Today’s post is to provide an example of a social networking website that has connected millions of people world-wide. Designed to be a free online journal for anyone going through medical crisis, CaringBridge has become common practice to keep loved ones updated. If you haven’t yet used Caring Bridge to check on someone or left encouraging message, chances are you will sometime soon.
The creators of the non-profit organization started the concept back in 1997, long before social networking was a term. They have since recognized that they are a strong force in social networking for a niche market and have earned plenty of media coverage. They’ve written articles addressing the value of “Social Networking for Sick People” and have an expansive partner connection with hospitals, professional organizations,and non-profits. CaringBridge has added multi-language capabilities, starting with Spanish.
To take a look at CaringBridge and the example they are setting in the social networking arena, visit www.caringbridge.org. They say that their service “helps ease the burden of keeping family and friends informed.” How can your business or organization help ease the burden of keeping your customers informed?
ONE ACTION ITEM: Make a brainstorm list of ways you could keep your customers/web visitors better informed. In what ways can you ease their burdens?
{ 1 trackback }
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Steve,
Thanks for recognizing CaringBridge as a strong force in social networking. We're proud to help millions of families during serious health events.
Kind regards,
- Melissa, Media Relations Specialist, CaringBridge
During the recent passing of both my parents, a cousin, an uncle we used Carepages.org which is a similar concept. I loved the fact that we could share with our family and friends the encouraging moments when we seemed to be out of a hole. Equally, to be able to share with everyone last moments or difficulties without repeating it endless times was often a relief. We shared photos, messages, good prayers exactly when they were needed.
Social Media can be a drain of our time in some cases, but I am thankful that at those times of my life, it was available and that someone created them and offered them for free.
Wendy Soucie
http://www.xeesm.com/wendysoucie
This is a really great resource/service…one I will share with the military community/vets that I advocate and serve (volunteer) through my site/resource. I am very glad I happened upon your site… I enjoyed reading your wife's posts here as well. God Bless
Karen
PS.. my son (82nd ABN) is an avid bass player! (he plays all different guitars and always has one with him when he's deployed)!
This is a great post, and I so glad that you wrote about this great service. I hope that everyone learns about their options when they or their loved ones get sick.
I wrote about CaringBridge on my corporate blog, because I think it is so wonderful. Take a lok at my post and let me know that you think: http://socialmditv.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/carin...