Have you realized it has never been easier and people are doing it every day? The web is chock-full of free tools that can help you change the world. Here are a few that make a difference, while you are making a difference! P.S....they're free!
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It all starts with you. LinkedIn is, without question, the most important website for professionals today. The networking and contact management aspects make this tool well worth the time one invests in it. How many times have you left a position only to lose your contact list as proprietary information to the position you held? With LinkedIn, those contacts are yours to continue to build relationships on. Additionally, because your contacts are also gaining value from LinkedIn, they will keep their contact information up-to-date, ending your continual updating of your own database.
When you undertake a new project or begin an organization, utilize your LinkedIn profile by listing your organization and introducing your cause. Those in your network will see the update and it will start to form in their minds that you are building something new. Keep them posted on new aspects by changing your status message every day or every few days as to your progress or direction.
Make sure to start a "group" for your new organization on LinkedIn. Invite some people who respect your cause to join and start conversations with them through the group. You will be amazed at how many people start coming to you.
- Just Point, Click and Present! Once you complete your proposition statement, your natural next step is to build a PowerPoint presentation. You're definitely going to need one to spread the word visually and for those speaking engagements that will call upon you! Now is the time to jump on SlideShare.net. SlideShare gives you the power to upload your presentations and show them off to the world. Additionally, networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn can pull your presentation directly into your profile page, helping to get the word out in a visual form.
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Don't have funds to start a full-blown website off the bat? Start your Wordpress blog! This free site can be personalized so you can start marketing it immediately under YourSiteName.wordpress.com. What should you write about? A great suggestion is "every little progress." Include short snippets outlining what great people you are meeting and projects you are coming into contact with. Let the readers ride along on your journey. Let them in on accomplishments made each day and in what direction the organization is heading. Your audience will get involved in the story and the struggle.
Also, by including small write-ups on the extraordinary people you meet, you will heighten your support. Every person you spotlight will appreciate your assistance as you enhance their personal credibility or raise the visibility of their initiative. Writing a small amount each day also shows continued commitment, helps document the organization's history and will quickly add up to a full roster of information. Make sure to pull that blog into LinkedIn and Facebook!
- Speaking of Facebook... Facebook is definitely one of the most important tools to utilize. A common error is to begin by creating a "Group" for the organization. "Groups" are great, but take the time in the beginning to create a Page. Located in the bottom left-hand corner under Ads and Pages, Facebook members can create as many pages as they desire at no cost. Other Facebook members can join your page as "fans" and, unlike groups, your page can then place status messages directly on fans' pages. Another great aspect of pages is that it gives an additional layer of privacy to separate it from your personal profile. Additionally, Facebook has enriched its page tool to include very valuable demographic information, a feature not available with groups. Lastly, as an added bonus, when your page is highly utilized, Facebook will automatically populate it into non-fans' highlight feed, giving your organization valuable marketing, all for free.
- Where do you get your ideas? Do you have books that have helped educate and motivate you in building your organization? LinkedIn and Facebook both have applications in which you can catalog your reading lists. This is more effective than many users realize. Inquiring minds love to know what other people are reading and add to their own bookshelves. List one or two of your most valuable resources. You will be surprised at how many people comment back to you.
- Jump on Twitter. Yes...Twitter! Every time you come across an article that validates your organization or gives meaningful insight, tweet a small blurb and link out to your birdies. Again, give good, engaging content and those birds will follow you! Tweet away!
- Kid Vid. Enlist a talented youngster to make a video and upload it to YouTube. This does two things: first, the venture gains you a video that will spotlight your work, and secondly, it can expose a whole new audience to your cause, especially if you choose talent that is "plugged in" and has even the smallest following. Once completed, it is then easy to add it to your Facebook page and share it with your fans. Remember, the more credible content and interaction you provide for your constituents, the more top-of-mind awareness you will breed.
- Grassroots.org. This great organization serves as a catalyst for positive social change by leveraging modern technologies and best business practices. Not only will you gain some great advice, but once you gain your nonprofit status, this organization will "hook you up" with high-dollar web solutions-all for free.
- Techsoup.com. This site provides a range of technology services for nonprofits, including articles, a blog, discussion forums, webinars, and discounted and donated technology products.
- The most important website you are not visiting...Need inspiration? Make sure to visit TED.com. TED stands for Technology, Education and Design and promotes itself as "Ideas Worth Spreading." These riveting talks by remarkable people are offered free to the world. Put aside an hour and open up your soul to the powerful changes and undertakings being developed by people just like you all over the world. iBi
