Friday, March 28, 2014

Some thoughts on Twitter

Like it or not, Twitter is a part of our lives.

If you do these five things, your organization can turn Twitter into a strength:

1. Make sure everyone in your organization knows your Twitter handle. Everyone. I can't tell you how often I am working with people - particularly at events - who don't know their own organization's Twitter handle.

2. Make sure your organization follows those it will be working with a few days before the big event or fundraiser. This will make Tweeting at the event much easier. If you have an event coming up, plan ahead and follow the companies, organizations, and news media organizations that you expect to be working with.

3. At events, Tweet @ those companies, organizations, and news media outlets that you are working with. Sponsors, in particular, will love that your organization is Tweeting about them. If a sponsor's logo is visible, Tweet a picture with the logo or banner in the background.

4. One thing I like to do if I'm at an event and a TV crew shows up is ask the reporter or camera person during what news program or show the story will likely run on. Then, I Tweet to our followers for them to watch the story on @ (Twitter handle of news organization) during the time the story is expected to run. First, you are letting those who couldn't attend have the opportunity to see a story about what they missed. Second, news organizations are businesses first and foremost and they might be more likely to work with your group in the future if you also help drive people to watch their programs.

5. A day after a big event, thank those who came out to support your event through a Tweet @ all of them, if possible. You will be thanking them, but also gaining more followers in the process. When you Tweet @ those businesses and organizations, their followers might potentially follow your organization.

By following these five tips, you can gain more followers, strengthen your relationships, get more publicity, and come off as more sophisticated with social media.

Monday, March 24, 2014

FindingFunds Revisited

In 2011, I created a blog called FindingFunds based on my years of experience raising a lot of money for a lot of causes.

My blog was very short and practical with tips and tricks for how to raise money, find corporate sponsors, and find in-kind donations for programs and services.

I stopped writing the blog when I stopped actually raising money and I joined the ranks of the blue and yellow, as the Local Marketing Specialist for IKEA Charlotte. Part of my job includes giving away stuff.

Now that I've been on the other side of the fence for a couple of years - actually answering emails, calls, and in-person requests for donations, I've decided to resurrect my blog.

Now, my blog will be even better with real experiences shared on how to successfully make the ask and, now, experience on the side of the person who has to divide up and hand out what is available to donate to the many, many worthwhile causes, charities, and organizations that come a knocking.

It is going to be a fascinating look at what works from the eyes of the fundraiser AND what works in the eyes of the corporate sponsor.

I hope you will follow my blog and come along for the ride!