Special to the Philanthropy Journal
By Matt See
FleishmanHillard PR Know How Series for Philanthropy Journal
5 People You Should Follow on Social Media Right Now is part of an ongoing series with FleishmanHillard, a full-service global public relations agency. The firm specializes in multiple channels and industries including nonprofit, consumer, healthcare and technology. The group is driven by a mission to go beyond for clients and to consistently develop bold work that creates value and changes conversations. In line with this mission, members of the FleishmanHillard team will continue to share their expertise and insights on topics that touch both the professional and personal lives of those in the workforce.
Before social media, seeking out news for your industry, inspiration and innovation meant countless hours in the local library, thumbing through magazines or blocking out days for a conference. Now these updates are right at our finger tips! The challenge today is sifting through virtually endless points of view and channels full of insights to find exactly what you’re looking for. One of the best ways to mine through this wealth of content is to have someone do it for you—which is why I’ve rounded my five social media rock stars to add to your short list that will improve your long game!
Craig Newmark
Craig Newmark is founder of the one and only craigslist and more recently craigconnects, a site aimed at “helping people do good work that matters,” that has become a powerful engine for change in the philanthropy space over the last several years. Craigconnects is Newmark’s personal initiative to use the internet as a bridge for people across the world to come together for common good. Craig shares valuable information on his social channels for any organization looking to stay at the forefront of technology and the grassroots nature of philanthropy.
Follow Newmark on Twitter @craignewmark or connect with him via LinkedIn.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is inspiring others through her efforts to end racial segregation and discrimination in her home country of South Africa. Mlambo-Ngcuka has served as a catalyst for change through her work in government, the private sector and civil society. Mlambo-Ngcuka has a knack for pairing down complex topics into socially digestible posts.
You can follow Mlambo-Ngcuka’s continued fight for gender equality on Twitter @phumzileunwomen or via her LinkedIn.
Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawaksaki has been called the chief evangelist of social media. If you’re looking for inspiration in personal branding, marketing or social posts, Guy is your guy. Kawaksaki has worked with powerhouse brands such as Apple, Google and most recently Canva. He aligns himself with companies and causes that empower people, foster democracy and work to make the world a meritocracy.
Follow Kawaksaki on Twitter @guykawasaki or on LinkedIn. You can also check out his TedTalk on Innovation here.
Beth Kanter
Author of The Happy Healthy Nonprofit and The Networked Nonprofit, Beth Kanter marries technology and philanthropy in today’s world in an easily consumable way, helping organizations propel to the next level through integrated social media strategies, network building and relationship marketing best practices. Kanter has more than 30 years of nonprofit experience supporting technology, training, capacity building, evaluation, fundraising and marketing. She was named by Fast Company magazine as “one of the most influential women in technology” and one of BusinessWeek’s “Voices of Innovation for Social Media.”
Follow Kanter on Twitter @kanter and on LinkedIn.
Jay Baer
Whether it is a nonprofit, utility company or your favorite restaurant, everyone faces criticism. Jay Baer has made it his mission to teach organizations across the country how to embrace complaints in his book Hug Your Haters, emphasizing the importance of social customer service. Look to him for tips on how to respond in this new digital age, where consumers and detractors fire off their frustrations with a company online, often going “viral” and causing reputational damage when they feel wronged. Baer consistently shares knowledge on all things social and customer service—in practical ways that are relevant to all sectors, industries and lines of business.
Follow Baer on Twitter @JayBaer or on LinkedIn to learn how to effectively “Hug Your Haters.”
Matt See is senior vice president in FleishmanHillard’s digital and social innovation practice. With 13 years of marketing experience, See has worked with some of the biggest brands and celebrities in the world including Serena Williams, Nicki Minaj, Melissa McCarthy, Keith Urban, Disney, Dreamworks, HP, Samsung, Dell, Bose and more. See stays on the cutting edge of what is new, useful and best practices in social media, and has spoken at industry-leading events such as Social Media Marketing World and LiNC. See can be reached at matt.see@fleishman.com.
