Continue reading »]]> Top 15 Nonprofit Social Media Network Tips;

Help your Messages Help the World!

By Thomas R. Reich

Nonprofit social media network tips to help you help the world.  How can your messages be more effective and reach more people in the nonprofit social media network?  We researched and found some tips you may have heard of, but we believe this list will present tips that work for nonprofits in a unique way.

1)      Follow the 70-20-10 rule:

A)     70% of the time it’s important to share content that adds value to the community as a whole.

B)     20% of the time engage your immediate community and your cause with questions and advice.

C)     10% of the time blatantly self-promote your cause.

2)      Set goals and keep to strategies:

A)     Set aside time to manage your nonprofit social media tools, post at set times of the day and week and keep to that schedule

B)     Create a content calendar, decide what your over all message is and when it will be most effective and keep to that schedule

C)     Reach out to others in your community by commenting, sharing and re-Tweeting, then ask them to do the same for your nonprofit social media network.

D)     Build awareness by encouraging relationships with the classic  media, actively engage with them, and even feature their content at times.

3)     Nonprofit  Social Media Networks can be an integral influence in your marketing strategy if used those resources as they were intended, play by nonprofit social media rules.  Nonprofit social media networks can raise awareness, build loyalty, increase credibility, impact reputation, inform audiences, address concerns, influence media interest and strengthen relationships with supporters.  However, nonprofit social media networks do not work well as direct sales or direct donation request vehicles.

4)      Research others with a similar cause to yours; see what similar organizations are doing to get ideas for your organization.

5)      Get help – Find a professional organization you can trust that can help you with nonprofit social media network, often re-inventing the wheel is more expensive than simply asking for a little help!

6)      Use the nonprofit social media tools that most benefit your nonprofit organization, we recommend:

A)     Facebook

B)     LinkedIn

C)     Twitter

D)     YouTube

E)      Website

F)      Blog

7)      Encourage your staff, volunteers and supporters to join each and every one of your nonprofit social media network nodes.  If they do not have, for instance, a Twitter account, hold a class on how to set up their own Twitter account.  This way your nonprofit social media network is expanded to all your associates social media networks, and their friends become part of your nonprofit social media network.

8)      Reach out to Influencers – Start conversations with bloggers that support a similar cause to yours, see if they will include mention of your charity or your activities in their blog, offer to do the same for them.  Also, exchange information, follow each other, and add them to your nonprofit social media network.

9)      Provide relevant content – Only send tweets and messages that fit your cause, your nonprofit social mrdia network should be exclusive to your cause, do not use your social media as a personal site.  Engage with content that will attract and retain fans, followers and supporters.

10)      Evolve – Change your strategy as social media and your organization changes.  Chat about the latest trends in your cause, your latest drive, something one of your volunteers has done that deserves mention.  Always be on the lookout for new trends and tips that can increase your nonprofit social media network exposure.

11)      Be helpful – if a supporter or a new face asks a question or comments, respond quickly, and give thought to the answer.  Remember for everyone who sends a question, 100 probably thought about asking, and did not reply, they will read the answer carefully!   When people take the time to reach out and share, return the favor with a helpful and thoughtful response!

12)      Provide value – From the links and content you share, to the questions you ask of followers, always ask yourself “would this be something your supporters would find of value”.

13)      Don’t forget donations either – From time to time at appropriate junctures, like when others mention your good works, you may remind them of the need for donations and always provide a link to your donations page in your website and links to all of your nonprofit social media network nodes as well!

14)      Drive traffic to your official website – Helpful links placed in appropriate locations within blog posts, and occasionally in Tweets can drive quality potential donors to your official website where you can encourage donations more stringently.

15)      Use discussions and questions to learn more about your supporters, volunteers and donors – Remember, the more you know about your most supportive people the more they can help you to your goals and to build your nonprofit social media network and in so doing move closer to engaging in your cause!

Does having a better nonprofit social media network seem like it may help you?  We think it can, at CharityNet USA we are here to help you help others!  We have a FREE Wednesday webinar this coming Wednesday March 21. 2012.  We will cover how to Get Maximum Publicity from your social Media Network.  I think you will enjoy this event and we invite you to attend, as always, FREE of charge!

Here at CharityNet USA, we have helped over 12,000 people work with the modern tools of business and we can help with Nonprofit Social Media Network as well.  If you would like to talk about marketing your nonprofit, or any area of your day to day operations, please give us a call at 407.857.9002 or email us at info@bizcentralusa.com.

Continue reading »]]> Filing a Form 990 EZ May Increase Your Chances of Winning a Grant

Submit Your Form 990 Tax Return On Time or Face Steep Penalties

For small exempt organizations, the IRS has made compliance with the form 990 Information Return filing a simple task; unfortunately, as with all things in life, the easy way is not always the best way. Specifically, although your nonprofit organization’s total annual revenue may meet the guidelines that allow for completion of a form 990N, it may not be the best option. Did you know that by voluntarily filing the form 990EZ return you become automatically listed with GuideStar, the nation’s leading source of information on nonprofit organizations, and you also have a better chance of being considered for a grant by a foundation?

