Social Media….Is it working for you? Maybe YOU need a Ken Jones!!(story submitted by the Wiarton Rotary Club)
In 2012, the Rotary Club of Wiarton began to take a serious interest in social media. Much time and effort were invested in establishing a club website and Facebook page. Initially the investment seemed uncertain. We might get 10 or 20 people seeing our information. By 2016 we were happy to reach 500 people and were ecstatic when one message reached over 2000 people. Now, in 2018, we routinely get our important information out to over 6000 people. Almost 800 people follow everything that we post on Facebook.
How did we accomplish this? Easy. Just ask Ken!!
Ken Jones, while not a Rotarian, is a very civic minded and active member of our community. He also happens to know a lot about computers in general and social media in particular. He teaches computer and leadership classes at our local high school. When asked to assist our Public Image Committee with social media Ken readily volunteered. He now attends all of the committee meetings and assists when the PI committee shares info with the Rotary Club members. In between meetings Ken maintains email communication with the committee members and shares ideas and insights. He also gets his students involved when an opportunity arises.
With Ken’s expertise and guidance we have learned how to invite people to like our Facebook page. We have learned how to get important information in circulation simply by running a contest. We have learned how to effectively boost a post and we have learned how to guide people to our website for more information. In other words, we have learned a LOT!!
It is interesting to note that during the past two years attendance at our fundraisers has increased dramatically. We have increased advertising on many media platforms so it is impossible to isolate the impact that one has had. However, no one can argue that our message is reaching a much wider audience than before!! Acknowledging that people use different forms of media to get their information is key.
Ken has also assisted with how to best organize and store our club pictures. Along with his students he created a video of our Amazing Race that we now use for promotion. Ken and his students also take the questions that are prepared for Trivia Night and put them in an easy to use format allowing us to simply ‘hit the key’ on the actual evening. Currently Ken’s students are working on designing a new trading banner for our club.
For someone who is NOT a Rotarian, Ken sure knows what “service above self” means. This year his Leadership class donated over $7000 to support people in need in our community. Now Ken would tell you that his students do all the work….but WE know better! In return the Rotarians happily attend fundraising meals and assist where we can.
This partnership has been FABULOUS for our club. Would we like to have Ken join our club? Absolutely!!! However, in the meantime, we appreciate the many hours of his time and the skills and knowledge that he so generously shares with us. Our Social Media presence would NOT be where it is today without Ken!