The July Net2 Think Tank provided an opportunity to look at some of the changes in our organizations, our messages, and even our strategies because of the impact of social media.  We know that the Internet in general, and social technologies especially, have greatly impacted the way social benefit organizations do their work.  To take a closer look at just how technology has impacted community engagement, we have four contributions from NetSquared Community members!

The July Net2 Think Tank hopes to provide an opportunity to look at some of the changes in our organizations, our messages, and even our strategies because of the impact of social media.  We know that the Internet in general, and social technologies especially, have greatly impacted the way social benefit organizations do their work.  You can participate in the Net2 Think Tank by blogging your answer to the topic below - all submissions will be republished at the end of the month.

NTEN's 09NTC just wrapped up in San Francisco and many conversations at the conference focused on social media use by nonprofits.  With so many tools out there, and different options for individuals and other organizations to engage with you, how do you manage it all?  April's Net2 Think Tank focused on the multiple entry points of engagement used by nonprofits.  It was a tough question, but someone had to answer it: Idealist's Scott Stadum!

Topic:

Lately, I've heard from many organizations that they are on board with social media and excited to be finding, connecting with and engaging their communities online.  But, they are struggling with the number of options available and how to differentiate between the tools they are using.  So, April's Net2 Think Tank focuses in on the multiple entry points of engagement used by nonprofits.  Won't you join the conversation?

Learn more about the topic and how to participate below.

Okay, I'm back.

Thanks to you who are emailing me privately and commenting here on the blog.  Let's jump right in.  I got this message anonymously (this is part of a longer email)...

"I have a somewhat specific interest that I thought I'd pass along in the spirit of two-way media.  I am a young professional working at a membership-based environmental nonprofit.  My background is nontechnical...  I am trying to transition some...academic knowledge into job skills.

Hey All,

So I received a few responsest to my post last week about how can N2 engage the community better.  Most came privately to my email address, and it is a theme in those emails that I want to use as this next engagement email.   Here is what one person wrote to me (this is only a portion of a much longer email about a variety of topics):

Happy Holidays, N2 community!!

I've been hush-hush for a while because the team over here has been discussing a critical issue - what do we need to be doing in order to get you all engaged a whole lot more?  The N2 blog is not churning up the type of engagement we had hoped to see and we're scratching our heads wondering why.  We're providing content - perhaps its not what you want or need?  We're focusing that content on social media strategies - perhaps we're missing the mark?  Essentially - we're rethinking our strategy and we want you, the community, to guide us.

Staying on top of the best times to email newsletters is imperative in the world of nonprofit 2.0. Also important is knowing which Twitter apps work best for you, as is keeping up with the countless other dos and don'ts of Internet etiquette. Getting overwhelmed by this ever-changing set of rules and compilations of best practices, however, is counterproductive when it makes one forgetful of the importance of maintaining human contact.

Are your community’s articles, blogs, and discussions left shivering in a dark and quiet echo chamber? Do relevant reach, attraction, engagement, interactivity, and participation elude your organization’s site?

Today, January 23rd, 2008, Seth Godin (Search Engine Strategies, Search Engine Watch, Clickz Network, & BuzzLogic) webcast the core message from his new book, “Meatball Sundae”. This haunting & timely theme speaks to a challenge which many of us in non-profit organizations and non-governmental entities struggle with: how (& where) do we better communicate with those whom we serve as well as those on whom we depend, and through doing so, provide a better service?

A moment of personal exoterica before we launch into the N2Y2 events in San Jose; tonight I'm packing and now all of you are privy to my sundries:

* Laptop w/bag (liveblogging from San Jose)
* Camera (to remember what you beautiful people look like)
* Shoes (never forget the good shoes for dancing)
* Clothes (magenta and red, a fiery feeling)
* Books (any suggestions?)
* AMO Game (always connecting the dots)
* Chocolate (the raw cacao powder this time)
* Hand Cream (see Beth Kanter's tips for liveblogging post)
* I heard I love you! card (ask Jean Russell for more info)
* Virtually Delicious (our Second Life design team cards)
* Saving Grace (a gift for a friend)
* Go Green Guide (playa planning 101)
* Delight (for manifesting good cheer)