Everyday Giving Blog

Blogged.com Rates Everyday Giving Blog

I received a great surprise this week. The editors at blogged.com reviewed the Everyday Giving Blog and published their rating. They rated the Everyday Giving Blog "Great" with a score of 8.3 out of 10. Their review was based on the following criteria:

• Frequency of Updates
• Relevance of Content
• Site Design
• Writing Style

Go to http://www.blogged.com/blogs/everyday-giving-blog-10364.html and leave your own review. Carol Kirshner from Dollar Philanthropy has already been there and done that. Thank you Carol!

Nonprofit News At Your Fingertips

Would you like to go to a single webpage and get access to the latest nonprofit news and ideas? It is now available to all of us.

Alltop.com is a series of webpages (currently in beta mode) that features links to stories from the top news websites and blogs. Each webpage covers a different topic. There is now a page dedicated to the topic of nonprofits. Go to http://nonprofit.alltop.com to check it out.

I was aware of most of the nonprofit blogs featured on the site. However, I discovered a few I wasn't aware of or hadn't visited in a while. The service provides a quick way to find the stories of interest. Holding your cursor over each link shows a preview of the story.

I have bookmarked http://nonprofit.alltop.com and will be using it on a regular basis. You might want to check it out as well.

Successful and Outstanding Blogger Award

Liz Strauss from the Successful Blog just called me an SOB! In this case it is a good thing. SOB stands for Successful and Outstanding Blogger.

Liz is an expert on using blogging to build and foster relationships. That is why I am so surprised and honored that she presented me with the SOB award.

What does the award represent? The following words accompanied the award:

"They take the conversation to their readers, contribute great ideas, challenge us, make us better, and make our businesses stronger."

Thank you Liz for the recognition. I will wear the SOB badge with pride.

When Is Enough Really Enough (Or Too Much)?

Beth Kanter is contemplating some great questions for anyone raising funds for a cause on social networking sites. One of the items discussed on her blog post The Future of Learning in a Networked World: Reflections From My Session is:

"How often can you ask before people get burned out by it?"
"Would writing about what I am learning about social fundraising (as well as hitting up people for money) would that alienate at some point? Where's that line?"

The following are some of my thoughts (as they relate to a blog):

• In traditional online marketing I am continually taught by experts that a person needs to be exposed to an advertisement at least 3 to 7 times before action is typically taken. If that is the case, then why do we expect to be effective by only exposing a person to one blog post asking for a charitable donation?


• Consider providing value to the reader in your blog posts beyond just asking for the donation. Educate the reader about the problem being helped by the charity. Discuss the success you are having with the online fundraising campaign. Talk about the lessons you are learning. You can even work the ask into blog posts on different but related topics. Be creative.


• Since asking for a donation for charity is usually not considered "self-serving", I don't believe several asks would drive a person away (even if he or she has no plans to donate).


• Should you care if a person stops reading your blog for this reason? What is the purpose of your blog? If it is to have the largest number of readers then I guess you should care. If it is to attract a reader you can inspire and engage with, don't worry about the loss. That person obviously doesn't share your same values.


• You need to stay true to the purpose of your blog. This is the one exception to the rest of this list. It will be easier to ask many times if your site is focused on the topic of philanthropy or related to the mission of the charity you are raising funds to support. If you maintain a blog about bike repair and continue to ask for donations to support a team of doctors helping in other countries, you will probably alienate your readers pretty fast.

What do you think? How many times can a person be asked to support your cause before you alienate him or her?

Presenting the Bloggers Who Create Community Award

The Bloggers Who Create Community Award was presented to me and the community at the Everyday Giving Blog by Laura at the Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference blog. The purpose of this award is to show gratitude for the community created on wonderful blogs.

Since I received the award, I now have the privilege to present the award to 3 bloggers who have created a terrific community. Each winner has permission to display the award badge and present the award to 3 deserving bloggers.

I present the Bloggers Who Create Community Award to Beth Kanter, Mark Hendricks and Rebecca Carpenter.

