A Practical Approach to How Nonprofits Can Incorporate Networking

Nonprofit Networking Opportunities

Networking is all about fostering professional or social relationships. By utilizing networking to its fullest potential, you can grow your nonprofit and reach new heights. Here is everything that you need to know to get started:

 

Virtual Networking Events

A virtual network event allows thousands of people to connect, whether for professional development or to take advantage of business opportunities.

To take part in a virtual networking event, you have two options:

 

1. Find virtual networking events:

Finding virtual networking events to attend is relatively easy:

Eventbrite.com, Meetup.com and Facebook Events are websites that make it easy for you to browse and find any upcoming events that you might be interested in.

Another way of finding events is by using social media; Facebook Groups, LinkedIn Groups and online communities led by brands and services related to your industry will often promote any upcoming events.

2. Create your virtual networking event:

• Choose a virtual event platform:

To host a virtual networking event, you’ll need a video conferencing platform. You can use Zoom, Google Hangouts, Dialpad Meetings, TrueConf Oline, Skype, FreeConference and many others; your options are unlimited.

 

• Integrate your event, marketing and sales systems:

Integration is about melding event tech together seamlessly with your current software in such a way that you’ll be able to act upon the leads that you have generated throughout the virtual networking event. 

 

• Determine the networking size:

The size of your guest list will depend on the format of your event and the goals you want to achieve by hosting the event. While most virtual events are larger than in-person events due to greater accessibility, they will fail if too many people are involved. 

 

• Appoint a moderator:

Having a moderator is important as their role is to spark discussion, manage the event and ensure that the rules of etiquette are followed.

 

• Promote the event

Promotion does not need to be widespread. It’s not about casting a large net as much as it is about inviting the right individuals. Make a list of participants based on their industry, interests, and other pertinent characteristics. Concentrate on effective email marketing efforts and create a terrific event website with a tempting offer. Consider social media promotion and digital advertisements if you want to reach a new audience and create leads.

 

• Follow these guidelines:
  • Start with introductions
  • Give the moderator the ability to mute
  • Set time limits for discussions and individuals
  • When someone has the floor, make sure that everyone else is on mute
  • Introduce attendees a few days before the event and make information accessible on the event site
  • Provide attendees with a list of questions before the event starts, in that way they can prepare
  • Have a code of conduct, and make sure that everyone is aware of it

 

Social Networking

Social networking refers to the use of social media to stay connected with friends, family, colleagues, customers, or clients. It can have a social purpose, a business purpose, or both.

As a nonprofit, you can use social networking to raise awareness, attract donors, recruit volunteers, and much more.

These are the social media sites, nonprofits can use with great success:

• LinkedIn: The ideal platform for reaching potential corporate partners and working professionals.
• Facebook: A great place to get people talking and sharing content about your cause.
• Twitter:  A valuable platform for spreading awareness and interacting with followers.
• YouTube: If your nonprofit create video content, this is the perfect platform to host it.

 

Join a Nonprofit Network

A nonprofit network is a group of nonprofit organizations that share the same goals or objectives. Networked nonprofits aim to forge long-term partnerships with trusted partners to tackle their goals on multiple fronts.

And why would you want to join one? Nonprofits that are part of a network can leverage resources and knowledge more effectively than those that decide to venture forth on their own. Some of the world’s most successful businesses remain small, dividing their workload with like-minded, long-term partners.

By mobilizing resources outside their immediate control, networked nonprofits achieve their missions far more effectively, efficiently, and sustainably than they could have by working alone. 

 

 

5 Useful Nonprofit Networking Sites

1 . Society for Nonprofits is a nonprofit that aims to facilitate the sharing of information and ideas through well-known social networking tools.

2. Meetup is a social media platform used for hosting and organizing in-person and virtual events. It is the perfect platform to find networking groups geared towards nonprofits.

3. LinkedIn is the perfect platform to connect with professionals within your field while looking out for any upcoming events that you might be interested in.

4. 180elevate is a social networking platform that aims to connect nonprofits with world-class experts that allows them to grow.

5. The National Council of Nonprofits is a site that acts as a trusted resource and advocate for American charitable nonprofits. According to their website, they have the nation’s largest network of nonprofits.

 

 

Use a board member’s Network

Board members are organizational stewards; they have a wide array of skills and insights that can be extremely valuable to your nonprofit. They also can connect you to people you may not already know. It is up to you to cultivate these relationships.

Get Listed on a Nonprofit Directory

A nonprofit directory is a resource that helps nonprofits connect and donors by listing said nonprofit.

Directories will allow you to broaden your reach, make it easier for potential donors or partners to get in touch with you, and strengthen your nonprofit’s presence.

By supporting directories, you contribute to the upkeep of the running of the directory, which in turn helps your organization to connect to much-needed resources.

One such directory is Support Black Charities. Support Black Charities is committed to giving visibility to black-focused charities. Get in touch over here: