I was searching for a picture today and I stumbled up on this presentation. It was given by personal branding coach Christoph Trappe to the Optimist Club in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I decided to share it here for three reasons.
First, it provides an example of how businesses can interact with your Optimist Club. By giving them fifteen or twenty minutes to share their expertise with your club members, business owners can raise awareness for the services that they provide.
Second, Mr. Trappe shared his experience of being at the Optimist Club on his community journalism blog: Christoph Trappe's Blog. That raises awareness for Optimist Clubs and provides authentic links to the organization's purpose.
Finally, the slides tell a good story about why it's important to share what you do as an Optimist Club and why you do it. I believe that we want to make the world a better place to live and raise our families. Social media provides a point of entry to share that purpose with a cross section of the public. It's a perfect platform to tell your stories and inspire others with your good deeds.
Okay, if you don't think that social media is a good thing for your Optimist Club at this point, perhaps you might want to try it out at work. Either way, you need to be online. The time frame is no longer when; it is now.
Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts
November 24, 2013
September 22, 2013
Enthusiasm, the new metric driving social good
At the Social Good Summit, held at the United Nations September 22-24, 2013, Jean Case stated that the Case Foundation defines philanthropy as any active effort that promotes human welfare.Using that definition, ideas shared through the variety of social media platforms are considered equally as powerful, purposeful and necessary as money. This is a big shift in thinking that organizations like Optimist Clubs must embrace.
So often I hear Optimist Club leaders saying, "We could do more if we had more money." Or a variation of that theme is, "We could do more if we had more members." While both may be true, and while both may go hand-in-hand, it is important that we remember no matter the size of our group, we, as individuals, have something that is more engaging to share: our enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm drives interest. When I see someone's enthusiasm for a project, I want to know more and of course I want to see them succeed. If their enthusiasm is for a group or organization, again, I want to know more and I might even want to join. However, joining is going to be a subjective decision based on how well I can answer questions like:
- Will my participation make a difference?
- Is there a need for my skills?
- What else does the group do?
- Are these people I want to associate with?
- Will belonging make me happy?
- Is it easy to join?
There are more questions inside those questions and some can be answered outright while others will be answered on instinct. However, that enthusiasm quotient is going to be a driving force in my decision.
In public relations practice, gaining publicity for one's client or employer is a prime directive. Rotary International has just spent millions of dollars revamping its website and molding its appearance to appeal to the contemporary audience. Much of its work highlights the enthusiasm that individual members share for their cause and how that passion has been unified by membership in the organization. Rotary is promoting the personal stories of its members in order to gain impetus for performing activities that promote universal social good through its well-organized club model. I applaud its efforts.
But I also believe that enthusiasm is more authentic and more easily transferred when promoted on a local level. As much as I embrace the opportunity to connect with others across the globe that the social web offers, it takes smaller groups of people, passionately sharing their enthusiasm for their cause, to raise awareness at home to solve local problems. Eventually, they will connect with others who share similar interests on a regional, national and an international level. However, reaching out to the international level immediately overlooks the needs at home and when we ignore that, we lose our foundation.
Service clubs have long served as the foundation from which social good emanates. And through the social web, the ability of their members to share their enthusiasm and make a difference has been heightened. I hope that means their appeal is on the rebound as well.
June 20, 2013
Meet the Riverside Optimist Club
KVCR, the public radio station for the Inland Empire, California, recently featured the Riverside Optimist Club as the topic for the I.E. Scene. Connecting the Optimist Club with their audience extends the vision of KVCR to bring communities together. For the Optimist Club, it gets them a little publicity for the scholarship programs they provide to the deserving youths in the community.
Watch it online here: Riverside Optimist Club.
Watch it online here: Riverside Optimist Club.
January 29, 2013
"Trying to make the world better one tweet at a time"
We hear so much about the dangers of cyberbullying. How would you like to hear about social media being used by teens for a good purpose instead? That sounds much more optimistic to me!
This video introduces us to Jeremiah Anthony, a junior at Iowa City West High School. Jeremiah started the Twitter account @westhighbros to tweet compliments and encouragement to friends. Recent tweets, as of this post, included such things as "You are really unique and talented," "You make the best of everything that comes your way," and "You are smart and can find the humor in every situation."
His Twitter bio says, "Trying to make the world better one tweet at a time." I think he's doing that, don't you? Good job, Jeremiah. Find out more.