Last year over 400,000 nonprofit organizations, or approximately 25% of all exempt organizations, lost their 501 tax exemptions simply because they had failed to file timely and complete 990 information returns!  In addition to the possibility of revocation of tax exemption, nonprofits are also faced with potential penalties for late filing of their annual returns. In an effort to encourage compliance, the IRS imposes fines of up to $50,000 per year for organizations who are non-compliant with filing requirements.  Even small organizations with revenue under $5,000 per year are subject to late filing penalties.

Organizations eligible to file the e-Postcard or form 990N may choose to file the short form return, the form 990-EZ.  Organizations that elect to file the form 990-EZ must still file a complete return.  An incomplete or partially completed 990N or form 990-EZ will not satisfy the annual filing requirement.

If relying upon a professional for assistance with completion of your annual return, it is important to work with an organization that has experience with nonprofit organizations, their business structures, and needs.  At CharityNet USA, we have worked with over 12,000 organizations over the years and we will make appropriate recommendations in regards to the most beneficial tax filing, with a focus on your organization’s anticipated needs as a growing nonprofit.

Call us today for a free assessment! If simple filing is best, we can handle it quickly and at the best price around.  Further, we can help you with a more comprehensive 990 information return that may significantly improve your organization’s potential grant opportunities, while also increasing your transparency and easing your state compliance requirements.

Interested in what you’ve read here but still want more information on form 990 IRS Federal Tax Return?  Please attend our FREE Webinar on the preparation and filing of the form 990 Information Return. The Free webinar is being held Wednesday March 14, 2012. CLICK HERE to register.

So it’s up to you. Are you sure you have everything in order for IRS Federal Requirements?  Would you like to have a second opinion?  That is what CharityNet USA is here for.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up, grow, or manage your nonprofit, foundation, or church outreach programs please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling 1.407.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]> LinkedIn for Nonprofits; the Lists for Action Now!

Tips and Tricks: how to use Social Media for Nonprofits:

By: Thomas R. Reich

Investigating LinkedIn for Nonprofits-

LinkedIn for nonprofits is a vital link to donors and volunteers in today’s digital society.  We will assume you have set up your basic profile, and most important that you uploaded a professional looking head shot, not a logo, this is a must on LinkedIn.  We will assume that your profile is filled out and completed 100%!  This is the basis for getting value from LinkedIn for Nonprofits.

Let’s take a look at your profile updates, some interesting things happen when you input a status update:

1)   You can update your status any time you like on LinkedIn for nonprofits

2)   Your latest status update gets displayed right at the top of your page, right under your Professional looking photo and your name.

3)   That is valuable real-estate; anyone visiting your LinkedIn page will see this update first thing.

4)   It is a great place for announcements regarding your nonprofit or activities you have upcoming.

5)   You can include a live link to either a YouTube video or a PDF file.

6)   “Here are the 5 biggest reasons to Volunteer” linked to a video of a nice presentation of why they should volunteer for your organization.

7)   “Here is a 14 page PDF report with the 25 most effective ways to help others in 2012” with a link

8)   Take advantage of that short status update line use links to point to more in-depth information when using LinkedIn for nonprofits.

9)   Once a week your followers get “Updates from people you know” in an email, so use this status update once a week, and get maximum exposure from LinkedIn for nonprofits

You have access to start a page, much like a Facebook page, this is a mini web site and is the place for logos and company/Foundation information.  We suggest you put recommendations here sponsored partners, any contests or drives you have going and possibly your Twitter and Facebook links.

You also have access to LinkedIn for nonprofits advanced search service.  Let’s say you want to know the name of the CFO of every company involved in the construction industry, so you could approach them for a donation to your habitat for humanity drive.  You set up the parameters and it not only gives you a complete list, but it updates you every week on new additions.

One of the best ways to network and gain prospects on LinkedIn for nonprofits is through the group network.  Click on groups and you will see hundreds of groups you can join locally or nationally that are full of people with the same goals and similar interests.  You may find a national support group of nonprofits doing exactly what you do in your area, can you imagine the ideas you might be exposed to!

The main way to gain credibility and network most effectively is to actually start a group, and actively solicit members to your cause.  Yes if your organization is big enough to have 40 volunteers you can have a group named after your non-profit and gain new members right out of LinkedIn for nonprofits, listed and advertised within their own system for free!  How many companies in this day and age offer you a value like that, totally FREE?  The group comes with internal communications, auto notifications, and group email, all free!

Now when you start to invite people to join your LinkedIn for nonprofits network do your homework:

1)   Do you know them personally, if you do label as a friend

2)   If you know of them or work with them in the same industry, label then college.

3)   Personalize your request to have them in your LinkedIn for nonprofits network, DO NOT send the standard message.

