#smNPchat: Are you participating?

How does the small, community-focused nonprofit organization “do-it-all?”  After all, you’re not an international charity with a database of 300,000, a development staff of 20 and a team of direct mail consultants at your beck and call.

Nope, chances are you’re an executive director or development director who is responsible for writing the grant proposals, maintaining the communications calendar, copywriting, database management, event planning, stewardship and more.

#smNPchat on Twitter was created in 2010 with you in mind.  On the first and third Friday of every month, Marc Pitman, Amy Sept and I dish on how you can create maximum impact in your marketing and fundraising efforts – in minimum time.  We talk about the fun and challenges of “doing it all” in a one-person shop, including individual giving, online giving, copywriting, social media, leading your board, grants, time management and more.  And we’ve featured special guests, including Gail Perry, Mazarine Treyz, Jeff Brooks and more –  answering your questions on targeted topics.

Want to jump in?  Here are the rules of the game:

1. Always use the hashtag #smNPchat.  (But you don’t need to be in the midst of a chat to share great information.  Whenever you come across something that may be of interest to the small nonprofit community, use the hashtag.)
2. Use software like TweetChat or TweetGrid.com.  Your tweets will be automatically tagged and you’ll find participating much easier!
3. Pay attention to the housekeeping rules featured in the first five minutes.  Do take a minute to introduce yourself – even if you’re only lurking.
4. #smNPchat is fairly free-flowing but we typically follow a 4-5 question format.  Try to stick to the question at hand.
5. Often we’ll have a free handout, listing recommended articles or resources.  It’s helpful if you read up prior to the chat and are prepared with your own reactions.
6. Please don’t abuse the hashtag or chat to pimp your products. Amy, Marc, or I will let you know if we feel you’ve crossed the line.
7. Retweet comments you find particularly helpful to expand the conversation. RTs often bring new people into the conversation.
8. Mind your manners.
9. Share the love. Let your friends and colleagues know about this week’s chat by tweeting the details often.
10. Got an idea for a chat topic or would you like to present as a guest expert?  DM any one of us and share your thoughts!
11. Schedule it. Download the 2012 chat schedule and be sure to add #smNPchat to your Google calendar.  We don’t want to miss you!  (Check Twitter for notifications on chats that are rescheduled due to holidays)
12. Twitter chats are fast!  And they can be slightly intimidating to those not familiar with the medium.  Feel free to jump right in and share.  We’re glad that you’re here!