This video introduces us to Jeremiah Anthony, a junior at Iowa City West High School. Jeremiah started the Twitter account @westhighbros to tweet compliments and encouragement to friends. Recent tweets, as of this post, included such things as "You are really unique and talented," "You make the best of everything that comes your way," and "You are smart and can find the humor in every situation."
His Twitter bio says, "Trying to make the world better one tweet at a time." I think he's doing that, don't you? Good job, Jeremiah. Find out more.
June 17, 2012
Share the unexpected occasionally
Something about this song keeps me coming back for more. What is it? "Everybody talks" by Neon Trees.
With more than 3 million views on the official VEVO channel, I think there are a lot of people coming back to sing along or perhaps to watch the zombies on the drive-in theater screen. In case you haven't noticed, Americans sure seem to have a thing about zombies. The CDC has even launched a page to help you prepare for a zombie attack: Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse.
The zombie apocalypse probably won't happen anytime soon, but that link to the CDC will help you discover everything you might need in case you are forced to evacuate your home for any reason: flood, hurricane, gas leak, you name it.
The fun approach to emergency preparedness has garnered more than 1,000 comments. I'd say there is a lot to be learned from sharing something fun, frivolous and unexpected on occasion.
Thanks for stopping by Music Sunday at Experience Optimism.
With more than 3 million views on the official VEVO channel, I think there are a lot of people coming back to sing along or perhaps to watch the zombies on the drive-in theater screen. In case you haven't noticed, Americans sure seem to have a thing about zombies. The CDC has even launched a page to help you prepare for a zombie attack: Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse.
The zombie apocalypse probably won't happen anytime soon, but that link to the CDC will help you discover everything you might need in case you are forced to evacuate your home for any reason: flood, hurricane, gas leak, you name it.
The fun approach to emergency preparedness has garnered more than 1,000 comments. I'd say there is a lot to be learned from sharing something fun, frivolous and unexpected on occasion.
Thanks for stopping by Music Sunday at Experience Optimism.
June 7, 2012
Of barbershops, service clubs and community
A week or so ago on Facebook, Julien Smith shared a video from Tedx Somerville: Clarence Smith Jr., "Education by Barbershop." He said there was genius at about 5:35 in the talk.
I think there was genius throughout, especially for a blog like Experience Optimism that talks about the power of belonging to a group.
The culture that is learned in a weekly visit to a barbershop is similar to what one learns when they attend a weekly service club meeting. Talking to peers, sharing ideas and opinions, and swapping stories establishes values and contributes to an unwritten social and moral code.
Visiting your favorite group, whether it is a barbershop or an Optimist Club, when you travel enhances your worldview and enriches the stories that you share when you return home.
Stories aside, both are examples of community and today, both are being replaced by social media. Instead of gathering as a group and learning together, we learn independently in our homes, offices, cars and coffee shops as we connect with others online 24/7.
Are the relationships as rich? More important, without face-to-face interaction do we risk losing the opportunities to make a difference through community service where we live, work and raise our families?
I fear we do. How about you?
I think there was genius throughout, especially for a blog like Experience Optimism that talks about the power of belonging to a group.
The culture that is learned in a weekly visit to a barbershop is similar to what one learns when they attend a weekly service club meeting. Talking to peers, sharing ideas and opinions, and swapping stories establishes values and contributes to an unwritten social and moral code.
Visiting your favorite group, whether it is a barbershop or an Optimist Club, when you travel enhances your worldview and enriches the stories that you share when you return home.
Stories aside, both are examples of community and today, both are being replaced by social media. Instead of gathering as a group and learning together, we learn independently in our homes, offices, cars and coffee shops as we connect with others online 24/7.
Are the relationships as rich? More important, without face-to-face interaction do we risk losing the opportunities to make a difference through community service where we live, work and raise our families?
I fear we do. How about you?
February 19, 2012
The Footloose connection
I haven't seen the remake of the movie Footloose, but I like Blake Shelton's version of the song. In fact, so much so that I decided to highlight it right here for Music Sunday at Experience Optimism. It's a fun romp back to the 1980s even if the drive-in movie in the video feels like it goes even further back in time.
However, I couldn't highlight this song without thinking of Kevin Bacon and in six degrees of separation fashion, that leads to another thought, which leads to another thought and so on. You get the picture: one cannot mention Kevin Bacon's name without thinking about connections.
