Here’s more proof it works…People flying over NYC!

Managers and marketers are sometimes tasked with website and interactive application projects. I’m not HTML programmer and neither are you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t design and manage the project. Most interactive design projects will include extensive planning, just like any project. You might be creating use-case scenarios, workflow charts, mockups and wireframes. You might need a few news tools to make these tasks easier.

Never fear! The internet is here!

There are a number of great online tools available for these different planning parts. Today I’m sharing with you the tool I’ve gravitated towards for wireframes: Mockflow.

Enjoy!

Taproot Foundation – connecting NFP’s with those offering Pro Bono services

All for Good – a newer search engine for matching volunteers with volunteer opportunities (housed by Point of Light Institute)

VolunteerMatch – another volunteer search engine site, but this one also features some great webinars related to volunteer management

Idealist - my favorite site, and the site that I believe is still most widely known

In this interview, Chris talked with a guest about a number of critical topics for today’s marketing world such as:

• gaining “mind share” vs. “market share”
• the social media liberties you forfeit as a marketing professional
• the importance of engaging your audience in conversation, instead of just talking to them.

(The real meat of the interview starts around 13:30.)

GivingFirst.org organizes Colorado Gives Day which encourages citizens to donate to a LOCAL charity on Tuesday, December 6. It’s a great event that can build momentum and awareness by harnessing the reach of many charities.

Smart!

These two points of discussion are vitally important to consider on every single marketing communication, whether it’s a TV commercial, web ad, press release, mailer, etc.

In this post, I’ll address the functional difference between a website and social media.

An organization’s website usually serves an informative function. The audience comes to the website to learn about your organization, find an address or phone number, or find a calendar of events. If you want someplace to send your audience to find “more information” in a marketing communication, send them to your website.

Social media’s primary function is usually to strengthen relationships with an audience that already bought into your idea or organizational goals. They believe it what you do, support you and are eager for more. They will “Like” your organization if it serves a purpose for THEM, not you. They want to be updated on the latest volunteer opportunities, or see photos of the trail maintenance progress. They want to see interesting links to articles related to your organization and it’s goals. They want the prestige that comes with associating with your brand. In other words, they want their friends to know they like your organization, and their friends will think that’s cool.

If you have established and appropriate marketing goals that can be accomplished with a website and social media, then consider the appropriate time and place to link to each of these different tools. During initial contact with a potential volunteer or donor–a mailer, a cold call, an advertisement–mention your website. Once you’ve established a relationship, drive them to your social media site ONLY if there is a distinct purpose or goal.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule…

Howard Buffett (Warren’s grandson) may have a plan and the means to provide that incentive. Click here to read about his strategy and how combining forces could lead to big solutions!

Solution: Magisto!

If you want to raise awareness, and don’t have the resources in place for traditional campaigns (mass mailings, advertisements, etc.) think about a ridiculous stunt! Don’t laugh this idea off so fast. It may be the fastest, easiest, cheapest way to get good PR and mass media coverage for your organization.

Stunts can be as easy as dressing up in a costume and heading to the local live morning TV show with a sign. Or a bit more complex…like running the entire silk road.

This Run along the Silk Road generated mass media coverage (Treehugger) and raised awareness about water shortages.

Make your stunt match your goals. If you are a local organization, you can probably do something small. If you are seeking national attention, think bigger. The closer you can match the stunt to your cause, the better chance you have to connect with your target audience. For example, if you want to raise awareness about endangered owls in your area, maybe you should organize an “owl calling contest” (requiring costumes of course) at a local festival. Or maybe you could hop up in a tree for one week.

And don’t forget to utilize all appropriate communication channels. You could post a survey on Facebook asking followers what stunt they would like to see, or if they’d like to participate in a group stunt (you don’t have to do all the work). Once you’ve sourced your core followers, call the local media and plan the event ahead of time. Create some buzz. Talk it up to local socialites. And for Pete’s sake, don’t forget to always link it back to your organization and cause. Print signs and handouts, if possible. Plan plan plan!

Have you executed a good stunt? How did it go? Let us know by leaving a comment below.