4 Huge Opportunities for 2021

Now that 2020 is officially behind us I think people have a renewed sense of not just optimism and hope but focus. They know what they have to do this year and they are ready to get it done.

Today I want to talk to you a little about the opportunities that you have as a cause, charity, non profit community group or social entrepreneur. 

I am talking about the opportunities coming for not for profits and causes in 2021 because of everything that has happened this past year.

I have been reading some super interesting research and I wanted to share it all with you. 

BABY BOOMERS – SOCIAL BOOM

I’ve been hearing for years – “our audience is older and they aren’t on social media”. While this actually has never been really true, right now we’re seeing an unbelievable baby boomers social media boom. 

Older audiences have flocked to social to stay connected this year and that means a whole new audience for you to reach! They are online shopping (70% in the last 30 days), telling stories and searching for communities to be part of. It’s time to bring them into your world.  Overall social media audience has grown 12% in 12 month – which is unheard of. 

YOUR EXECS HAVE YOUR BACK

Been struggling with a board or exec team that don’t ‘get’ social? That has all changed. While they may still not understand how to do it or even like social personally, this year has shown the not for profit and cause leaders why they needed social media and why it is going to be THE place to focus for 2021. 

Now is the time to have serious conversations about resources, budgets and strategy for the next 1-3 years. You need to be nimble and have plans to provide your services, run events, fundraise, attract volunteers, communicate and do other things critical to your business in a virtual world. 

BUILDING YOUR COMMUNITY

Hootsuite’s 2021 report says that 73% of all brands are now focusing on customer acquisition on social media. I believe this means it is more important than ever before for you to focus on building loyalty and connection. 

Don’t be like every other brand and charity out there next year just hitting the hard ask day after day. Don’t get me wrong, you have to drive results, but if you do that by building a loyal community who care and get you – you’ll be better off than 99% of other brands.

IMPACT CONVERSATIONS ARE ON TREND

Think about what has flooded our feeds this year. Raging bushfires, COVID-19, Black Lives Matter – this year has had the biggest focus on mental health, physical wellbeing, community and purpose than we have ever seen before. More people are making decisions based on values-alignment, purpose and social impact. This means we have an audience ready to hear what you have to say.

NEW TOOLS

There have been so many great new tools and resources that have joined the makret this year.Instagram Reels are getting crazy high reach and engagement on that platform

Clubhouse is here and people are clammering to get on board – I’ve already seen international speakers running workshops and answering people’s questions in return for a charity donation

LinkedIn Live – video is always king

TikTok – busting at the seams with new opportunities reference Perth Zoo

The new year is nearly here and it is time to focus on the opportunities and grab those with both hands. 

My best advice to take advantage of it is having clear goals, spending time on planning and getting very very strategic and not so reactive. It’s time for your cause to shine your light brighter than you ever have before.