I haven't written much about how nonprofit organizations are handling layoffs- but this blog entry is exemplary of what is happening to many people in industries all over the world, but will probably lead some substantial shifts in arts organizations in this region. Are non-profits bloated, and the layoffs correcting this problem? Do nonprofits need to reevaluate their structures- to still hire and train quality people, pay them a living wage and pay-it forward in their communities? Is the industry as a whole going through a purge- because we only have the highest concentration of arts organizations for a city our size?
I for one, appreciate the value our organizations add to our communities and culture, and want them to be responsible- with regard to their practice of hiring, training and growing dedicated nonprofit workers. I know many people who have quaked about layoffs- and I, myself have not been immune. Let's hope we get through these times, with the strength of communities and reevaluating how we can run strong organizations.
Best of luck!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Follow me while I set up a Social Media Site
All this talk about Social Media/ Networking. Why not get your hands dirty with Ning, a free social networking service? Follow a tutorial and post your page in the comments!
This site will have a full up-and-running Social Media site in the following months, follow me on how I will set this up, real time!
This site will have a full up-and-running Social Media site in the following months, follow me on how I will set this up, real time!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
On Adaptability
Last night Gmail was down... This happened in the middle of the night here in Seattle, but what happens when the technologies we rely on fail? Well, people all over the world adapted. When email fails, people turned to their facebook and twitter accounts to connect.
This is just a simple example of why we should be using multiple communications streams- sometimes one demographic prefers one channel over another, and sometimes there is a mistake or a failure and we can be adaptive by using another tool. Being flexible and planning to use multiple channels is valuable in any marketing plan.
This is just a simple example of why we should be using multiple communications streams- sometimes one demographic prefers one channel over another, and sometimes there is a mistake or a failure and we can be adaptive by using another tool. Being flexible and planning to use multiple channels is valuable in any marketing plan.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Professionalizing nonprofit marketing
Nonprofit organizations are amazing hybrids of grassroots organizing, and professional bastions- we truly function somewhere between the two. It is my belief that companies can learn much from how a nonprofit creates a mission and is (hopefully) conscious of mission drift and also looking to a board to be flexible to update the mission as times change. Also, organizations can look to how companies are efficient and proactive with regard to the economic climate, the needs of customers and utilizing tools - in turn much quicker than nonprofits are.
We are at a pivotal moment in time- where this hybrid can serve as a true model for public service and commerce- nonprofits have a value to offer, so perhaps utilizing tools in a similar fashion as corporations could serve as a boon to the industry- rather than tightening down the hatch as most nonprofits are.
How many nonprofits: Have linkedin "company profiles"? Are using networking events to create strategic alliances? Are engaging with tools online to boost volunteerism for their orgs and raising awareness about events, issues, opportunities to engage?
Far be it from me to suggest to just jump online- willy nilly- and create social networks, rather I believe this should be strategic- and manageable. If you are online, with a social media presence you should be updating often, and well! But... how many organizations can manage this additional task? This is a strategic development- to start a twitter or facebook or linked in profile- then not engage is worse than having no online presence at all...
Example- I am "following" multiple arts organizations on twitter and people are not updating! Someone is opening a page, posting twice then they disappear! Social Media is only as good if you are engaging!
Rather than rant- the issue at hand is- Social Media is here to stay. This isn't a passing trend, and is rapidly transforming PR, marketing and advertising for industry. To be relevant nonprofit organizations need to be considering their strategic plans, their marketing objectives and commit to what they can/should do- and do it well. Companies are adjusting their strategies- nonprofits should be on top of this too.
What nonprofits are doing it well? Who is online- and updating their channels? Who is engaging with their patrons, volunteers and donors?
We are at a pivotal moment in time- where this hybrid can serve as a true model for public service and commerce- nonprofits have a value to offer, so perhaps utilizing tools in a similar fashion as corporations could serve as a boon to the industry- rather than tightening down the hatch as most nonprofits are.
How many nonprofits: Have linkedin "company profiles"? Are using networking events to create strategic alliances? Are engaging with tools online to boost volunteerism for their orgs and raising awareness about events, issues, opportunities to engage?
Far be it from me to suggest to just jump online- willy nilly- and create social networks, rather I believe this should be strategic- and manageable. If you are online, with a social media presence you should be updating often, and well! But... how many organizations can manage this additional task? This is a strategic development- to start a twitter or facebook or linked in profile- then not engage is worse than having no online presence at all...
Example- I am "following" multiple arts organizations on twitter and people are not updating! Someone is opening a page, posting twice then they disappear! Social Media is only as good if you are engaging!
Rather than rant- the issue at hand is- Social Media is here to stay. This isn't a passing trend, and is rapidly transforming PR, marketing and advertising for industry. To be relevant nonprofit organizations need to be considering their strategic plans, their marketing objectives and commit to what they can/should do- and do it well. Companies are adjusting their strategies- nonprofits should be on top of this too.
What nonprofits are doing it well? Who is online- and updating their channels? Who is engaging with their patrons, volunteers and donors?
Monday, February 9, 2009
The white noise is deafening
I am sorry I have been negligent in posting items this month- I have been busy working on arts related items, but mostly shuffling personal/ professional obligations. A few (blog related items) up for offer...
I have joined the board for this amazing little theater that can.
I realized I graduate from this Masters program six months sooner than I had anticipated.
I am working with my Dad on some Social Media Marketing and LinkedIn workshops- sign up here for amazing 3 hour workshops about Social Media Marketing and LinkedIn for nonprofit organizations.
I missed a great arts event this week- but suggest you sign up for updates here so you can make the upcoming events.
I have been busy attending different programs, at this theater and this company.
I met with a woman at this amazing organization to get better understanding of how a large institution uses Social Media Marketing, and was incredibly impressed by their comprehensive marketing strategy.
And, and I working on awareness campaign recommendations for this organization.
Follow me on twitter here.
My schedule is going to become more regular soon enough, and will be working to post everyday again!
What are you up to for arts, nonprofits, with social media marketing?
Any new tools to share?
I have joined the board for this amazing little theater that can.
I realized I graduate from this Masters program six months sooner than I had anticipated.
I am working with my Dad on some Social Media Marketing and LinkedIn workshops- sign up here for amazing 3 hour workshops about Social Media Marketing and LinkedIn for nonprofit organizations.
I missed a great arts event this week- but suggest you sign up for updates here so you can make the upcoming events.
I have been busy attending different programs, at this theater and this company.
I met with a woman at this amazing organization to get better understanding of how a large institution uses Social Media Marketing, and was incredibly impressed by their comprehensive marketing strategy.
And, and I working on awareness campaign recommendations for this organization.
Follow me on twitter here.
My schedule is going to become more regular soon enough, and will be working to post everyday again!
What are you up to for arts, nonprofits, with social media marketing?
Any new tools to share?
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