5: How to Build a Social Media Presence with Kevin Nichols

Learning how to build a social media presence is essential for visibility and growth in today’s digital world. In this episode, Lindsay Simonds speaks with strategist and influencer Kevin Nichols, who shares practical advice on creating content, aligning with your values, and using platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to grow your influence and impact.

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“It’s been a labor of love, but with strategic social media moves, I think that people are finally getting to know us. We’re here and what we’re doing is impactful.” Share on X

Why Social Media Matters for Your Brand

Sharing content through the internet allows you to build your brand by letting others know who you are and what you do. There is no faster way to do that today than by creating a social media presence—whether for your personal brand or your organization.

In this episode, Lindsay Simonds chats with Kevin Nichols, a mega-influencer and social media guru. Kevin shares how to build that presence and how to influence others using online platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Meet Kevin Nichols: Influencer, Entrepreneur, and Advocate

Kevin Nichols is the Co-founder of The Social Engineering Project, a social impact venture launched through Stanford University. He’s also a recognized expert in social networking and has earned a place in LinkedIn’s Hall of Fame.

The Social Engineering Project mentors and trains Black male youth in STEM, entrepreneurship, and leadership—empowering them to transform their lives and communities.

Kevin recently completed an executive program in social entrepreneurship at Stanford Graduate School of Business and a fundraising certification through Stanford Institute of Philanthropy at JFK University.

Lindsay teaches in this same program, focusing on Major Gifts—where she and Kevin first connected.

Using Social Platforms to Build Influence and Raise Support

In this episode of Creating Community for Good, Lindsay and Kevin explore how sharing information can help you build your brand and raise awareness for your mission.

Kevin’s approach to social media is intentional. While you won’t catch him snapping selfies with Kylie Jenner (171M Instagram followers!), he’s laser-focused on aligning with values that amplify his purpose-driven work.

Learn how Kevin ended up featured on LinkedIn’s homepage, how he uses social media to build influence, and how you can create meaningful online engagement to raise money for your organization.

Key Takeaways:

(01:22) How Lindsay met Kevin while teaching a course on Major Gifts as a faculty member of the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at John F. Kennedy University. ,
(01:51) How Kevin’s social influence benefits his mission focus and himself as a human being.
(03:01) Aligning social media to your values and his incredible story as one of LinkedIn’s early adapters.
(08:30) Bringing technology, spreading the love and creating community on social media.
(10:51) The pros and cons of being an awesome connector to like-minded people.
(12:54) The explosion of Kevin’s profile through LinkedIn.
(15:50) How technology impacts philanthropy and Kevin’s vision inside his organization, The Social Engineering Project.
(17:25) Lindsay’s tips for identifying the ideal prospective Major Gift donor using the Golden Triangle fundraising adage.
(18:58) Different data points to show your impact on others and the remarkable story of one of Kevin’s students.
(21:18) How Kevin manages all the moving pieces in social media to strengthen his presence.