4)   Make the massage relevant and personalized to the person you are requesting the connection with, why should they be in your network?

5)   Be honest, sincere and above all…

6)   Do not try to sell or solicit anything in this request!

What you should do consistently to nurture your LinkedIn for nonprofits network:

1)   Post a status update weekly

2)   Check and answer any questions sent you at least once a day

3)   Invite interesting people to connect, a few a day not all at once

4)   Join groups that fit your mission and interests

5)   Found and nurture a group, relevant to your mission and goals

6)   Answer any group questions promptly, have monthly events

7)   Share articles or interesting blog postings (like this one) with your group or network of friends on a regular basis to hold interest

Your mantra on LinkedIn for nonprofits should be NOT BE: “Buy my stuff” it will get you a bad rep in no time.

Instead try “Let me suggest something” or “Have you tried this” then call me and we can discuss further.  The soft sell on LinkedIn for nonprofits works best.

APPROACH, TRANSPARINCY and ETHICS

• Build relationships
• Add value
• Share Information
• Keep it Relevant
• Promote Others
• Connect People to Opportunity
• Always say Thank You for any connect or group join

A Final List of things to do to be Successful in LinkedIn for Nonprofit

• Clearly define your target audience
• Participate where they do, join the groups they are in
• Be a consistent person
• Cultivate your network carefully
• Be visible and add value to the discussion
• Demonstrate credibility
• Plan, Execute and succeed with LinkedIn for nonprofit

                            “IF you try to sell to everyone, you are selling to no one”

At CharityNetUSA we have been helping nonprofits, just like you for almost a decade, over 12,000 clients have come to call us home.  Join us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook and we can help start you network. Join us on LinkedIn, (which is Efrain Rodriguez, remember no logo’s on LinkedIn)  We are always available to talk about ideas or assist in planning any number of Nonprofit needs, form bookkeeping and marketing to Social Networking and SEO help.

We have a great FREE Webinar this Wednesday, March 7, 2012 titled “Successful Grant Development”, With special guest Host Melanie Swift.  Space is still available so CLICK HERE to sign up now

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a Charity, Nonprofit or Foundation please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]> Top 10 Tips for Grant Funding 

Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready

In today’s world of nonprofit grant funding, competition is stiff. Overall, available grant funding has greatly diminished and organizations must use every accessible resource to their advantage.  A grant writing service can assist you in obtaining grants and ultimately grant funding, but you must do everything in your power to adequately prepare.  Melanie M. Swift, MNM, Director of Nonprofit Services for CharityNet USA, has prepared a list of the top 10 things your nonprofit must have well established prior to the commencement of a grant funding campaign.

Mission- Know your mission in and out. Be prepared to describe your organization’s specific mission and know how you work each day to fulfill that mission. Be sure your mission statement reflects your purpose, your unique method of delivery, and your organization’s core values.

History- What inspired your organization’s founding? What have been the major milestones since? Has your organization received any recognition for its efforts? Be able to provide success stories to demonstrate your capabilities.

Funding- How have you sustained your organization thus far? Who are your major contributors? How do you fundraise? It is extremely important to funders that potential grant funding recipients be able to demonstrate past fiduciary responsibility.

Need- Can you show that there is really a significant need for your organization’s programs within the community you serve? Research statistical data on the problem you address as well as the degree of other efforts being made to combat the same problem.

Governing Capabilities- Are you able to promote members of your board or staff as responsible, knowledgeable, nonprofit professionals? Be prepared to describe their education and experience. Convince me that they are competent leaders.

Objectives- Know the difference between a goal and an objective.  You must be able to provide targeted, measurable objectives! Identify objectives that are realistic and attainable, which is a necessity in order to receive grant funding.

Methods- Do you really know, step-by-step, how you will meet your objectives? Are you aware of everything and everyone that will be involved, down to the smallest detail? It is essential that the questions of Who-What-When-Why-How be answered for each proposed activity.

Evaluation- How will you evaluate the success of your proposed project? Take the time to develop a scientific plan for evaluation that describes who will be involved, at what intervals, and what costs will be incurred.

Sustainability- You must think past the grant award period. Exactly how will you continue to fund this project once the grant funding runs out? Funders seek out projects that will exist into perpetuity.

Budget- Learn to develop a precise line item budget. Know the difference between an operating budget and a project budget, and learn how to allocate your administrative costs within each program. This activity requires significant board involvement.

Melanie M. Swift, MNM, Director of nonprofit Services for CharityNetUSA will be conducting a FREE Webinar: “Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready” Wednesday February 29, 2012.  This seminar is the first in a series on grant funding  given by Ms. Swift, and one you do not want to miss:

Join us for a webinar on making sure your nonprofit is “grant ready“. If you are you getting ready to apply for a grant or even thinking about it, then you can’t miss this opportunity to learn more about grant funding.

