Now that the paperwork is out of the way, it’s time to bring your nonprofit to life in a way that people can actually see, experience, and connect with.

The passion is there, the vision is clear (or at least somewhat clear), and you’re ready to take that first step into the world of impact-driven work. But before you start collecting donations, hosting events, or making waves in your community, you need a strong foundation.

So, you want to start a nonprofit? Welcome to the wild, rewarding, and often overwhelming world of social impact.

When I started NotJustYou six years ago, I was full of passion, big ideas, and an unshakable belief in the mission. What I didn’t have? A manual on how to run a nonprofit efficiently.

In today’s digital age, the power of social media as a networking tool cannot be overstated. Digital platforms have removed geographical boundaries, creating a world where no one is truly out of reach.

Now that you’ve prepared yourself by building a strong online presence and ensuring you have something to offer, it’s time to get out there and network.

People often ask me how I managed to build such a strong network and put myself out there. Networking is about being strategic, intentional, and, most importantly, prepared.

This series will guide you through Networking 101. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this series is designed to equip you with tools to make networking work for you.

As we step into a brand-new year, I’m excited to reconnect with you all and set the tone for what lies ahead. Last year, I’ll admit, I wasn’t as consistent with posting as I had hoped to be.

Whether you’re just getting started or already deep in your entrepreneurial journey, here are tips I’ve learned along the way—lessons that have contributed to my success and might help you too.

Today marks eight years since I had my bone marrow transplant. For those who don’t know, I was born with sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder that makes life, well, interesting to say the least.