Running a nonprofit is like being the captain of a ship. You’re leading a crew to a specific destination only to have unforeseen storms stir up the waters, you may come across other ships competing for your hearty catch, and sometimes you just feel completely lost at sea. Fear not! There are those who have mapped out the course ahead of you and are willing to share tips and lessons from their perilous journeys. Here are five nonprofit leaders that you should keep an eye on by following them on Twitter or subscribing to their blogs:
1) Nancy Schwartz: @NancySchwartz from New York, NY; Blog: Getting Attention
Schwartz’s blog is a top pick, addressing issues that are in today’s headlines and applying them to the nonprofit world. From analyzing other nonprofit’s mistakes to cheering for Olympic gold, she clearly has her finger on the pulse of current events and boldly shares her opinions. Furthermore, she has great posts pertaining to topics that a majority of organizations struggle with, such as the entry on how to Make Your Nonprofit Messages Stick and her tips on training your staff to be great representatives for your organization.
2) Sandy Rees: @SandyRees from East Tennessee; Blog: Get Fully Funded
Often times, the number one task that nonprofits focus on is getting the cash to carry out their mission. Rees has created an awesome blog that solely focuses on getting your hands on the much needed funding that seems to make the world go ‘round. Most nonprofits would agree that one complaint never uttered in this sector is “we have too much money”. With Rees’ suggestions, expertise, and a variety of resources, you can create a solid strategy to obtain your fundraising goals.
3) Marnie Webb: @webb from San Francisco, CA; Blog: Caravan Studios
What I enjoy about Webb’s blog are her insights, examples, and out-of-the box way of thinking. Her prose is entertainingly quirky, while the information that she brings to the forefront is practical and applicable. Webb has researched the latest trends concerning the use of technology in fundraising while also emphasizing the building blocks for running a traditional nonprofit in an ever-changing world. Instead of scanning through hours of pages on the internet, her blog allows you to discover different schools of thought pertaining to the philanthropic world by highlighting the points of interest from different articles. Webb’s blog is seemingly like those yellow and black Cliff’s Notes pamphlets you deny using in college (without the bad rap)!
4) John Haydon: @johnhaydon from Boston, MA; Blog: John Haydon
Technology can seem like a blessing and a curse. What was designed to make our lives simpler and more efficient, has made many of us confused and overwhelmed. Many nonprofits are left wondering what social networking sites they need to be on, how much attention should they devote to this medium, and where should they even begin in this whole process. Haydon’s blog does a great job at addressing these very issues, plus much more. He has also created an extremely helpful Facebook profile, The Nonprofit Facebook Guy, to keep nonprofits in the know about the latest features on the social network. Whether you’re a novice using the internet or a seasoned pro, you’ll find tips and valuable recommendations to stay abreast concerning online fundraising and social media.
5) Katya Andresen: @katyaN4G from Washington, DC; Blog: Katya’s Nonprofit Marketing Blog
Marketing is much of the lifeblood of any nonprofit. You could run the most effective programs in the world, but it wouldn’t mean a thing if no one participated or donated. In a world where we are blasted with advertisements on TV, the internet, and in our favorite magazines, it’s hard to stand out. With so many images and slogans vying for our attention, developing an eye-catching story and marketing strategy can be a struggle for many organizations. This struggle sometimes appears unsurmountable when there are countless other charities asking for money to support their worthy cause. Andresen explains the ins and outs of marketing, traps to avoid, and presents good examples of what can be done to overcome these challenges. She also discusses ways to insert new life into your marketing plans and keep donors tied in to your organization.
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