If you have ever read my blog, then you have probably heard me talk about PPR’s initial team meeting with Betsy Irvine, executive director of Louisiana Delta Service Corps. At that meeting Betsy made the statement that the nonprofit organization could be one of Baton Rouge’s best-kept secrets. While it may seem endearing, it does not boast well when you are trying to increase awareness. Therefore in order to promote the organization and showcase all the possibilities it has to offer the young adult population of Louisiana, PPR went into full-force planning mode.
Over the past week, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the true importance of brand identity for nonprofit organizations, much like Louisiana Delta Service Corps. Branding oneself is the process of creating a clear and consistent message that accurately represents your organization in the eyes of the public. Consider some of the most iconic logos in today’s workforce: Coca-cola, Nike and Apple. All three of these corporations are great examples of strong brand identity. For organizations it is important to have easily recognizable logos. Not only does this immediately allow others to recall the name of the organization, but also the key messages, mission, products and programs that defines it in the public eye. An unfortunate reality in so many nonprofit organizations is the failure to accurately brand themselves. Despite their strong mission statements and commitment to the community, many nonprofit organizations forget to consider others perceptions of the organization and its influence on society.
Now, in the social media generation, so many nonprofit organizations have unlimited resources to truly show the world who they are, what they do and how they can help you. Social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter provide an outlet for instant communication, in addition to being a visual aid that represents the organization. For example, the more often a nonprofit organization utilizes social media, the more attention they will garner from followers.
Louisiana Delta Service Corps is among the most fabulous nonprofit organizations in the country. It was founded on ideals and values that would naturally encourage anybody to participate. However, so many people are unaware of the possibilities this organization possesses. As Betsy mentioned, very few individuals know about its potential opportunities. Since January, PPR has been eager to gain the rights of Louisiana Delta Service Corps’ social media in hopes of giving it a “media makeover” that would drastically increase its brand identity. After weeks of anxiously waiting, we finally got the rights!!! Almost immediately after receiving the great news, we were hard at work trying to incorporate week’s worth of information onto Facebook and Twitter in just a few days. In just five days, we have had over 300 people “like” us on Facebook and have increased our Twitter followers drastically. With our information and recruitment event merely five days away, this could not have come at a better time!
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PR is Performance Recognition 