WHEN A TREE FALLS IN THE FOREST...

…does it make a sound if nobody’s there? Who cares? If nobody hears it, it’s totally irrelevant even if it breaks the sound barrier. You’re wondering where this is going. I do have a point, and it has to do with your posts. If you’re like me, you’re posting just to have engagement with your contacts and stimulate an interesting conversation. But if you’re an individual or organization trying to attract prospects and clients, you can have the greatest post in the world and it will go to waste if you don’t have a following. 

This is particularly important for non-profits. I follow a few non-profits on social media, mainly LinkedIn. Non-profits are always in need of donors; therefore, a strong social media presence is crucial, yet, so many lack a sound strategy and clear vision for it. One of the non-profits I follow posts often, but with about 80 followers and virtually no engagement, it all falls on deaf ears. They randomly mix educational posts from outside sources with fundraising event announcements, but to this day, I’m not sure how they use donations to advance their cause. In fact, I'm not even 100% of the true core of their cause.

If you are part of a non-profit, chances are you are quite passionate about the organization's cause and the people they help. Make the most out of their social media presence:

FIRST BUILD A FOLLOWING – This should be priority number one. You need to build a community and, then, get them engaged with your message and your cause. Be clear about the cause you support and transparent about how donations are put to work.

RECRUIT AMBASSADORS – Starting with your team. Whether paid staff or volunteers, they need to be the first ones to spread the message, engage and build the conversation, getting their own connections to follow.

LEVERAGE STORYTELLING – Everyone loves a good story. If your organization is doing good, tell the world. Share the success stories, however small. It’s a way of telling potential donors what impact they can help make.

If you’re going to make noise, make sure you have an audience. Don't be the tree that falls in an empty forest.