The error of our ways

It's true that there are a lot of people out there that are claiming that all you need to do is create a Facebook or a Twitter account and suddenly your organization will raise millions of dollars and change the world. I even read in a popular magazine for nonprofits about "10 errors nonprofits make with Social Media" and they didn't once mention content. Like somehow people will care about your organization if you post the correct number of times. Because of this, I want to say I'm sorry. If those are the gurus you have been listening to, you have officially drank the Kool-Aid.

The light at the end of our tunnel

Here's the opportunity for you and your nonprofit/organization/club/playgroup... unlimited social possibility at the click of a button. This video put together by Erik Qualman illustrates the juggernaut force of the web and social media. While in the past people have talked about global communities, through the web we now have one. You can connect with people all over the globe at the click of a button.

Where should you begin?

While you will end up creating a Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Flickr or LinkedIn account, you need to first figure out who you are and what you are trying to say. If you don't have a message, your audience will figure it out and your number of followers/likes will be their witness. Now of course there are always cosmic flukes, but don't let them fool you. Even though we have all this fancy technogeekery there is no substitute for an actual message. After you have figured out your message, you need to share it, just like you would with your actual friends. If your friends don't care, why would a stranger?

To sum it up

Watch this video and let it inspire you, but don't let it fool you. You will still need to build relationships, just like in the old days. Think of Social Media as an evolution in communication. Like your fax machine, phone and print media on steroids to form an alliance of awesomeness. If you do it right, you could actually lower your overhead for out-of-date materials and increase your effectiveness in communication.