After being part of several social networks for the past month or so, I'm quickly learning some lessons that nonprofits might consider before diving in to this arena:

First:  You, yourself, have to be part of these networks before you can effectively understand how to make your nonprofit part of this world.  I sensed this intuitively (hence my setting up a Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn profile).  But since doing that, I've read that same advice in several blogs and tech articles where those more experienced than I are talking about this. 

Second:  If you're an uninitiated executive director who has returned from a nonprofit conference all atwit about using social networking for fundraising, cease and desist immediately.  You may eventually be able to raise money through social networking, but that's not the place to start.  Think relationship building, buzz building, listening and learning from your constituents. 

Third:  You can learn a lot from what others are doing before you jump in, make mistakes and toss out the baby with the bath water.  Poke around and see what's happening.  But, to do that well, return to the first suggestion above.  You'll have to be part of some networks to see the extent of what's happening. 

 

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