The greatest benefit of social media, including blogs and microblogs, is the ability to connect with others. Whether they be people you know or have yet to meet, and even some you will never meet in real life, the ability to share ideas, stories, current events and even opinions is inspiring and addictive. Kevin Bacon knows that and using the six degrees game as a launching pad, together with Network for Good, he started his own organization to help others raise money sharing their own six degrees stories.
"Everyday celebrities championing good causes" are the stars of SixDegrees.org. Find out how you can use the SixDegrees.org website to move your mission, cause or organization forward or log on and make a contribution to more than one million charities that are already registered at the site.
It's like being connected to Kevin Bacon --> Network for Good --> Your Charity --> You.
However, I couldn't highlight this song without thinking of Kevin Bacon and in six degrees of separation fashion, that leads to another thought, which leads to another thought and so on. You get the picture: one cannot mention Kevin Bacon's name without thinking about connections.
The greatest benefit of social media, including blogs and microblogs, is the ability to connect with others. Whether they be people you know or have yet to meet, and even some you will never meet in real life, the ability to share ideas, stories, current events and even opinions is inspiring and addictive. Kevin Bacon knows that and using the six degrees game as a launching pad, together with Network for Good, he started his own organization to help others raise money sharing their own six degrees stories.
"Everyday celebrities championing good causes" are the stars of SixDegrees.org. Find out how you can use the SixDegrees.org website to move your mission, cause or organization forward or log on and make a contribution to more than one million charities that are already registered at the site.
It's like being connected to Kevin Bacon --> Network for Good --> Your Charity --> You.
January 1, 2012
Welcome to 2012: Fly higher and further with optimism
Music Sunday at Experience Optimism chooses R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" to start off the new year.
From Jan - " Happy January 1st 2012 everyone - Hope you have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious first day of a new year."
From Judi - " Wishing my friends a year of good health, much joy, a well paying job and 366 days of creating special memories. Friends are those who know our flaws, but care for & love us anyway. I am blessed to have so many in my life. Wish I could see & visit each of you this year. Know you are so often in my thoughts & prayers."
From Dennis - "I am going to make 2012 the best because I am in control of it :)"
From the PNW District - Optimist International - "Promise yourself to do good things!"
From the Middleton Area Optimist Club - "In 2012, we are counting on you being an optimist."
From Cherie - " May the 2012 me be more patient, healthier, kinder, more grateful, and a better me than the 2011."And from me - "Let's laugh a lot, connect to friends, both old and new; and do one kind thing for someone else as often as possible."
It is always possible.
September 3, 2011
Open communication for membership growth
Optimist International President Danny Rodgers has been out in front of the organization all year. In 27 short days he will turn the leadership and spokesman duties over to a new president, Jack Creswell. It will be interesting to see the difference in the personalities and through the use of social media, we will perhaps be able to see it as never before.
About 18 months ago, President Danny found a friend in the Flip video camera and he has recorded messages that describe his travels, express his vision for the organization, and motivate others to reach their goals. The latest message can be seen here and others are available on the OptimistArenaMan YouTube channel.
President Danny is also an avid Facebook user and although he rarely does so, he even checked in today on Twitter.
Creating relationships is so important for a membership organization. Before the wide acceptance of social media, the only way our international presidents were able to speak to us was from the podium at a convention, conference or organized event. Rubbing elbows with them at dinner or between sessions held sort of a mystical quality. We would also see computer generated letters written, maybe by them, burped out from an assembly line from a central office.
I've managed membership associations for a number of years and I know that the general letter of encouragement is needed; however, personal contact makes the letter much more believable because it connects you to the writer's passion. To be able to share that passion will make motivators of us all. Frequent, open and honest communication will lead to more involvement. Involvement leads to membership growth.
President Danny has started a different model for communication. It could use more blogging and two-way communication tools, but it's a great start. President-designate Jack, are you listening? How do you plan to open the lines of communication in the coming year? How can we take this opportunity for involvement even further?
Note: The Optimist International administrative year begins on October 1.
About 18 months ago, President Danny found a friend in the Flip video camera and he has recorded messages that describe his travels, express his vision for the organization, and motivate others to reach their goals. The latest message can be seen here and others are available on the OptimistArenaMan YouTube channel.
President Danny is also an avid Facebook user and although he rarely does so, he even checked in today on Twitter.
Creating relationships is so important for a membership organization. Before the wide acceptance of social media, the only way our international presidents were able to speak to us was from the podium at a convention, conference or organized event. Rubbing elbows with them at dinner or between sessions held sort of a mystical quality. We would also see computer generated letters written, maybe by them, burped out from an assembly line from a central office.
