15 Jun Tell Everyone

By Tiffany Rucker, MBA

You’ve been dreaming of becoming the CEO of a nonprofit for years, and now your time has come. As the new leader, one of your main roles will be spreading the word about its mission and values of your organization, which in turn increases opportunities for growth.

In your new role as CEO, it’s important to remember that you are the new face of the organization, so represent it well.

Sharing information about your organization should become second nature to you. You want the board members, the community, and the population served to know that you are proud to represent the organization. You never know where the next big opportunity will be, so tell everyone that you meet!

As you settle in, here are a few targeted tips to help you share what you do consistently:

1. Share on social media: Make sure that you share the organizational mission, values and community work with others on your social platforms. This ensures that people who generally would not see your organization’s content can learn about your work. Make sure that the content on your personal page aligns appropriately with the expectations of the company. Remember, what you post always matters.
2. Wear branded clothing. Get excited about your organization and represent it as often as possible! One amazingly simple way to do this is by wearing and carrying branded materials. People tend to notice graphics, logos and color schemes on things such as shirts, portfolios and bags. When people inquire about your branded item, this is the perfect opportunity to share what you do!
3. Participate in community events. Take a moment to find out what community events are scheduled in your area. These events generally draw a large crowd of potential new participants or partners. Take time to meet and greet the people who have come out to support you. Learn more about them and then share information about your organization. Networking is a crucial component of running a successful nonprofit.
4. Remember your family and friends. Do not forget to share what you do with those closest to you; they may not be your target audience, but everyone knows someone who could benefit from what your organization has to offer. Share printed materials such as flyers and business cards with them. Make certain that your family members and friends understand what you do and encourage them to refer people to your organization when needed.
5. Become a lifelong learner. As CEO, it’s important to continue to learn and grow. One way to do this is to seek a mentor from an organization similar to yours. Remember that your “competitor” can also be your greatest teacher. When seeking out a mentor, look to organizations larger than yours; this will help you grow to the next level. Seek mentors who are morally and ethically aligned with your core mission and values. Lastly, seek mentorship from people who can help you inspire and motivate your team: Effective leadership is all about teamwork, so make sure that your mentor is team-oriented.

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We want to hear your story. Your story is my story. Help us empower other women by sharing your story.

Tiffany Rucker is a small business and financial literacy coach as well as wife, mom and special needs advocate. She lives in Tampa, Fla.