• Beth Kanter
  
  Beth is a guru in the use of technology for nonprofits. She seems to be involved everywhere nonprofit technology is discussed online. Beth practices what she teaches (and let's others watch and participate as she does it). She also shares an astounding amount of useful information with the community for free. Beth Kanter has created a huge community of nonprofit and technology experts who are changing the world.


• Mark Hendricks
  
  Mark is a top expert in internet marketing. The thing that makes Mark unique is that he doesn't base his teaching in hyping the latest technology or technique. He also stresses the importance of giving back. In fact,I am amazed at the number of people in his Internet Success System community who lead, support and fund charitable organizations and activities. Yes, I am a member of Mark's community. In fact, I will be presenting at his spring conference about ways the group can use their knowledge and skills to help others. Mark Hendricks has created a huge community of internet marketers who are making a difference.


• Rebecca Carpenter
  
  Rebecca is a leader in living life and marketing social networks. She is passionate about fun, adventure, family and travel. Her travels around the globe have given her a unique insight into the conditions of the world and ways we can make it a better place. Maybe that is why Rebecca has chosen to work at Razoo.com in support of their marketing strategy and branding. Razoo is connecting do-gooders from around the world and Rebecca is at the heart of it. I am fan of Razoo.com and Rebecca Carpenter. Rebecca Carpenter has been instrumental in creating a tremendous community of altruistic people who are making the world a better place.

Please help me congratulate the winners by visiting their websites and sending a note of congratulations and encouragement to each.

Bloggers Who Create Community Award

Laura at Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference presented the Bloggers Who Create Community Award to the Everyday Giving Blog.

Here is what Laura had to say as she presented the award:

"Roger Carr’s website, The Everyday Giving Blog, is all about helping others. I know that Mr. Carr has built a HUGE COMMUNITY of charitable people there, because he sends a lot of readers who respect him to my site. I also like what his site is all about. The type of community he is building is something that means a lot to me."

Thank you Laura. That is what the Everyday Giving Blog is all about. I accept this Bloggers Who Create Community Award on behalf of the Everyday Giving community.

Take Advantage of the Free Blogging Course

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology.  For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

• The best blogging techniques.
• How to get traffic to your blog.
• How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Interviewing On The Web Is Now Easier Than Ever

Interviews can be a great way to let others know about a cause you believe in. They can also be a great way to announce things like charitable events. Most people think they have to talk to a reporter who is taking notes for a newspaper article or stand in front of a camera for a television news segment. This can create an uncomfortable situation knowing anything you say or do at that moment can find its way on the news.

Today, blogs have gained a significant amount of influence and respect in the news community. Blogs have become a part of the new media. In the past, you may have been nervous about standing in front of a camera or reporter while answering questions on the spot. Interviewing with a blogger is much different. First, questions are developed and sent to you in advance.  Then, you type your response to each of those questions and send them back to the blogger when you're comfortable with your answers. You have the ability to review and edit your answers before the interviewer sees and publishes them.

I've recently discovered a new, free web service that makes this process easy. You can check it out at http://www.Peopleized.com. Not only is it easy, but it also makes the interview available to other bloggers and website publishers. This means each interview that you do could be picked up and published multiple times on the Internet.

To give you an example of what an interview looks like, I've included my first interview on Peopleized.com at the end of this post. If you want to send me some questions for an interview, go to http://www.EverydayGivingBlog.com and click on the "Interview Me" button.

 

If being a part of an interview made you nervous in the past, consider using this new interview service to make a difference.

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rogercarr
    Peopleized by: Euripidis - Saturday, 25 August 2007
   

Hi, my name is Roger Carr. I live in historic Fredericksburg, Virginia with my wife, Kim, and my son, Trevor. I am the founder and owner of Everyday Giving. The purpose of Everyday Giving is to inspire others to give back and make a difference in the world.

   

   

Euripidis: Why did you start blogging?

rogercarr: My purpose in life is to help people help others. I needed a great way to let people know how easy it is to make a difference. Blogging is one of the ways I use to communicate the message and the response has been terrific.