I've managed membership associations for a number of years and I know that the general letter of encouragement is needed; however, personal contact makes the letter much more believable because it connects you to the writer's passion. To be able to share that passion will make motivators of us all. Frequent, open and honest communication will lead to more involvement. Involvement leads to membership growth.
President Danny has started a different model for communication. It could use more blogging and two-way communication tools, but it's a great start. President-designate Jack, are you listening? How do you plan to open the lines of communication in the coming year? How can we take this opportunity for involvement even further?
Note: The Optimist International administrative year begins on October 1.
August 19, 2011
Social strategy for your Optimist Club
Fellow Optimist blogger Gordon Welling from the AMS&NW (Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming) District sent me a message this week to alert me to a new slideshow about 21st Century Social Marketing at the Club Level that he placed on the AMS&NW District blog.
I thought about it before I made this post. You see, his slideshow is fairly repetitive of a presentation that was made by Optimist International's Maggie Fairchild and posted here last month, but it deleted the slides that bring people to this site (Dude, flattery will get you everywhere!) and adds in his contact information so that Optimist Clubs in his district can contact him to learn more.
But as I said, I thought about it and decided it is outstanding that there are people like Optimist Gord and AMS&NW bulletin editor George Lewko who want to help others to get their Optimist Clubs online. Besides, there is nothing wrong with a little repetition for a good cause.
Optimist Gord's post showcased different technology than Maggie and I used for our social media presentations. He chose box.net over slideshare.net as the platform and included handouts for the presenter and participant. He also added in some potential sites that can help in recruiting and organizing like volunteerspot.com, volunteermatch.org and a free website generator yola.com.
The AMS&NW District presentation included some thoughts about connecting with Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y with the intent of recruiting them to your Optimist Club. There is no doubt that service clubs need more members so that they can continue to benefit the communities they serve. Connecting with members, participants, partners and stakeholders has changed drastically in the past ten years and technology is going to continue to drive engagement.
Kudos to Optimist Gord for making himself available to help Optimist Club members navigate the new technology landscape. Go ahead, click on the picture and hop on over to the blog and see for yourself the good things that Optimist Gord and his district are doing.
I thought about it before I made this post. You see, his slideshow is fairly repetitive of a presentation that was made by Optimist International's Maggie Fairchild and posted here last month, but it deleted the slides that bring people to this site (Dude, flattery will get you everywhere!) and adds in his contact information so that Optimist Clubs in his district can contact him to learn more.
But as I said, I thought about it and decided it is outstanding that there are people like Optimist Gord and AMS&NW bulletin editor George Lewko who want to help others to get their Optimist Clubs online. Besides, there is nothing wrong with a little repetition for a good cause.
Optimist Gord's post showcased different technology than Maggie and I used for our social media presentations. He chose box.net over slideshare.net as the platform and included handouts for the presenter and participant. He also added in some potential sites that can help in recruiting and organizing like volunteerspot.com, volunteermatch.org and a free website generator yola.com.
The AMS&NW District presentation included some thoughts about connecting with Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y with the intent of recruiting them to your Optimist Club. There is no doubt that service clubs need more members so that they can continue to benefit the communities they serve. Connecting with members, participants, partners and stakeholders has changed drastically in the past ten years and technology is going to continue to drive engagement.
Kudos to Optimist Gord for making himself available to help Optimist Club members navigate the new technology landscape. Go ahead, click on the picture and hop on over to the blog and see for yourself the good things that Optimist Gord and his district are doing.
July 16, 2011
How to avoid burnout
How many times each day do you read someone is going off grid, meaning they plan to push away from the computer and do something else only to see them return in a matter of days or sometimes hours? I've seen a few individuals be successful at escaping the social media time suck, but I'm in the category that I like to be connected and I try to manage my online time appropriately.
Last Friday, Katya Andresen addressed the topic in "How to Avoid Social Media Time Suck" and gave three simple steps: plan ahead, use technology to align your social media networks, and empower your staff to develop social media content.
Yesterday, Philanthropy magazine addressed burnout, and raised a similar caution when Nathan Hand, Vice President, School on Wheels said, "You must be purposeful about unplugging." Hear his 60-second suggestion here.
We have busy and challenging lives. As I continue to encourage Optimist Clubs and other service clubs to blog and connect through Twitter and Facebook, I also want to caution their leader, don't let the medium run you. To stay enthusiastic, be sure to take time for yourself, your family and the typical activities you do with your friends at your club events.