Our Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift will lay out the steps involved in the strategic preparation for undertaking a grant campaign, so you’re prepared for the legwork that goes into getting grant funding.  Sign up now for the FREE webinar CLICK HERE Learn the importance of a clarified mission and vision, an existing tax exemption, a strategic plan, a qualified Board, and a unique method for service delivery. In addition, discover the power of forthright financial information.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]> Growing Your Church with Family Life Ministries

Family Life Ministries By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

In today’s fast paced world, we tend to want everything now.  Developing Family Life Ministries at your church may be a priority, but proper planning is a necessity!  Using the following formula, a Church can strengthen its membership, and serve its community as well.  With proper preparation, you can enjoy success and prosper with Family Life Ministries added to your services.

When developing Family Life Ministries, churches should follow a comprehensive process that will not only ensure there’s a need for the program but that the church has the human and capital resources to effectively and efficiently carry out the program. The following five-step process can be used to develop Family Life Ministries at your church.

1. Assess the Family Life Ministries needs of your members and surrounding community.

• Survey your congregation on the types of Family Life Ministries they would like to conduct.
  

  Get your Volunteers involved in surveying the community.

• Survey the community about the types of programs that they need.
  • Educational, Health, Financial Literacy, etc.
  • Match the congregation’s needs and interests with the community’s needs.
    • For example: Did the majority of the congregation want to start a financial literacy program? Did your community survey indicate that many people are unaware of financial management practices?

Select the need that you are most able to meet given the resources that are available for Family Life Ministries.

1. 2.       Develop the Goals and Objectives

• What would you like to accomplish through your Family Life Ministries?

1. 3.       Organize the Program Plans

• Describe step by step how your Family Life Ministries will work.
  • How will you market the program?
  • Where will the program be held?
  • How often will the program be provided?
  • What are the times of operation?
  • What materials will you need for the program?
  • How much will everything cost?
  • How many volunteers will you need per week?
  • Who will be responsible for facilitating your Family Life Ministries?

1. 4.       Implement the Program

• Implement the steps outlined during the Family Life Ministries planning process.
  

  Family Life Ministries takes a Church Family Effort!

• Call the Congregation to Action!
  • Get the congregation involved by advertising the Family Life Ministries during announcements and on the church’s bulletin board.
  • Provide sign-up sheets for volunteers
  • Develop a Twitter account for the Family Life Ministries
  • Interact with the community via your Church website blog and your Facebook page.
  • Alert the local media.
    • Provide a press release to the local newspaper, radio station, and online sources to create awareness of your Family Life Ministries and in the process get positive exposure for your Church!
  • Provide “top-notch” service.
    • Remember that the Family Life Ministries participants are also possible Church members. Build a strong positive relationship with each person that you encounter.
  • Keep the congregation excited about the Family Life Ministries by recognizing exemplary volunteers and achievements on an ongoing basis look for acts of grace to reward.
    • Provide updates about the Family Life Ministries during the announcements portion of your worship service.
    • Provide constant updates about your Family Life Ministries activities on your Twitter, website blog and Facebook.
    • Put pictures of program volunteers at work on the church’s bulletin board, Facebook and in a special section of your website.
    • Reward dedicated volunteers with a special recognition ceremony.
    • Periodically, do a spotlight report in your Website blog on one special volunteer, or area business that has helped the Family Life Ministries.

1. 5.       Evaluate the Program

• Survey the congregation and community.
  • Is the congregation satisfied with the Family Life Ministries?
  • Are the Family Life Ministries participants satisfied with the program?
  • Did the Family Life Ministries achieve its goals and objectives?
  • Has the Family Life Ministries met the needs of the community?
  • If the answer to any of these questions is no, revise the program depending on the results of your surveys and program data, if you feel the survey has merit.  Remember, in many cases it the good you do that improves a community.  You know when you are doing good, it may not poll well, but the good is still being felt.  You are your best judge of a Family Life Ministries success.
    • If you went over the projected budget, increase the budget or downsize your program.
    • Did the hours of operation conflict with church member’s schedules?
    • Were the materials created for the Family Life Ministries effective?

We know that following this five-step process will assist your Church or Nonprofit Organization with developing an outreach program that is truly a help-mate to the community. A Family Life Ministries program can respond to the community’s needs while also serving as a growth agent for the church. Furthermore, an excellently implemented program is much more attractive to donors and volunteers than one with little planning at all. Keep these steps in mind while planning your Family Life Ministries program and success is sure to come!

We at ChurchNetUSA and CharityNetUSA have helped over 12,000 organizations achieve success, and have assisted many Church groups establish successful Family Life Ministries.  Our noted Nonprofit Consultant Howard Walker will be conducting a FREE webinar this coming Wednesday February 22, 2012 that you can’t afford to miss.  Howard Walker has been there, in the trenches and can give you much insight in the important concerns in setting up Family Life Ministries the right way.

