Failure is an option, non-profit social media expert to tell community organisations in Auckland

Delegates at workshops being led by visiting non-profit social media expert Beth Kanter will be told it’s okay to fail.

“There is a real taboo around saying things didn’t work out, but it’s the best way to learn,” says Ms Kanter.

“People won't try out new ideas or approaches if failure is seen as a career-killer. But when it's treated like what it is — an opportunity to learn — it can be a fun and rewarding process.”

At the Nonprofit Technology Conference last week in Minneapolis Ms Kanter stood on stage and did a failure bow with her fellow panelists. The bow attracted a thunderous response from the 1500 conference goers. (See http://www.bethkanter.org/npfail-action/.)

“My message about taking small bets is only one of the lessons I’ll bring with me. Taking time to measure impact is at the core of my recent work,” Ms Kanter said.

Communities around the world are turning to social media to effect change. My aim is to help New Zealanders working in communities to use these new social spaces to engage people in their causes.”

The acclaimed master trainer and author is leading two workshops for New Zealand NGOs and community groups in May, both are in Auckland.

“I’ll definitely be telling participants, don’t worry if you screw up. We might even try a failure bow.”

Beth’s visit to New Zealand is being organised by niche community consultancy Common Knowledge, in conjunction with Mangere East Family Service Centre and Volunteering Auckland. The Tindall Foundation, Microsoft NZ, Auckland Council and Connecting Up are supporting the workshops Ms Kanter is leading.

Anyone hoping to learn from Ms Kanter needs to register ASAP: http://commonknowledge.net.nz/beth-kanter-workshops

ENDS