These days, it seems like everyone has a Kickstarter or GoFundMe request they want you to support: the flood is so overwhelming, I find myself ignoring plenty of truly valid requests, just because I’ve been inundated. This month, my friend Sam Dassouki asked me to be part of his #KeepItPumpinSam campaign to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Money went to help other people, not himself. Happily, I joined his PJ party, and was thinking what makes a successful campaign
Here’s my easy 8 step guide to viral success:

1. Be sure it’s really worthwhile: If the ALS ice bucket challenge has taught us anything, it’s that big problems earn major attention. People don’t want to share a plea to buy cat food with all their followers, but raising money to beat heart disease will likely offer a compelling call to action.

2. Tell a story: People want to feel personally connected to the issues they support. Putting names and faces to your cause makes it that much easier to get behind. Like my friend Sam who found out he had a hole in his heart and had to have open heart surgery on his birthday. He didn’t raise the money for himself, but he wanted to raise money for others. You can donate here- http://bit.ly/keepitpumpinsam

3. Look for partners: The more supporters you have from the outset, the greater reach your campaign will earn. Companies today are looking for causesif you find a corporate sponsor that’s a natural fit, your campaign will have that much wider a reach.

4. Make it fun: Just because you have a serious problem doesn’t mean the proposed solution has to be a total downer. Social media is an escape for most people, so turning your cause into something fun and interactive makes it all the more likely to catch on.

5. But keep things simple: If you’re requesting follow-through action, instructions need to be clear, concise and, most of all, easy. People turn to social media in short burstsif they can’t do what you’re asking quickly, it likely just won’t happen.

6. Join the conversation: The whole point of social media is to be social. Stay involved and interactive throughout your entire campaign, congratulating participants, sharing pictures and answering any questions that may arise.

7. Still, it should be a two way street: Encourage campaign participants to share their experiences online. Work with hashtags, user-created videoanything that will inspire more active participation.

8. Do unto others: If you expect support for your online campaign, be prepared to step up to the plate when others come calling. Social media campaigns are pivotal parts of the share economy, but they only work when we all participate.