Monday, April 20, 2009

Asset or Liability? (Video post)

I'm starting to talk about social media more and more. Whether I'm presenting to nonprofits on what it is and how they can reach Generation Y with it, or I'm lecturing to future ministers about it, it's taking more and more of my time.

And all this is fine with me. Because I'm developing a reputation, and that reputation can get me on TV, which (hopefully) grows my personal brand as someone who can help people understand and use these tools to make the world a better place.

One thing I'm learning in all of this is that people have a particular outlook that has a direct effect on how willing they are to use these tools. And for me, people consider social media to either be an asset or a liability.

Want proof? Watch this video of my recent appearance at a call-in show here in Nashville. I see social media as an asset - something to be used or leveraged in order to create value. The other participant views it as a liability - something to be used sparingly and carefully, unless you want to have a mess on your hands.



Most nonprofits I speak with initially view social media as a liability. They're immediately concerned with privacy issues and control. But, those who are willing to give it a shot usually see it as a huge asset in their donor and volunteer acquisition and retention strategies.

The moral of the story? Be brave and give it a try. You might just be delighted with what happens next.

Comments (2)

Definitely social media is an asset.

Great work. Thanks a lot for post!