Have you ever looked up a recipe on Pinterest?  If you have, you probably see the value of the app and feel gratitude that you could make a meal that you and others could enjoy.

The power of the Internet, social media, and search engines – like Pinterest – make information incredibly accessible and allow life some major conveniences.

We do not live on bread alone

As Christians, we know “man does not live on bread alone.” Un

Recently I learned from a friend who is an extremely successful blogger that one recipe on Pinterest can provide the blog owner with a revenue of $500 a day.

How can one Pin reach that many people?  One way is through networking.

This same blogger who Pins her recipes on Pinterest is very aware of the power of a network.

She does not blog in a vacuum.  As a food blogger (also accepted titles include content creator or food influencer) she belongs to a Facebook group where other food bloggers ask one another to re-pin their recipes – which gives their content a boost and reciprocates that support to others.

It takes less than five seconds to re-pin a Pin.  So, in this group, food bloggers dedicate less than a minute a week to show and receive support from others that are considered their competition.

Catholic bloggers, ministries, businesses, and influencers can – and do – use the same strategy to reach more people through online platforms.

Catholics Online, LLC believes this concept of community support is beneficial to all souls.

The Importance of a Supportive Network

By sharing the Light of Christ within their own circles, each is saying “Yes” to God’s unique and unrepeatable mission. By coming together as Catholic Christians and showing support to one another, Christ’s Light shines brighter.

Not only do these messages of faith and hope reach more people, but by recognizing our essential need for community, sole business owners, small ministry leaders, and start-up influencers gain the support, momentum and boost each need in order to sustain and maintain their platforms.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta once said:

“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.”

Just as recipes on Pinterest allow millions of moms to feed and nourish their families every day, holy content provides individuals, families, and communities to nourish their souls.

The Good News – news that is meant to be shared- gives and hope and renewed faith to people all over the globe.

People are not just searching Pinterest for recipes – they are also searching for hope and holy help for their marriages, their work, their lives, and their families.

Collaboration over Competition

The more collaboration takes precedence over competition, the greater amount of souls catch a glimpse of Christ’s Light, giving more hope in a world so in need of the Bread of Life.

But how does a leader in social media evangelization collaborate with others?  

There are a few ways to connect and collaborate with other Catholics in order to spread the word of your work and mission.

One is simply reaching out to Catholics you admire and respect.

If you are starting a business where you make Rosaries, reach out to a person who prays the Rosary Live on Instagram and ask to pray with them.

Starting a pro-life ministry?  Email and message local leaders in the pro-life community that will see the tremendous value of your work.

Announce on social media what you are doing – and more importantly, why you are doing it!

There are more ways to connect that will open many doors, but do not discount or undervalue the power of a one on one connection.

If you can be a guest on a Catholic podcast or radio show – go for it!

Free Resource: How To Network as a Catholic Online

This free resource, How to Network as a Catholic Online, will help you connect with the right people and enable you to build a network that will lead to more growth; provide a support system through challenges; and establish a community that will celebrate achievements with you along the journey.

If you are ready to join a community of Catholics who connect daily, join Catholics Online!

If you’d like to talk to someone and discuss specific ideas on how to network your business or ministry, book a consultation call here.

Put the Light of Christ on a Platform

Modern communication technologies allow Christians an incredible way to live out the Gospel.

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

The evangelist Matthew uses the phrase “put in on its stand”.

The stand is a type of platform.

Today, we have online platforms.

According to gigworker.com

At its core, an online platform is any website that facilitates a service or interaction between itself and the visitor. Online platforms include search engines, marketplaces, social media, online financial systems, informative websites, and more.

By using online platforms Catholic influencers accept Pope Francis’ invitation to be bold and creative in the task of evangelization.

“Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way”. I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities. A proposal of goals without an adequate communal search for the means of achieving them will inevitably prove illusory. I encourage everyone to apply the guidelines found in this document generously and courageously, without inhibitions or fear. The important thing is to not walk alone, but to rely on each other as brothers and sisters, and especially under the leadership of the bishops, in a wise and realistic pastoral discernment.“

—“The Joy of the Gospel ” (Evangelii Gaudium), Nov. 24, 2013

The best part about all these options and constant new options emerging is that you do not need to do it alone.

Connect with other Catholics Online and watch the power of The Holy Spirit as God’s love reaches hearts all over the globe.

Even if you don’t like social media, writing or any type of content creation – Catholic ministries and businesses can benefit from connecting with Catholic Influencers.

Learn More About Catholics Online HERE!

IMAGE: Photo by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash