Archive for Community

Three Things Most Nonprofits Do Better Than Your Business on the Web

Engaging with their greater community

Nonprofits are typically the kings and queens of networking and cross promoting with one another, because they have to so they can survive. Most are out there for the greater good and can easily compliment one another despite the possibility of being in “competition” with one another. That is such a fine line for businesses in the for-profit world, the idea of marketing together with another similar business is daunting and seems counter-productive…but in the social media world it is seen as strategic.
Asking for awareness over money

Nonprofits thrive on donations, but they flourish more with awareness. They know this, so they ask for it over money when it comes to social media. Sure, they solicit donations for their causes, but they still say thank you the same way for sharing their messages that they do for money.

Manners go a long way on the internet and those manners get nonprofits support whether it’s big or small. The same way nonprofits need to know when to ask for money, businesses need to know when to sell and when to give the spotlight to a cause or industry news.

They know their voice

One of the most challenging aspects of defining a business’ online identity is finding their voice. You must find the accurate tone and language to convey what your business is and what you may be passionate about, whether it is related to your craft or not. Nonprofits are inherently passionate about their cause and the industry associated with it.

 

 

 

Facebook Groups: Connecting Your Community Online

Since the release of the new Facebook groups interface back in the Fall, I have been creating, monitoring, and participating in several groups. The major changes to the way Facebook groups function made me wonder how interactions would change or what new conversations would spark.

Without even actively seeking out new Facebook groups they have followed me wherever I go. Between taking classes with Marketing Profs University, virtual office space for I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody’s Business, and trying to build bridges in the fragmented Maryland music scene with Maryland Music Network – checking in with Facebook groups has become a part of my daily routine.

Logo by: Michael Muccioli

I created the Maryland Music Network for musicians and promoters in the Maryland area to join forces and network. As of today, we have nearly 400 members who post about shows, equipment for sale, opportunities, and community news. The discussions have been lively, debate heavy, and somewhat productive. While there are a lot of voices in one room, important conversations and new projects have been born on Maryland Music Network’s Facebook wall.

Could these types of conversations happen without this Facebook group? Probably, but this group has given musicians and other music industry professionals a virtual room to sit in and network across genres and location.

Three Things I’ve Learned from Facebook Groups

Easy sign up within Facebook’s interface increases membership
Instead of trying to move users from where they are comfortable within Facebook’s framework, keep them there right there. Not only do most people check Facebook every day, users will not have to remember to log into another site for updates.

Great for non-traditional offices
Convenient place for virtual office space – whether it has a professional or water-cooler tone.

Terrific for questions
Social media has always been a great place when you are looking for an answer, Facebook groups are perfect to reach out to a targeted audience for topic-specific questions.