Do not miss this FREE opportunity to hear Howard Walker live, and be inspired to greatness!  Click here to sign up for this one time live webinar event provided free from our friends at ChurchNetUSA and CharityNetUSA.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or Church please contact CharityNetUSA and ChurchNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]> Bookkeeping Benefits;

a Free Webinar!

Bookkeeping Blunders: are you in the Dark?

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

Bookkeeping Benefits are in the forefront of small business.  Believe it or not, many small businesses nationwide don’t have an accurate bookkeeping system.  Andrea Root, Accounting Coordinator for CharityNetUSA and specialist in bookkeeping benefits says “More often than not a client will come in with some scraps of paper and bank statements needing up-to-date financial statements and corporate tax returns immediately!”

Running a small business involves many things, some are fun and some are a necessity!  You must have a bookkeeping system, says Miss Root, “Bookkeeping benefits can be an unfamiliar, tedious, and for some frightening process but it must be done on a regular, consistent basis.  Outsourcing this task will save you time, money, and aggravation in the end!”

Andrea Root will be hosting a FREE webinar “Bookkeeping Benefits” Thursday February 16, 2012 and all are welcome.  Simply go to this link FREE WEBINAR for free registration.  Andrea warns “Lack of bookkeeping benefits can be very inexpensive to have done, if you do your part and prepare, but not having accurate books can be very expensive, especially if the IRS comes knocking!”

Andrea will also cover simple tips on collecting data, “Whether doing your own books or hiring bookkeeping services, to enjoy the true bookkeeping benefits you must collect certain data every day!”

“Programs like QuickBooks seem a bookkeeping benefit answer for some, but the learning curve can be steep, and who do you blame if something goes wrong?”  Miss

Root went on, “Ask yourself this: Are you in the dark?  Bookkeeping benefits shines the light on your financial position!”

Remember, if you want to raise your salary or expand your business, you have to know how much income you have coming in and how much you have going out on a monthly basis, now that is a bookkeeping benefit!

Join BizCentralUSA in welcoming Andrea Root, who will be hosting our live FREE webinar “Bookkeeping Benefits”

This Thursday, February 16, 2012by simply clicking on this link FREE WEBINAR BOOKKEEPING BENEFITS.

BizCentralUSA is one of the nation’s leading providers of small business services.  Each week we present a new free Webinar on some important facet of the Small Business world.  This week we are lucky to have the talented Andrea Root hostBOOKKEEPING BENEFITS , and I am sure you will go away with some great knowledge.  Ask yourself; can you afford to be in the dark, let bookkeeping shine the light!

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a Small Business pleasecontact BizCentralUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]> Business Law; Top 10 Pitfalls a Nonprofit Business Should Avoid

Be Prepared with Business Law in 2012

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

Business Law is important for Nonprofits!

1)      Lack of or Poor Organizational Documents! You must create and maintain the right organizational documents, to prepare your nonprofit business for Business Law.  You must first determine what type of structure you want your nonprofit business to operate under.  Business Law it does not stop there; there are annual filing requirements and documents that must be maintained.  Don’t be a casualty, do your paperwork!

2)      Lack of Proper Corporate Records! If you say “we are a small nonprofit, Ill remember the records and do them later” you will fail.  Keeping up with records is a must to be prepared in Business law and takes little time if you make it an ongoing process!

3)      Accepting Money from Investors Without Understanding Nonprofit Securities Business Laws! There are ways to accept investment, endowments and donations in your new nonprofit, that are legal and this is the only way they should be accepted.  Consult a lawyer first if you are unsure of Nonprofit Business Law. This is the rule of thumb; make sure you and your investors are protected before you get yourself in hot water.

4)      Failing to have Founders and Employees Non-Compete Agreements! If you or your new employees have come from a similar business and are now competing with an old employer, make sure there is not a Non-Compete agreement enforce.  By the same token protect yourself if what you are doing is of a unique nature.

Contracts are very important with Nonprofits protect yourself with such an agreement, if what you are doing is of a unique nature.

5)      Weak or Non-Existent Vendor/Client Written Agreements. If you go into your new nonprofit on a handshake agreement to provide services or products to a friend or acquaintance, this is very risky.  Having a simple contract, one with terms and a time period assures that your demand will still be there when you take the plunge and open your doors.  Without a written agreement, one using practical Business Law, you may find the endowment does not materialize and you have no legal recourse.

6)      Litigation! Pure and simple, many new nonprofit owners feel they are in the cat bird seat now and they “Aren’t going to take this anymore!”  You must avoid all litigation if possible, work out problems without filing suit.  Litigation is very expensive and at the small nonprofit level, it can bankrupt a company from the preparation of just one law suit, this is Business Law fact!.  Collections are another matter, but there are professionals for that, STAY AWAY FROM LITIGATION IF YOU POSSIBLY CAN!

