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Six Innovative Ways for Non-Profits to Use Social Media

Jan 4th, 2012 by

Originally published in MediaPost

 

For many non-profit organizations, finding low-cost solutions to marketing and fund raising is paramount, and social media has been able to offer many solutions to existing problems, as well as offering some innovative new ways of interacting with supporters. Here are just some of the things non-profits can do to reach their audience effectively.

 

1. Enable a virtual global reach

The power of virtual global communities can be seen in events such as Twestival Local, an annual international online festival aimed at bringing together communities around the world to raise money for good causes. The cost of organizing such an event through more traditional channels would be astronomical, but thanks to Skype, Twitter, Huddle, and cloud computing, Twestival has been able to operate on a shoestring while raising over half a million dollars in 2011.

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Defining Your American Dream

Nov 27th, 2011 by

Original contribution to the3six5 project (365 days, 365 points of view)

 

Today I spoke at TEDx and shared my experiences as an immigrant. I shared my American Dream.

It has always been odd to me that some people who were born in the US laugh when I use the expression “American dream”, as though it is antiquated or fictitious. But to me, after growing up in Soviet Russia, it is neither of those.

Every member of my family that I have known has existed in the limited horizons of the Soviet Union. It was defined by limited freedoms, by the fear to stand out, and most notably to me by the limitations on women’s aspirations. Passionately defending something that you believed in wasn’t a norm and certainly was not encouraged by the state. My childhood was defined by identical uniforms and identical attitudes. Freedom of religion didn’t exist. Dreams came with limits.

With the support of my family and the help of extraordinary people along the way, I was able to see the world beyond the Cold War curtain. I’ve lived in the United States now for 13 years…and I am grateful!

I am humbled too. As an immigrant, the chance to be free and live with dignity is immeasurable. When I look at my daughter and I think of her future, I am filled with pride. She will grow up with limitless horizons. She will be able to make her own choices, may live without fear, and has the opportunity to be treated as an equal. How many people around the world can say that?

America provides hope for so many. Let us not take things for granted. It is easy to get discouraged when the going gets tough. It may be a hard journey, but I urge all of us to break through the barriers we set for ourselves or others set for us, and to dare to dream! To get your American dream, whatever it may be! After all, there is no better place in the world to make it a reality.

 

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The Public Face: Top 5 Executives in Social Media

Nov 10th, 2011 by

Originally published in SmartBrief

For certain companies, their identity has always been bound up with the personality of their chief executive: you think of Microsoft and you think of Bill Gates; Apple and Steve Jobs; Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg. But for some CEOs, social media has enabled them to cultivate their public image to an extent that was unimaginable before the explosion of online networking. The following are five of some of the most successful executives to reach out to a whole new audience:

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How to Respond to Facebook Attacks

Nov 9th, 2011 by

Originally published in Fast Company

Whether it’s a full-blown page takeover by an environmental organization or multiple posts by a disgruntled customer, none of the brands are immune from people freely speaking their mind and bringing that dialogue to brands’ Facebook pages.

There is a natural fear of negative comments on your Facebook pages or any other forums for that matter. What a lot of folks perceive as the end of the world for a brand, I look at as the golden opportunity. After all, it is much easier to convert an unhappy customer into a social ambassador by providing excellent service and fast response than to convert a person who is neutral or doesn’t care.

According to The Retail Consumer Report, commissioned by RightNow and conducted online by Harris Interactive in January 2011, of those who received a reply in response to their negative review 33% turned around and posted a positive review; 34% deleted their original negative review. 85% of consumers said they would be willing to pay anywhere between 5-25% over the standard price to ensure a superior customer experience. Continue Reading »

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S.O.C.I.A.L. M.E.D.I.A. – The Right Approach to Digital Relationship-Building

Apr 21st, 2011 by

Originally published in iMedia Connection

Creating connections with customers and ultimately building long-term relationships with them through the two-way dialog should be the goal of any business. Social Media helps brands do just that. Done right, social media can be a powerful tool in building social bridges.

There is a lot to consider when building social media strategy. Engagement in itself is not enough. You need the right kind of engagement. You need to know when and, more importantly, where to engage. You need to ensure consistency of voice as well as authenticity of participation. To achieve that, you need to ensure your organization is aligned and empowered. You need the right infrastructure in place. The list goes on.

To help you think through all the critical elements of the approach, use this S.O.C.I.A.L.  M.E.D.I.A framework.

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