Have you thought about what it means to be generous? Have you seen stories of raising money online – a little bit at a time? The newest Personal Branding Magazine, published by Dan Schawbel (I am co-editor along with Jessica Lewis) is about philanthropy.
This is how Dan describes it:
Volume 4, Issue 1 is focused on philanthropy and how you can grow your personal brand if you give back. Helping other people doesn’t only mean donating to charity; it means supporting a cause that aligns with who you are as a person. By targeting a specific nonprofit or charity, you will be more passionate about helping them out, and achieve far greater results. In this issue, we interview Candace Cameron Bure and other philanthropists that are changing the world, one person at a time.
This is my introduction to the magazine:
When I talk to clients about social networking, one of the points I always make is that online contacts tend to be much more generous and giving of their time and expertise than you would ever expect. I tell those who are not already engaged on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook that they don’t know what they are missing.
As a power Twitter user, I watch people ask for (and receive) information, ideas, suggestions, solutions and even the occasional job via my Twitter stream. The generosity transcends money, but not to the point of excluding it. When I was a little girl, I used to think about how much money we could raise if everyone in the country donated just one dollar. Today, this concept (ask a little from a lot of people) proves successful over and over. Networking contacts with large communities, moved by a story or event, ask their friends to donate just a little, and many, similarly touched – do just that. Think about how many lives have been changed by a thoughtful individual with a large number of friends and followers motivated by the desire to make a difference. It’s amazing to watch and to participate.
Contributor Jason Dick sums things up well when he explains, “Every day people are starting to see, and understand, that regardless of the amount of money they make, they can make a difference in their world. Philanthropy and fundraising are for people of all ages and wealth demographics. The real power of individual philanthropy starts when people realize the wealth of their own personal networks. It is all about relationships with your friends and a serious desire to make a difference.”
Lori Jacobwith reminds us in her column that “One thing, and one thing only…causes success in life and in fundraising: communication. Clear, bold communication.” I don’t think there is any better way to communicate or share a worthy message than via social media. You have the opportunity to have an impact – an opportunity to take your passions and go viral. And, at the same time, you extend your brand and enhance your ability to serve many people. You may recognize the value of your community via monetary donations you mobilize for a cause or by donations of time and expertise to help someone just when he or she needs it the most. Hopefully, this issue will inspire you to see your brand as being much more than the sum of its parts.
Full paid issue (August 1st): 25 articles – to subscribe click HERE.
Free sample issue: 11 articles, including how to raise money for charity, standing up for what you believe in and a new kind of philanthropy for a new kind of world.
Interviews with: Candace Cameron Bure (DJ Tanner from ABC’s Full House), Bob Costas (NBC Sports Commentator), Tory Johnson (Good Morning America), Beth Kanter (author of The Networked Nonprofit), Monica Van Neumann (Style Expert) and Sam Jones III (Smallville).