Dealing with collections is a touchy business law when dealing with nonprofits

7)      Collections! Collections can be a problem in many nonprofits, and it is tempting to take things personally.  First work directly with the donor, sometimes a personal call and request for payment of promised funds does the trick.  Never threaten or harass the donor, you could cross a line that puts them in the driver’s seat legally.  When the account can’t be salvaged with sugar, find good collections groups that work on a percentage and let them sow the vinegar, they are much more likely to be an expert in Nonprofit Business Law, and much more likely to collect!

8)      Non-Performance Alleged Against your Nonprofit! It is most advisable that you do you level best to go overboard and fix non-performance allegations against you.  As a new nonprofit, you do not want negative statements on services like “Rip off Report” or the BBB.  Offer a refund or the bend over backwards to fix the problem.  Defending against a law suit is both unproductive and expensive, avoid if you can, this is the case with all Business Law, avoid litigation if you can.

Relations with other nonprofits and Business Law can be tricky!

9)      Non-Performance of Other Service Providers to Your Small Business! Same rules apply; avoid Litigation if you possibly can.  A call from your CEO or Director may do the trick, be cool calm and consolatory.  Remember they do not want negative reports on “Rip off Report” or the BBB either.  Again, Litigation is very expensive, so do you level best to work out difference civilly, but calmly and reserve the right to do what is necessary to receive services or products you have paid for.  Remember how you handled the other side of this issue, and use that experience to look at the other company’s point of view.  Never loose site of your rights under Nonprofit Business Law, but keep your eyes clearly on Public relations and you image in the community!.

10)  No Internal Controls, Guidelines, Manuals, etc! It is important to have written rules and regulations to govern your nonprofit on a daily basis.  Internal Controls, Guidelines and Manuals are welcome by your employees, it lets them know exactly where they stand.  You will find that if rules are in place, you employees will not only follow what is expected of them but be thankful for knowing how to operate within guidelines.  You will be secure in the knowledge that you have done what you can to prepare your nonprofit under Business Law.

If you find FREE legal advice helpful, don’t miss our FREE webinar “Legal Issues to Avoid” by clicking this link LEGAL ISSUES TO AVOID FOR YOUR NONPROFIT.  This webinar is free and will happen on FREE Nonprofit Webinar Wednesdays February 15, 2012, it will be hosted by Attorney Mark Bartle!

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation, church or any nonprofit please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]> Nonprofit Fundraising Using Social Media:

 Basic rules of engagement

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

This is the year to imporve you skills with nonprofit fundraising with social media

Nonprofit fundraising using social media can be a lot more fun than you may think!  We are about to cover some fun, free projects your organization can try right out of this blog.  Let us know how they work!

Today, in 2012, nonprofit fundraising using social media has gotten both easier and way more complicated!  If you remember the basic rules of engagement, then nonprofit fundraising using social media can be a smooth running snap!

if you cause is the California Condor, nonprofit fundraising using social media lets you brand it that way!

One of the basic rules of engagement for nonprofit fundraising using social media is to come up with an event, because donation or item sales drive that is consistent with your mission statement.  If you are a charity designed to feed the homeless, a food drive and donation drive is appropriate.  If you an organization designed to save the California Condor, why not try selling logo embossed peanut brittle?

Letting the donor have something physical for their donation is a key method used today in nonprofit fundraising using social media, it gives the donor a feeling of value and lets them walk away with something that shows others they donated.  Another advantage of an item for a donation, is that item is advertising to everyone that sees it, the donors family and friends, if they take the item back to work who knows how many will see it.

Another great fundraiser is donations for an event, dinner, concert or even a car wash.  If it is to be a donation for a dinner or a concert, be very sure you have the funding to pull off the event even if you do not get the numbers of attendees you hoped for.  Concert venues want paid, lighting and sound must be paid, so consult with professionals before you get in over your head.

Nonprofit fundraising using social media can increase results 3 fold!

Back to the car wash idea, you have seen them many times, but we have a new twist.  Think in terms of old marketing first, sell tickets to get a car wash, this way you know in advance of the event that you will have money coming in and a successful event before it happens.  But it gets better, some who buy tickets will forget to come, and others that don’t want to let some kids wash their new car will buy a ticket to support your cause, but never use it!  Finally the event will draw the donors that see the car wash as a spur of the moment thing just like any other car wash anyway.  Can you see how nonprofit fundraising useing social media could increase this method even more?

Same rule applies for bake sales, thrift sales, arts and craft sales and raffles.  But where do the social media come in.  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media is simple if you follow the basic rules of engagement for a nonprofit event, and then talk about it constantly on you twitter feed, Facebook and LinkedIn to boost your exposure.

Basic Rules of Engagement:

1)      Design a realistic and achievable fundraising idea,  make sure you have the funds to cover any eventuality and that your price point is affordable to your core donor audience

2)      Have someone who is dedicated to the successful planning, running and execution of the event or drive, this is espicially critical for nonprofit fundraising using social media.  If you have an experienced person on staff or a volunteer who is reliable and known to complete tasks properly

nonprofit fundraising using social media puts you in the web

great, if not there are professionals who can organize and execute it for you at a reasonable cost.

3)      Set clear and attainable goals; don’t make the drive to raise a million dollars if you are selling 5 dollar car wash tickets.

4)      Clarify the purpose of the event or drive, what are the funds going to benefit, if it is to benifit the general funds of the charity or foundation, great.  If, however, it is to benifit the California Condor, then you might be able to get other organizations with similar goals to join in through the internet, remember nonprofit fundraising using social media offers a whole world of new options for partnerships in humanitarian goals.

5)       Use social media and traditional methods to market market market!  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media can be tied in with traditional methods to great effect; think about having a ticket sales booth at a cretin location and then announce it through social media as well as the way you normally do it, you will have the potential of many more coming by!

these are a key part of success in nonprofit fundraising using social media

6)      Use social media to publicize the event, blog about the cause and push the effect of a donation or participation in the drive.  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media expands your world, expands you influence and adds to the good you can do!

Let’s say your event is a Spaghetti Dinner, we will use that as our final example.  Traditional marketing says you sell tickets to friends church members working with you and maybe at the local grocery store, using a table with a hand

Think differently

written sign.

Let’s look at how nonprofit fundraising using social media could work.  In your announcements newsletter, you begin talking about the amazing spaghetti dinner coming soon, and that last year it sold out so buy tickets early.  Then you begin to Tweet the event and list it on Facebook and LinkedIn, now remember not just your organization social media, but the Facebook and twitter of every member, volunteer and booster of your organization.

Try a different approach; nonprofit fundraising using social media

Next, in your social cause’s blog you put a story about the cause followed by an announcement of the event.  Finally you put out a press release, and all social media coverage on the unique recipe of the spaghetti sauce.  Make sure there are comments listed on blogs and tweet responses expressing agreement at the unique good flavor of the spaghetti!

Can you see how this could cause a “viral” effect, because many people you never knew existed will now come and be exposed to your cause!  This is how nonprofit fundraising using social media works.

If this sounds interesting, but you still want to learn more, join the staff of CharityNetUSA for a totally free seminar on Wednesday February 8, 2012.  We at CharityNetUSA have helped a myriad of organizations with nonprofit fundraising using social media as well as all forms of business services.  In fact we have helped over 12,000 organizations over the years, and we can help you too.  We have a nonprofit webinar free on many topics every Wednesday and a small business webinar every Thursday also totally free!

Sing up now, it’s free and it is packed full of great information on fundraising in general and nonprofit fundraising using social media as well, remember as always this is not an infomercial, this is a true free webinar.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]> Modern Marketing and Nonprofits

 by Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

The Phoenicians invented modern marketing and nonprofits!

In today’s competitive nonprofit environment, modern marketing and nonprofits is essential.  The first step in modern marketing and nonprofits is the same as it has been since the Phoenicians, develop a working marketing plan!

A marketing plan lays out your strategy and direction in the world of modern marketing and nonprofits.  The first step is to secure a solid corporate identity, with a common look, color and design throughout all aspects of anything from your company that is seen by the public or another business.  A complete corporate identity should include:

1)      Corporate Branding and Logo Design

• One consistent color pattern
  

  Nonprofit strategy is part of modern marketing and nonprofitss.

• Make sure logo is unique, distinctive and very reproducible to all media both media and print matter

2)      Brochures – containing the Logo and the color and consistent design which is to become your corporate identity

3)      Business cards and electronic signature – should also follow this developing pattern of color and design

4)      Press release blanks – should carry the corporate identity

5)      Newsletters with the look and feel of your corporate identity from front to back

CharityNetUSA can help with modern marketing and nonprofits

A company like CharityNetUSA can assist you in this type of design, inexpensively, and can get you on the road to modern marketing and nonprofits.  However you create this “Corporate Identity” it must be of prime concern.  Today, a business identity is your life’s blood, the key to modern marketing for small business.

The second step is to develop an integrated digital identity.  In today’s nonprofit world, the internet is not only reality, but is indispensible to a modern marketing and nonprofit plan!  You have, at this point, created a consistent corporate identity, logo, overall design and color scheme.

You must now carry this “Corporate Identity” into a “Digital Identity”, and do it correctly in order to survive

The internet must be part of modern marketing and nonprofits

modern marketing and nonprofits:

1)       Create a website consistent with logo, overall design and colors to match your already developed corporate identity

2)      Create a blog with consistent branding

3)      Customize you Twitter with consistent branding

4)      Customize your Facebook with consistent branding and create a fan page with a look consistent with your web home page

5)      Customize your LinkedIn account; create a grope membership list consistent with your nonprofit type.

There are so many aspects to modern marketing and nonprofits and each facet has books written concerning all the things you can do to maximize your exposure.  What I hope you take away from this writing, is that everything your nonprofit does must be with a consistent look.  Today, due to the internet culture, you can have the look and feel of a much larger corporation, if you plan and execute your corporate identity correctly.

