Google for Non-profits

Google is helping nonprofits. Apps, analytics, You Tube. We hear all about how these and other social media tools can help nonprofits. Well Google has them in one spot and they make it really easy to use, plus they are all free! Check out the link and tell me what your think.

Linkedin for Nonprofits

As I try to weed through the social media haze I do stumble upon some interesting sites. Twitter has not caught my interest yet. I dabbled with it a little during the Pepsi Refresh Project days then dropped it.

I may go back once I get my NPO's Facebook page working to my liking. I still am having a few issues with getting it to a place that merits the time I am putting into it.

One site that never seems to become uninteresting is LinkedIn. Through pure trial and error I have been able to link my blog to Linkedin. I also have a You Tube Video from the NPO I work at on my profile page. I have over 200 connections from fellow fundraising professionals to recruiters. Personally, there is a wealth of information on fundraising that is shared through groups of your personal interest.
Several NPOs use LinkedIn to invite connections to their functions or just to ask for help. The best part is that this site has a global reach. Experts in your field are ready to give advice. You can join in on the conversations or just read what others think.

I started out using LinkedIn as a personal tool for professional growth but it has quickly become a way to rally supporters for professional advice, camaraderie, and idea engines.

I have not used LinkedIn to find a new job but my son-in-law found his new job through the site and he wasn't even looking for a job!

My You Tube Experience

I needed to get a Public Service Announcement (PSA) on You Tube.  Being a newbie on the social media scene this process was a shot in the dark for me.  Once again Google makes it simple. 

I set up an account and followed the simple steps.  The tricky part was finding the link after the video was posted.  Well I went back into my account and found the tag section.  I had to add the title Devereux is Here for Me and a few other key words such as Devereux Pocono Center to the Tags section.  It wasn’t until after my son placed commas and the quotation marks in the right place that you can now find the PSA by typing in Devereux Pocono.  Take a look and leave a comment.

The Birth of a Blog

Where do I start?  I was a little bored and wanted to start a website. So what do I write about?  I happen to be a development director and President of AFP Pocono Mountains Chapter.  Well, fund development of course.  But what did I know about a website?  I had no idea where to begin.  I was discussing this situation with my 19 year old son on his way back from college.  He had no choice but to talk to me.  It was a 2 1/2 hour drive.

He suggested I start a blog. But how would I get anyone to read the blog? Could I make any money?  After all I have nothing to sell.  My son who's babysitter was our home computer for many years said,  "Don't worry just add content.  I will take care of the rest."  So that was the birth of my blog.  Beers Group.  (Beers is my last name and Group represents my three children.) 

I must admit that my son did help me but Google also participated.  The help tab was also very informative.

I went to Google Blogs and followed the simple directions.  They provide templates and you can customize your account by changing colors and fonts.  Part of the fun is learning how to create the blog and add things like gadgets. 

Gadgets are the things on the top of the page and on the side such as Labels, Members, and About Me.  These are neat things that can link you to other blogs or make navigating my blog easier. So follow me as I improve my blog and please add your comments and questions.