Online blogs, forums and chat rooms make it easy to talk to people all over the world about anything. Most people talk and instant message online for business or just for fun, but instant messaging for charity is a great way to raise money and awareness for important causes.
Instructions
1. Schedule the chat. Donors and contributors will be less receptive if your chat request comes unannounced, so arrange a time to talk to them online ahead of time. Contact everyone you want to chat with well in advance. Make sure they know the times for the instant messaging session and the name you'll be logged in under.
2. Check your facts. Instant messaging for charity is definitely a less formal way to raise money than some traditional methods, but it's still important that all the information you provide to potential donors is accurate. Write down the organization's mission statement and your financial goal, along with any other important information. Keep this information close to your computer so it's readily available when you're instant messaging.
3. Make yourself look professional. Potential donors will only have your profile information, image and name to go on when deciding if you're trustworthy, so make yourself look as professional as possible when you instant message for charity. Include information about the charitable organization in your profile information; use the name or logo in your screen name and image.
4. Stay safe. Conduct any online transactions or donations privately and securely. Set up a secure server account for online transactions, and use a secure site to obtain or exchange information with donors who wish to donate offline or send donations in the mail.
5. Be clear about your message. Instant messaging is a fast-paced form of communication, so make sure you get your point across quickly and often. Use the name of your charitable organization as often as possible, state the organization's mission clearly and make the potential donors you're messaging understand why their help is so important. Remember, all they have to go on is a text box on their computer screen, so be articulate and to the point.
