We recently connected with Michael Dozier and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
My primary goal is to assist and provide valuable insights to individuals. and organizations in a wide range of areas, including nonprofit work. I hope my legacy in this field will be one of making a positive impact by helping clients succeed in their missions to make the world a better place. Whether it’s by providing strategic advice, identifying potential funding opportunities, or offering creative solutions to complex challenges, I aspire to be a trusted. partner in the nonprofit sector, contributing to the success and growth of organizations dedicated to making a difference in the world.
Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My story began when I was working in the Mississippi Department of Education for the Learn and Serve America and Americorp Program. During that time, we provided grants to school districts and community-based organizations throughout the State of Mississippi. I was responsible for coordinating the request for proposal process, grantee’s orientation process, and grantee’s selection process for new grant recipients. My job consisted of monitoring and evaluating grantees who receive funding from the State of Mississippi. After doing that for a while, I got the opportunity to work for DREAM, Inc. a nonprofit that focused on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs programs. Working for DREAM, Inc. allowed me to gain additional experience in working with national organizations and regional organizations throughout the US on research and evidence-based prevention programs. It also gave me the experience to provide capacity-building services, assistance, and training to organizations to ensure they were operating according to Best Practices. Gaining experience in that area allowed me to gain consultant experience by working with Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA), Mississippi Center for Nonprofits, and with various federal agencies such as Department of Justice, US Department of Human Services and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
When the State of Mississippi was the first to sue the tobacco industry and received a settlement, I had the opportunity to partnership with key stakeholders across the state to help navigate and set up new community coalitions to help address the issue of preventing tobacco use among young people. That work led me to create a community nonprofit that focused on ATOD service, but also alternative prevention programs geared toward young people in selected counties in the state. After that, I served as CEO of a community action agency that had around 300 staff people and an operating budget of about 17 million. Doing those jobs led me to create my own nonprofit consulting firm that provides nonprofit services to clients throughout the US.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building a social media presence takes time and effort. You will have to be patient, authentic and open to learning from your audience’s feedback. Building my audience includes understanding. the target audience and understanding the platforms they are most active on. This will allow me to create content that resonates with them in an effective manner.
Utilizing different types of content have been an effective strategy to implement. I have discovered that experimenting with different types of content like videos, images, infographic and written posts have been effective in keeping audiences engaged and offers the opportunity for additional networking possibilities.
I would also encourage the use of incorporating hashtags as an effective strategy. Hashtags help people interested in specific topics find your posts.
I would also cross-promote on other platforms. You have to be willing to leverage your presence on one social media platform to promote your presence on others. For example, include links to your social media profiles in your email signature, website or blog.
The key thing to remember is that building a social media presence takes time and effort. Be patient, authentic, and open to learning from your audience’s feedback.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
For me, the number one thing is referrals. Word-of-mouth referrals from existing clients, colleagues or industry professionals can be one of the most effective ways to acquire new clients. Satisfied clients are likely to recommend your services to others.
Networking: Attending industry events, conferences, and seminars can help you connect with potential clients. Building relationship with individuals in the nonprofit and business sector, such as executive directors, board members, or fundraising professionals, can lead to new consulting opportunities.
Online Presence: Establishing a strong online presence through a professional website, blog and social media platforms can attract potential clients. Sharing valuable content, case studies can showcase your expertise and credibility.
Partnerships: Collaborating with other processionals or organizations in the nonprofit space, such as grant writers, marketing agencies, or fundraising consultants, can lead to client referrals and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chlnonprofits.com
- Instagram: michaeldozier1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldozier