FAQ+-+How+do+I+convince+others+that+working+transparently+and+using+social+media+adds+value+to+my+work?

//By Beth Kanter //

Don’t focus on the tools. Instead talk about the results. Document and describe the value of using the tools. Social media not only help grantmakers keep informed of their program area//,// but also broader field of philanthropy. It is especially valuable in a time of fewer resources, where funders are often engaged in conversations about bringing other resources to the issues they support.

Once you've built up your network, you don't need to do everything to get better results. Social media tools can help you easily connect with people who have the knowledge, resources, and ideas to share. While having structured information through formal channels is of enormous value for doing due diligence when thinking about a grant investment, using your network to connect and see what is out there can be equally valuable. For example, some foundation program officers say that using Twitter allows them observe a grantee's work firsthand or connect with others in the organization to get quick answers.

 What lies beneath the resistance to using social media to understand, participate, and weave networks? It is fear. Opening up organizations is uncomfortable because it strikes at the heart of what so many organizational leaders were taught as their jobs — to protect the organization by controlling everything that happens inside and outside their walls. Here are some tips to convince yourself and others that using the tools to work openly and transparently is worth the effort. Many of these pointers are equally applicable to making a broader argument for working with a network mindset:
 * //Imagine the worst case scenario //. Ask yourself, ”What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
 * //Name it and claim it. // Many times it is hard to convince others of the value of using social media because we haven't discussed it. Devote some meeting time for your team or staff to discuss. Start with the learning the concerns and acknowledge them.
 * //Share success stories of other foundations. //__Catalyzing networks for impact: a funder's guide__ has many examples and stories about how foundations have been successful using social media and working with a network mindset. Share them with others.
 * //Identify influencers inside who are with you. // Identify people in your organization who are open to transparent and open approaches and have influence. Think of it as an internal social change process.
 * //Have your social media elevator pitch ready. //This elevator pitch is a sound bite that talks about the value of foundation staff us of social media in a few brief statements.
 * //Do internal road shows. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;"> This is important in larger organizations. You need to put together a brief road show that talks about how working with a network mindset has brought value. Don't even mention the tools.
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Be an internal resource. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 13.3333px;">Share articles, blog posts, or tweets about the value of working this way. Be open to providing mentoring or role modeling this approach.