Last week we posted a mini-series on tips from our marathon fundraising panel experts. If you missed it, you can find it here.

One of our experts, Beth from Samaritans, mentioned a method of thinking about your networks and extended networks called “treasure-mapping.” This concept is so useful, we thought we’d give you a visual:

Think of yourself as being the center of your immediate network (shown in green). This network will include groups of people such as family & friends, your religious community, and other social circles you belong to. You probably have a bunch of groups within your network, which may or may not include these ones (though we sure hope you have family and friends!), so don’t let your thinking stop there. What does your professional network look like? Are you an alum? You get the point.

Naturally, since this is your immediate network, this is a great place to start when asking people to support you and donate to your fundraising page.

But remember, each of these people is at the center of their own network (shown in blue). If people in your network get excited about your cause, they will share it with people in their networks and reach people you wouldn’t have thought to ask. Part of the beauty of online fundraising is that the donation process is so easy. All someone has to do is email a link to your fundraising page to a friend, put a widget on their blog, or post your fundraising page to their Facebook profile. Bam, you’ve got another donation, and your NPO receives more money to keep doing the good work it is doing.

As our friend Beth reminded us, you never know what is going to strike a chord with someone. Spend some time thinking about your network and how you might extend your reach. Draw your treasure map. Talk about what you’re doing with enthusiasm, and don’t apologize. People will consider it a privilege and a gift to make a donation to support your efforts for such a great cause.