among Millenials. But they’re not the only ones! In this post, Julia Campbell reminds us: Online marketing is visual. If you are not telling your story to your supporters in a visual way, you may be ignored or left behind. Check out how it can be a great tool for behind-the-scenes sneak peaks, bolster engagement with your FB and Twitter accounts, highlight your volunteers… and more. And check out my Pinterest board: Learnin’ ‘Bout Instagram.
Click-it: How to Make Visual Content for Social Media in 5 Minutes [Free Template]. This is related to the above post, self-explanatory and totally cool. From HubSpot.
Fundraising Basics
Click-it: 5 “Money Moments” Missing From Your Fundraising Strategy John Haydon, writing in the Razoo Inspiring Generosity blog, reminds us that fundraising is not just about the donation. Whenever a donor shows their appreciation for what you do – by joining an email list, liking you on Facebook, signing a petition or just sharing a story with their friends – these are “money moments.” They’re saying they want to help. To bond with you and others in a community of folks who want to change the world. Your job is to let them know you noticed, that you appreciate it and that you’d like to know them better. If you’re not thinking about building relationships with people who do positive things for you, you’re missing the whole point.
Click-it: 5 Steps to a More Rational Rationale. This article by Willis Turner in Fundraising Success explains how to put together a fundraising letter and campaign that actually raises money. You want that, right? He reminds us of some basics we too often forget (plus tells you ‘how to’ rationally explain these basics to the ‘powers-that-be’). Here’s an example: Remember the 60-20-20 rule: 60 percent of your package’s effectiveness comes from the lists, 20 percent from the offer and only 20 percent from the creative. So for acquisition packages, before you wax eloquent about your plan for persuading your readers, describe who those readers are and why they were selected. I’ve seen way too many fabulous fundraising letters fail because they were sent to the wrong list.
PS: STOP! Speaking of the most basic of fundraising fundamentals… Saying thank you the right way will dramatically improve your results. Before you plan your year-end fundraising campaign ask yourself: “What’s my follow-up plan?” If you know you could have a better one, you owe it to yourself, your donors and your organization to check out my upcoming 4-week, self-paced e-course on The Power of Thank You. It’s being taught by me and the fabulous Pamela Grow, and it’s yours for mere pennies. You can check out the full syllabus here . The price is good for just one of the things you’ll get, and you’ll get tons and tons of practical tips, templates and checklists PLUS bonuses galore – a teleseminar, webinars, eBook and script, video tutorial and more!. Reserve your spot now!
Photo: Flickr, Isaac Torronterra