Last Friday, Katya Andresen addressed the topic in "How to Avoid Social Media Time Suck" and gave three simple steps: plan ahead, use technology to align your social media networks, and empower your staff to develop social media content.
Yesterday, Philanthropy magazine addressed burnout, and raised a similar caution when Nathan Hand, Vice President, School on Wheels said, "You must be purposeful about unplugging." Hear his 60-second suggestion here.
We have busy and challenging lives. As I continue to encourage Optimist Clubs and other service clubs to blog and connect through Twitter and Facebook, I also want to caution their leader, don't let the medium run you. To stay enthusiastic, be sure to take time for yourself, your family and the typical activities you do with your friends at your club events.
July 8, 2011
Log on and share an Optimist Club story today
Sharing secrets, tips and trends has become a way of life for early adopters of social media. Last month, I shared a presentation that I gave at the West Region - Optimist International Future Leaders Seminar 'What's Club Got to do With It?' with hopes that my Optimist Club readers would see how easy it is to use the tools like Facebook, Twitter and Blogger. I followed up with a hands-on demonstration at the Pacific Southwest District Meeting and am interested in visiting other districts and clubs to help them get started. Send me a message to discuss!
During the Optimist International Convention, staff member Maggie Fairchild introduced the ease of social media during a social media class. Her presentation can be viewed here.
During the Optimist International Convention, staff member Maggie Fairchild introduced the ease of social media during a social media class. Her presentation can be viewed here.
How optimist clubs can utilize social media
The message is simple; the medium is easy and the benefits are huge. The more we share stories about the great things that Optimist Clubs do around the world, the more organization will grow. And then, we'll be able to serve more children in more communities around the world.
Log on and tell us a story today!
The message is simple; the medium is easy and the benefits are huge. The more we share stories about the great things that Optimist Clubs do around the world, the more organization will grow. And then, we'll be able to serve more children in more communities around the world.
Log on and tell us a story today!
June 7, 2011
Engage! It's how we learn
Nothing beats face-to-face interaction, but we cannot deny that it has never been easier to collaborate on projects than it is today. Social media tools are readily available on the internet, and most of them are free for the taking. Using simple resources, we can connect with friends and colleagues more effectively than ever before.
Recently, I was asked to give an introductory course on social networking to a group of Optimist Club and District leaders. With the Optimist International Convention approaching, I thought it might be a good time to share the presentation here as a familiarization tool. I hope it will encourage others to use social networking sites to generate more buzz and connect more readily with those at the event and those at home.
Of course as a Slideshare embed, it doesn't have my narration, but I believe it still tells a full story for beginners. Please be sure to leave comments or ask questions. Engage! It's how we learn.
Recently, I was asked to give an introductory course on social networking to a group of Optimist Club and District leaders. With the Optimist International Convention approaching, I thought it might be a good time to share the presentation here as a familiarization tool. I hope it will encourage others to use social networking sites to generate more buzz and connect more readily with those at the event and those at home.
Of course as a Slideshare embed, it doesn't have my narration, but I believe it still tells a full story for beginners. Please be sure to leave comments or ask questions. Engage! It's how we learn.
April 3, 2011
Optimists look at social media
Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of leading a session on social networking to group of Optimist Club leaders. Sensing the group would be made up more of the boomer generation than Gen Y or X, I prepared some introductory slides with the ultimate goal of getting the group familiar the the social media resources and tools available to them online. We discussed how social networking would benefit their Optimist Club including:
I cautioned that even though the media was free, they needed to be cautious about being concise, with a nod towards being entertaining. Which brings me to our Music Sunday video today: The Bed Intruder Song. Wildly popular with more than 19 million views on the official iTunes link as of this writing, this video shows what a little initiative can do for two families; and while we may smile at the enigmatic Antoine Dodson on the screen, we can't help but sing the ditty written by the Gregory Brothers and Auto-tune the News throughout the day. Enjoy.
- photo sharing
- event creation
- membership maintenance
- publishing
- promoting
- influencing
- entertaining
I cautioned that even though the media was free, they needed to be cautious about being concise, with a nod towards being entertaining. Which brings me to our Music Sunday video today: The Bed Intruder Song. Wildly popular with more than 19 million views on the official iTunes link as of this writing, this video shows what a little initiative can do for two families; and while we may smile at the enigmatic Antoine Dodson on the screen, we can't help but sing the ditty written by the Gregory Brothers and Auto-tune the News throughout the day. Enjoy.
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