PREDICTIONS II

What can we expect in 2010?

“….I hope that in 2010 nonprofits do not forget the importance of marketing and PR. These go hand-in-hand with development and if done correctly can be very successful with little expense; especially with all the social media tools available. Creating a well thought out social media strategy can have enormous results!" Michele Savoldi, Sr. Project Director at Shoestring Creative Group

"I don't want nonprofit professionals to get the impression that social media is a 'cheap' option. The tools may be free but it is not just a matter of setting up a Facebook and Twitter account and waiting for the donors to flood in - they won't! As Michele rightly said, it requires a well thought out strategy - and that takes expertise, which costs money. Social media is about community engagement and community engagement can only work as part of a nonprofit's daily routine. It requires understanding, training and time - it is a totally different mindset to traditional marketing …. not only is it worth the investment, it is probably going to be an imperative to survival. As with businesses, consumers have the power now and they want to be engaged by the people they spend their money with. If YOU don't engage them, they will go to someone who will. It’s all about putting a human face on your operation and being seen to be responsive…. Future communications managers employed by nonprofits will need to be social media savvy." Jasper Blake, Social Media Manager for UOWHO