Why do we spend so much time on social media? How does the way we’re using the internet affect what influences us as a culture? What is the point of blogging if anyone can make a blog? What is the difference between communicating on Facebook and Twitter? How do you create momentum and get attention with so many people fighting for it?
Whether you’re just diving into the social media waters or you’re already in the deep end, you’ve probably either asked or been asked these questions. Social media is new and we’re all still learning – that’s why it’s imperative that we ask these type of questions to better understand its potential.
Paul Gillin is one of those people who “gets it”. He is the author of The New Influencers and a long-time technology journalist. WhatGives!? got to spend some time with Paul at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, picking his brain on how social media shifts influence to the individual, the importance of relationships, and how the “little guys” can get noticed.
One of the most interesting aspects of social media is how easy it is to form relationships. Paul emphasizes, saying “one of the great ways non-profits can use these [social media] tools is to find people that are interested in hearing about their cause. Together you can form grassroots communities that may not even met each other, but share a common passion and are combining their energies to republish each others material, promoting each others material, and create a cause very quickly right out of that.”
Do you agree that social media has that much power? Has it been easier to find people to support your cause via social media then let’s say, outside of a grocery store? What implications does that bring for your non-profit? We’d love to hear your opinion.
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Tags: blogging, Facebook, NCVS, Paul Gillin, social media, Twitter
