This document summarizes a presentation on social media given at the 2011 Council on Foundations Fall Conference in San Francisco. The presentation introduces Facebook, Twitter, QR codes, and Foursquare as social media channels foundations can use. For each channel, the summary provides examples of how foundations currently use that channel and practices attendees can try. The presentation encourages foundations to engage with various social media channels to connect with audiences and share information. It aims to help foundations overcome fears of using social media.

1. 2011 Council on Foundations
Fall Conference - San Francisco, CA
All Thumbs
Conquering Fear of Social Media

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Twitter QR Codes foursquare
Let’s get social.

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Wait!
What about Facebook?

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Facebook :: We Like It!
• The most highly used social media channel in existence.
• An easy and highly visible way to reach new audiences.
• Ability to share multiple forms of content (text, images,
videos, links, etc).
• Usage tracking available for insight into visitorship, level of
engagement, posting quality, and more.
• Can integrate with other channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, etc).
A great tool, but we want to move you into other channels today.

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Got apps?
Raise your hand!

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Twitter

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Twitter :: What is it?
• A social network.
• A micro-blogging platform.
An online service that allows
users to write very brief posts
and share them publicly.
• A real-time resource for
monitoring what’s happening.

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Twitter :: Why use it?
• Sharing content of all kinds, including breaking news.
• Learning from peers & experts.
• Positioning yourself or your organization as an authority.
• Building relationships.
• Tracking grantees so you stay in the know.
• Serving customers (donors).
• Managing your public relations.

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Twitter :: Why not?
• Fewer registered users (200 million registered;
100 million log in/month; 50 million/day).
• Desired audience(s) may not be using this platform.
• Learning curve for Twitter speak.
• Harder to follow conversations on Twitter than
interactions via Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
• Limited time/personnel for managing more than one
social media channel effectively.

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Twitter :: Examples
• Greater Kansas City CF
• W.K. Kellogg Foundation
• Knight Foundation
• The Minneapolis Foundation
• Oshkosh Area CF
• The Seattle Foundation

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Twitter :: Key Actions
• Tweet: Post a message 120 characters or less.
• Retweet (RT @): Repost a Tweet from another account.
• Hashtag (#): A word/code you use or make up to track
certain concepts, events, locations, etc. Allows you to
search/filter Tweets by the tag to see who’s on board and
measure traction.
• Mention (@): Put another user’s account name in your
message with an @ in front. Used for mentioning another
user, replies, and attribution of retweets.

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Twitter :: Practice!
1. Open your Twitter application.
2. Follow the @COF2Thumbs account.
3. Retweet our most recent post.

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Twitter :: Practice!
Follow the @COF2Thumbs account.

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QR Codes

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QR Codes :: What are they?
• “Quick Response” code:
A barcode that contains
encoded information (URLs,
text, and contact information).
• Designed to allow its
contents to be decoded at
high speeds by QR code
reader programs on mobile
phones.

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QR Codes :: Why use them?
• Smart phone / device ownership is on the rise in the
U.S.
• Free (essentially) and easy to create, use, and
measure.
• Enables repurposing of your existing marketing
materials.
• Links real-world places and objects to information
on the web.

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QR Codes :: Why use them?
• Enhance paper marketing with rich media or
additional information.
• Provide quick access to more information about
your organization, events, supported causes and
issues.
• Enable simple calls to action.

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QR Codes :: Two Free Generators
• http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
Basic code generator that creates QR Codes with basic
information (URL, text, phone, or SMS information).
• http://www.qrstuff.com/
Advanced code generator that creates QR Codes with
additional types of information like contact, YouTube
video, social media information. Also offers ability to add
color to the QR Code and add it to merchandise
(stickers, buttons, hats, shirts, etc).

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QR Codes :: Examples
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Annual Report – Link to Photos
http://bit.ly/rfo8Lc

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QR Codes :: Examples
Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Link to Video
http://bit.ly/pOetaR

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QR Codes :: Examples
Time Magazine – Creative Code Design

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QR Codes :: Examples
Help Japan Now – Creative Code Design

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QR Codes :: Examples
Embolden – Creative Code Design

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QR Codes :: Practice!
1. Using the i-Nigma QR Code Reader,
scan the QR Code on your All Thumbs
flag.
2. Tip: Please remember what you see…
You may need it later!

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foursquare

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foursquare :: What is it?

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foursquare :: What is it?
• Location-based social network with gaming
components. Part Yelp, part treasure map, part game.
• Users “check in” to a location, a business, an event
using mobile phone.
• Intended to incentivize people to explore and be
social.
• Users can add tips and create lists to curate
experiences.

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foursquare :: What is it?
Check-ins:
• Let friends know where you are (to facilitate social
interactions).
• Allow users to gain points, badges, and to battle for
mayorships of local places and businesses they
frequent.
• Allow businesses to reward loyal customers and
attract new ones with discounts and offers.
• Allow friends to comment on check-ins and add
photos.

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foursquare :: Why use it?
Foursquare pulls in
information based on
the user’s location.
It’s hyper local and can
provide tips and incentives
that are best used on the spot.

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foursquare :: Why use it?
Pages for
your brand
or venue.
Venue stats for
showing check-in
demographics.

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foursquare :: Why use it?
Tips allow users to share
suggestions and information:
“Order the Steak Frites!”
“Avoid the dinner crowds, but go for lunch!”
“The bricks of the buildings on 10 Downing Street
were originally yellow brick, which over two
centuries became blackened from pollution. After
restoration in the 1960s they were painted black.”

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foursquare :: Why use it?
Lists allow users
and organizations
to curate an
experience and
share it.
Create a list via the
website.
Dream Sandwiches

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foursquare :: Why use it?
For Foundations:
• Create tours of a specific need.
• Show locations where donor funds have been used.
• Show the history of your work in specific areas.
• Curate lists of Grantees.
• Make lists of ToDos to get donors involved with the
community (have lunch at the Friendship Café, etc).
• Use specials and encourage check-ins for events.

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foursquare :: Examples
Help users
(new students)
find everything
they need on
campus.
Duke: Move-in Day

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foursquare :: Examples
Create a tour of
your city.
Explore Chicago

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foursquare :: Examples
Give users new
information about
familiar places.
History Channel

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foursquare :: Examples
Highlight venues and events in your
community.
Vail Valley Foundation

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foursquare :: Examples
• Duke: Move-in Day
• Explore Chicago
• History Channel
• Vail Valley Foundation

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foursquare :: Practice!
1. Check in here!
2. Give your neighbor a high five.

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Got questions?
Raise your flag!

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But wait…there’s more!
Join us for All Thumbs Bingo!

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Thank you!
For more questions or help:
During the conference:
Visit the Embolden booth (#9) or Tweet questions to @COF2Thumbs
After the conference:
Ann-Marie Harrington - 877.723.7720 :: amharrington@embolden.com
Anytime:
All Thumbs Facebook Page - http://on.fb.me/pnzqSQ