Non-profits and social media

Today over lunch I heard a presentation by Michelle Wilde of Tech NPO. Michelle is an expert in both non-profit marketing and technology. She spoke on "eMarketing: how to successfully market your nonprofit organization on line," to the DFW chapter of the American Marketing Association.

We hear about the social media sites (LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook, Myspace) almost daily (hourly?) these days. Ms. wilde's take on them, however, was targeted at how to find and market to potential donors. It was compelling and clear.

The messages to take away from this is just as if you used more traditional media:

• Always have an "ask"
• Give those that stop by your site ample opportunity to give and give easily
• Build a robust e-mail data base
• Direct traffic to a professional-looking and functional website

As with any kind of networking, don't be afraid to ask and focus on who is in front of you right now.

Relentless