Community Relations and Marketing Your Nonprofit
Millions of people have never questioned whether or not they had the resources to get up and change the world. They did it because they had no choice. Because the value of connectivity and community relations were essential to survival. And so they did what needed to be done, on behalf of their people, on behalf of the community.
Developing mutually beneficial relationships through common interests is your marketing goldmine
The risks that people like Mildred Joyner and John Lewis took to establish harmony for the greater good did not go unnoticed. As they compiled group members and formed mutually beneficial relationships, they quickly became social entrepreneurs who leveled the playing field.
Build your credibility and dedicate yourself to identifying common interests with community partners
As a social entrepreneur, building an enterprise with which to change the world is no small feat. It requires intentional design and deliberate creation of the opportunity to work with other community partners who are equally invested in something bigger than themselves.
If you’ve spent meaningful time in community relations, you know it’s a privilege to serve your greater local area in any capacity. You also know that building credibility can present a unique set of challenges as you identify common interests and areas for collaboration. But this essential step cannot be skipped over, and we’ll talk about the how later on.
Share ideas and identify private and political interests
Part of what makes mutually beneficial relationships in sectors like community relations so special is the development of space to share ideas and identify private interests and political interests. Interest groups are a collection of people that strive to influence the way a public policy begins to form an unfurls regarding their common interest.
These opportunities to share and connect are the perfect hub for brainstorming and identifying ways that the community can lean on itself. It also helps to clarify exactly what political hurdles are coming.
While doing outreach, word of mouth is essential to a successful advertisement
No matter what area of social entrepreneurship you’re heading into, talk to people while you’re doing outreach. Word of mouth is still an incredibly powerful tool. Word of mouth is intentional, honest, and trustworthy.
At the heart of community relations is an opportunity to soar
Taking ownership of something essential in your community is a sign of true passion and purpose. And to build an idea based on providing goodwill to those around you is a contagious practice.
Leverage your strategy through public policy and public relations outreach
It’s all about building networks. Community relations are built on marketing strategies that strike a chord and hit every nerve. You want to help influential people and businesses that believe in your mission to become the face of your agency. People who can inspire the world around you, and most of the time, they live in your own backyard.
Nonprofits work around the clock to create public policies that impact their organizations directly. So be fierce with your strategy and let your organization spread like wildfire. When it’s time to deliver your mission to the government agencies that can support and fund it, you will want to have a group of skilled, experienced people who are well-versed in public relations and public policy.
Stay connected on social media with local non-profits and community initiatives
One of the most challenging aspects of social entrepreneurship is remembering that the algorithm is very much a part of your success. You can hit the ground running, hard and steadfast, but without the virtual support of reaching millions through social media, you’re leaving money on the table. If you’re smart, you’ll work with someone who is regarded as a social media guru.
Consider volunteerism, local investment, and events that connect to your mission
If you’re in the early stages of marketing, your nonprofit, start volunteering. The more of an investment you make in your community, the easier it will be to come together and collaborate on a common cause. Show up to any events that relate to the work you're hoping to accomplish, introduce yourself to everyone you meet, and exchange contact information to keep in touch. You’ll never know how much you need each other until the perfect opportunity presents itself.
Mark Goldsmith’s latest book is a step-by-step guide to becoming a successful social entrepreneur!
Don’t let another second of planning your nonprofit slip without diving into the step-by-step guide on marketing your nonprofit with Mark Goldsmith’s latest book. You can change the world tomorrow, but only if you’re willing to do the work today.