A lot has changed in the last few years when it comes to nonprofits and social media. Looking back on where we've come so far, this presentation offers four key predictions on where social media is headed next for nonprofit organizations. If nonprofits can capitalize on these trends, they'll be poised to succeed when it comes to recruiting volunteers, donors, and supporters online.

1. WHERE ARE WE GOING
AND ARE WE THERE YET?
How nonprofits can be ready for
what’s next in social media
Sam Davidson
CoolPeopleCare.org
SamDavidson.net

2. Many times, we hope that social media can be
planned much like a road trip can with a map.
We want turn-by-turn directions and to know
what exactly will be down the road for us
before we set out.
Unfortunately, using social media to
accomplish key marketing or communications
functions is anything but that.

3. Instead, we need a compass.
A compass doesn’t give us point-by-point
instructions. It points us in the direction we
need to go. It’s up to us to get there, to
overcome the obstacles, make pit stops,
or plow ahead.

4. B
E
D
C
A
Let’s say this large circle is a communications goal we
have. Who is closest?

5. B
E
D
C
A
Because we’re not static entities, we’re constantly in
motion, working on a goal but sometimes headed in
other directions. Now who is closest?

6. B
E
D
C
A
And sometimes, our goal itself gets redefined.
Now who is closest?

7. The rate at which technology and
communications tools change is rapid, as if it’s
constantly in motion. We’re trying to catch up.
In order to know where all this is headed, we
need to look at where we’ve been.

8. Broadcast
This was how we first communicated.
We spread a story, unconcerned with
response or connection.

9. Connection
Then, social media allowed us to begin making
meaningful connections and letting our
connections tell our story to their connections.

10. Creation
At that point, creating good content became
critical. People only shared what was good,
interesting, or relevant.

11. Curation
And in today’s world, with so much online
content, organizations have a chance to curate
content and offer the best to their audience.

12. Where We’re Going

13. Nonprofits will become media outlets.
You may not have the budget of a major news
organization, but you can tell stories that emerge from
your work to an audience that wants to listen.

14. Nonprofits will become dot connectors.
If you can use social media to help people connect the
dots of passion and action, you’ll have an audience for
a very long time.

15. Nonprofits will become meaningful tribes.
Community is important and always will be. Develop
and rally a community around your work. They will
begin to go where you lead.

16. Nonprofits will become culture shapers.
If you use social media well, you’ll begin to start,
shape, and lead conversations that matter.

17. I skate to where the puck is going to be,
not where it has been.
Wayne Gretzky

18. SAM DAVIDSON
CoolPeopleCare.org
SamDavidson.net
Twitter.com/samdavidson
Facebook.com/SamSDavidson
Sam@CoolPeopleCare.org