A Flitter over Twitter

OK, one week away from NTEN's Conference and I'm hooked on Twitter again. Granted, I don't have as much time to update my status as I'd like, but I love following organizations like Global Giving and TechSoup. I've been on the fence about Twitter for awhile. I even remember reading its obituary last year. I still meet people who are very enthused about it and some who are over it. And, I've met those who think it's a great channel for organizations to communicate to active online constituents.

However, you might ask: What is the real ROI of Twitter? Yes, it's fun to network and meet people and keep in touch almost instantly but does it work? Well, that depends on what your organization is trying to acomplish.

Twitter can fulfill one of the big buzz words being tossed around right now: groundswell. If your organization is a 501(c)(4) that heavily relies on social networks to get the word out, then you should start an account immediately and start encouraging your constituents to do the same. It may take some time to build a network, but you can build a very responsive network in cities and towns just by pulling in a few dedicated followers. So, when you need a groundswell for hitting the phones or attending a rally, it can really work for your org.

Can you raise money online with Twitter? Perhaps. You could create a following and then create a sense of urgency with a specific campaign. If your .org have to raise $25,000 in a week, then mobilize your Twitter devotees to hit their networks for you. Your organization can create a single login and keep it updates with event and campaign information. You might be surprised by the results.

However, that said, if your staff is already pushed to the limits and you can barely make site updates without hassle, then keep Twitter in your back pocket for now. The key part of social networking is being social; some .orgs have discovered that it's hard work to keep up with all the networks, posts, and feeds, even with updates from your devices. Perhaps you have a verby volunteer who would love to keep our .org's Twitter page a-titterin'. If you can make the most of social networks, then try to fold them into your overall ephilanthropy plans. Who knows, your .org may become Twitter-aholics.

www.twitter.com/garthmoore

Comments

[Kathleen Gage]

Hello Garth,

There is a lot of buzz about Twitter recently.

I am still standing at the fence about Twitter.
After reading your post and many others, I think I should at least check it out further.

Thanks for sharing.

Best,
Kathleen Gage

[Garth Moore]

Thanks Kathleen. It might be an interesting channel, it all depends on if you can get your constituents to use it and rteach out to others. I'll be sure to follow you when you're on.