As individuals, most people are aware of the advantages of networking.

After all, networking is a great way to not only make new friends and important contacts; it can be an invaluable resource for moving up in your current company as well as finding new employment opportunities.

As a volunteer treasurer, however, you might not realize the value of networking for your not for profit organization.

Using Social Networking to Increase Awareness

There are literally millions of not for profits and clubs all over the world that are competing for funding and resources. Many now have web pages, as some send out a few email campaigns seeking donations along with their direct mail campaigns and telephone fundraisers. These methods can increase awareness about the mission and needs of your organisation, but not for profits shouldn’t rely on these efforts alone.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+ and Instagram are great channels to use to network with others and increase your non-profit’s visibility. Creating a blog for your club or organisation and posting regular news and updates to it, along with making your posts easy to share on social media platforms, are also great ways to network by spreading the word about your organisation and its mission. By using interesting, eye catching images and original content in your posts, information about your non-profit can quickly go viral and be spread far and wide as it is liked, shared and pinned.

Social Networking Brings in Donors, Volunteers and Resources

As you use social networking to raise awareness about your not for profit online, you will find that your organisation may start to unexpectedly receive more donations, as well as increased participation from volunteers and pledged resources. As your online network of donors, volunteers and interested parties grows, when you post direct requests for support, you may find that this is quickly shared with others who would not otherwise have donated or volunteered. Anything that you can do to spread the word about your club or not for profit and its goals and needs can only help your group in the long run.