In today’s business environment, social media is a popular tool for communicating and making relationships. Tools like Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace provide an instant community with networking resources and cost-effective communication. While these tools can make it easier to bring association members together, is social media missing the collaborative personal touch that has been the core of nonprofit associations in the past? In a world that is seeking “on-demand” information, is direct or face-to-face personal contact becoming less important? Is social media just too impersonal for the nonprofit association? Post your comments now.
We have setup a whole host of social tools for our members whose average age is in the early 50's. Not once have I heard that the tools are making their current relationships less personal. In fact, many of our members have connected and started networking with other members who they would never have had the chance to meet otherwise. Many of our members then leverage these new connections by meeting in-person at designated social networking events held at our annual conference or one of our regional conferences.
So while I understand the sentiment, i have to disagree and say that social networks are in fact augmenting relationships.
Andy Steggles CIO Risk & Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS)
Submitted by Andy Steggles (not verified) on July 5, 2008 - 5:02pm.
On a certain level, social media does seem impersonal. However, it may be a venue that associations should consider with a membership base that may be getting younger. There is no denying that younger generations utilize these tools to communicate and may be drawn to associations or organizations who also use them.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 12, 2008 - 9:28am.
Yes, the lack of personal touch in Social Media makes it a less effective marketing and/or networking tool. Most non-profits are supported by individuals who want contact with another person face to face.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on April 30, 2008 - 9:19am.
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Comments
Social networks are encouraging relationship
So while I understand the sentiment, i have to disagree and say that social networks are in fact augmenting relationships.
Andy Steggles
CIO
Risk & Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS)
Submitted by Andy Steggles (not verified) on July 5, 2008 - 5:02pm.
Social Media
On a certain level, social media does seem impersonal. However, it may be a venue that associations should consider with a membership base that may be getting younger. There is no denying that younger generations utilize these tools to communicate and may be drawn to associations or organizations who also use them.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 12, 2008 - 9:28am.Yes, the lack
Yes, the lack of personal touch in Social Media makes it a less effective marketing and/or networking tool. Most non-profits are supported by individuals who want contact with another person face to face.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on April 30, 2008 - 9:19am.