Chris Brogan Talks Nonprofits and Trust Agents

I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with Chris Brogan while at South by South West 2010 where we talked Trust Agents and how the concept could apply to the nonprofit space. Chris mentions that “a Trust Agent is an individual who can use the social web to be human at a distance.” If you think about it for a minute you’ll soon realize that every nonprofit needs to figure out how to become a Trust Agent. Why, you ask?

Because the web continues to evolve and social sites like Facebook continue to dominate (400 M users and more popular than Google).

Check out the video to hear more from Chris about the Nonprofit Trust Agent

Now that you’ve watched the video here’s how to get started:

1. First, build your presence on the web by putting up an “about you” page that has pictures and info about YOU. Make sure it’s enough to give those who’ve never met you an idea of who you are. It’s a first impression of sorts.
2. Next, head over to all the social networking sites you use frequently and fill out the profile information completely. Make sure to add a real photo of yourself and include a brief bio that tells others you’re a real person doing good work. Folks are much more likely to engage with you if you look like a real person online.
3. Then start learning how to listen for the conversations happening online by “growing bigger ears” (check out … Set up Your Social Media Listening Dashboard in 30 Minutes or Less and I’m Listening, Now What? 5 Tips to Make Your Listening Worth It as well).
4. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Trust Agents book if you haven’t yet.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frank Barry

Frank Barry, director of new growth ventures at Blackbaud and blogger at npENGAGE, helps nonprofits use the Internet for digital communication, social media, and fundraising so they can focus changing the world. He’s worked with a diverse group of organizations including LIVESTRONG, United Methodist Church, American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, ChildFund Int’l, InTouch Ministries, Heifer Int’l, University of Notre Dame and University of Richmond. Along with writing for industry publications like Mashable and Social Media Today, Frank facilitates discussions, presents solo sessions and organizes panels for industry conferences such as NTC, SXSW, BBCon and numerous others. When he’s out and about he enjoys talking to interesting people about how they are changing the world – check out his interviews. Say Hi on Twitter – @franswaa or Google+