“Others First” Friday: Opportunities to Help are Right Under Your Social Media Nose

As I’ve blogged about “others first” opportunities I’ve mentioned a number of organizations from local to global. But putting others first isn’t just about putting your weight behind non-profit organizations. It’s also about finding ways to help individuals in your on and offline communities. If you’re looking for ways to put others first, you really don’t have to look to far.

One of the easiest things you can do is monitor your social networks. Read through your Facebook news feed. Follow the tweets of those in your community. Very often you’ll find someone asking for help, either directly or indirectly. Perhaps someone needs a job, or just help moving a piece of furniture. Last night I had need of some microphones, stands, and cables, so I mentioned it on Twitter, and was flooded with responses.

Recently a local homeless shelter needed a few window air conditioning units. The call was put out on Twitter, and the need was filled.

I’ve seen people step up to meet the needs they are seeing on social networks.

So keep an eye on your community. Someone might voice a need. Or, their status updates and Tweets might indicate a need that they aren’t comfortable sharing publicly. Offer to help. Rally the troops if need be.

But when you see someone in need, just don’t sit back and do nothing. I’m learning first hand how effective Social Media can be at allowing the community to be the community. And I’ve been on both ends; sometimes giving and sometimes receiving.

We just need to be more intentional about putting other first.

Tagged as: #OthersFirst, Community, facebook, Online Communities, others first, Social Media, Social network, Twitter