Having a great Marketing Plan is essential in modern marketing and nonprofits

CharityNetUSA has been helping nonprofits plan and execute corporate identity, and all aspects of small business operations for many years.  CharityNetUSA has helped over 12,000 small nonprofits just like yours and we can help you with your modern marketing and nonprofits today!

Join us for a free webinar which will cover “Key Marketing Ideas” this coming Thursday, February 9, 2012.  As always, this is not an infomercial, but a true free full hour of pure information.  Want to know more about modern

marketing and nonprofits, we will see you there!

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a Small Business please contact us by visiting CharityNetUSA or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]> How to Use Social Media for Nonprofits:

LinkedIn for Nonprofits Part 1

LinkedIn gives you access to over 135 million business people and professionals in every field

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

LinkedIn has rapidly become the premier professional communications network worldwide and a big part of social media for nonprofits.  This innovative social media site allows you to pre-screen everyone in your network, in essence permitting you to specifically design who you want to deal with in your world. When using Social Media for Nonprofits, often you end up with followers that are inappropriate for what you are trying to achieve. On the contrary, LinkedIn tries to address within social media for nonprofits, all the pitfalls in Facebook, to create a professional environment- a platform designed in your personal and professional image.

According to Patrick Schwerdtfeger, author of the New York Times best selling book “Marketing Shortcuts”, today 80% of buying or donating decisions are made before personal contact is made with an organization! A modern, successful nonprofit organization will first be searched on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn all now part of social media for nonprofits. The public will also look for your website and search for your name on Google or other search engines.

In today’s society, your organization is judged by your digital presence. Remember when planning your digital

Social media for nonprofits is the new handshake!

presence: “If you try to sell to everyone you will sell to no one”.  LinkedIn can be a big part of your digital presence, and a link to other social media for nonprofit efforts and for nonprofits in general.

Remember, selling your cause to donors and volunteers is a relationship-building process, and social media for nonprofits is the new handshake. Set up properly, LinkedIn gets you the introduction to new prospects and presents your organization to them in a positive light. LinkedIn for Nonprofits all but eliminates the dreaded cold call!

LinkedIn facilitates access to a network of over 135 million business people and professionals in every field. It allows you to network, prospect, pre-qualify leads and actually generate leads without speaking to a soul! Do you think you could use such a network in your organization?

the 3 big players in social media for nonprofits

LinkedIn = Business to business and professionals

Facebook = Loyalty, engagement, and retention of existing relationships

Twitter = Additional input linked to LinkedIn and Facebook

LinkedIn contains 75% of all fortune 500 executives, has over 2million company and organization pages, and allowed over 2 billion free searches last year!  LinkedIn is the heart of social media for nonprofits and is used for prospecting and lead generation. In addition to this there are over 1.3 million small businesses and nonprofits and over 500K groups to join and become involved in.

To utilize LinkedIn and most of social media for nonprofits properly you must set up and complete a proper profile, which includes:

1)   You must complete your profile 100%

Take time, your profile in all social media for nonprofits compleatly

2)   You should have a professional head shot

3)   You must write a compelling summary, give it some thought

4)   List all your specialties not just one

5)   List all relevant experience

6)   Post recommendations Customize your profile URL

7)   Pay attention to keywords in all sections

**NOTE: Never use your logo on the LinkedIn profile in place of your personal head shot- this is not an option, this is a hard rule. You may use the

LinkedIn is the premier social media for nonprofits communication network worldwide

logo other places in LinkedIn, but not in place of head shot!  This is suggested for all social media for nonprofits, but it is most important in LinkedIn

Do add to skills list list: Sales, Meeting Organizer, Social Media Expert, Foundation Advisor, Nonprofit Consultant, Trainer, Author and so on.

DO NOT LIST: Nice Person, Cat Lover, Geek, single and looking– this is totally inappropriate for LinkedIn.

Do Include: a concise, well produced video 30 – 45 sec in length.  Introduce yourself, your cause, why they should care and how to contact you, repeat your name and cause at the end.  Again this holds true for most of social media for nonprofits components.

More to come in Part 2 of Social media for Nonprofits: LinkedIn for Nonprofits! We will discuss the Corporate page, the free mini web site, and a little more about the video section. Then we will discuss the pipeline, how to begin getting leads with searches directly from your LinkedIn FREE account.  We will also discuss joining and participating in LinkedIn groups, and wrap up this 2-part blog on LinkedIn with a discussion of what do daily and how to get the most out of LinkedIn for Nonprofits and social media for nonprofits in general

Small Business Tool Center Nonprofit Resource Center

Did you know CharityNetUSA provides help in many areas.  We are you one stop for anything from 501c3 preparation and certification in many areas, bookkeeping and marketing services.  We can help with web sites and yes even social media for nonprofits strategy.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to Set up a Charity, Nonprofit or Foundation please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please FOLLOW us on Twitter and LIKE us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!  Now is the time to start a small business!