Euripidis: The top 3 blogs you read?

rogercarr: I regularly follow several blogs. My top three are:

* Serving Strong by Scott Couchenour at servingstrong.typepad.com. Scott's blog posts provide great insight and thought provoking questions for Christian leaders.

* World Wanting Peace by David Perdew at www.worldwantingpeace.com. David is a very giving, honest and passionate person about life (and Internet marketing).

* Beth's Blog by Beth Kanter at beth.typepad.com. Beth provides the best information regarding technology for nonprofits.


Euripidis: Where do you get your inspiration from to write?

rogercarr: I get my inspiration in many ways. I'm writing about a subject that God has given me a passion for so much of my inspiration comes from within. I also read or listen to many good books, blogs and podcasts. Finally, inspiration comes from watching generous people take action to unselfishly help others.


Euripidis: Choose one word to describe your blog?

rogercarr: Giving

rogercarr's Page

Authors Page: Euripidis

   

powered by Peopleized!

Corey and the Do-Gooders Celebrate 75th Show

Corey Pudhorodsky and some do-gooders (everyday philanthropists) celebrated the 75th 501c3Cast show and two years of inspiring and informing the nonprofit community. The 501c3Cast is a biweekly podcast that provides the best in websites, commentary, interviews and quotes related to giving back and making a difference. Corey is the host and producer of the 501c3Cast.

Corey invited listeners to participate in the 75th episode in celebration of the two year milestone. Check out this special episode at http://www.501c3cast.com. While you are there, listen to some of the other shows and discover why the 501c3Cast should be a part of your life. It is useful for nonprofit professionals, volunteers and anyone wanting to make a difference.

Congratulations to Corey Pudhorodsky and the 501c3Cast team!

Inspiration For Baby Boomers Changing The World

Are you a baby boomer who wants to help make the world a better place? Inspiring baby boomers is what Inspiring Opportunities is all about.

Inspiring Opportunities is a weekly email from the Coming of Age organization for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives. Click here to subscribe to Inspiring Opportunities.

After you sign up, go to http://www.comingofage.org and check out the Coming of Age website. You will find a wealth of information on topics including:

• Volunteering
• Caregiving
• Finances
• Health
• Retirement
• Leisure

Although some of the information is specific to Greater Philadelphia, there is a significant amount of information that is useful even if you don't live in the area.

Enjoy!

Do you Jikolp?

Would you like to support some worthy charities without it requiring any additional time or money? Of course you would. Jikolp.com makes that possible. Use Jikolp.com for your searches on the Internet and others will benefit.

The Jikolp.com team searched for a business idea that would accomplish two things.

1. Provide everyday people with an easy, zero cost method to support charity organizations.
2. Provide charity organizations with a new source of income to carry on and extend their good work.

They not only have created a great idea, but they took action and made it a reality.

What was their idea? Build a search engine service that people can use and donate 50% of the revenue to charity.

I really like some things that they have done on the website:

1. They have made it very clear what charity the revenue will be donated to. There are charities that you may not want to support. By letting you know what charity will be supported, you don't have to worry about your web activities helping a charity you don't support.
2. The search results you get are the same ones you would get if you were using Google. this ensures you will receive quality results.
3. The website is simple and uncluttered.

Consider changing your default web browser to http://www.jikolp.com. You will be joining the actions of many caring people and making a difference in the world.

Givng Blood with a Purpose

Giving blood is one of the easiest things a person can do to save lives. This is something I am passionate about. I have promoted the benefits of giving blood in my ezine and on the Everyday Giving website. I also donate blood. I know some people have been encouraged to give through my efforts.

I also have a friend, Nicolette Beard, who is passionate about the need to give blood. Nicolette produces an informative blog called man-o-pause in which she addresses issues that are important to men at midlife (like me). I encourage you to discover her thoughts on life purpose and the need to give blood at  http://www.man-o-pause.com/manopause/2006/07/mans_purpose_in.html. I know even more people are being encouraged to save lives through Nicolette's actions as well.