The Power of Paying Attention

Who would think a "like" on FaceBook would influence a potential donor?

It did me.

I'd been watching Clarity, a nonprofit that offers a range of professional services to children and others with vision, hearing or learning challenges - at an affordable rate. As a former Special Education teacher, I knew the value of the services and I had seen the pain of kids and their families of not being able to afford them.

As a consultant to nonprofits, I had chatted briefly with Dr. Elizabeth Shands, Clarity's Executive Director, about how to build a donor base. She ended up teaching me.

Clarity posted a video on their website that featured my brother. They had helped him with a hearing problem.

"Good folks," I thought, "doing good things." I hit 'like.' I commented. I shared.

Now, I know doing those things keeps your post in the feed longer. That means more opportunites for more people to see your post. That gives your organization more exposure. I always counsel organizations to encourage staff, board members, family and friends to "like, comment, and share." It costs nothing, but the tiniest bit of time, and it boosts visibility.

What struck me though was that Dr. Shands, Executive Director of Clarity, 'liked' my comment - within moments of my post. I was impressed. I didn't expect anyone to notice. I liked the organization. I wanted to help by keeping them in the feed, but when Dr. Shands liked my comment - took time out of a very busy day to make that nice gesture, I felt - - appreciated.

It made me think, "These are good people doing good things - and they took time to say thank you to me.

Hmmm. I could be part of that.

Where was that donate button again - - -