My Theory on Brand Storytelling
My first video blog — yikes!
Changing the World Instead of Watching it Go By: Missing Public Policy Advocacy
One of the things I miss the most about my job at LSS was the advocacy work we were doing. I had taken on the initiative a couple of years ago because I thought we should have a seat at the table when our government leaders discuss and decide on policy that affects our clients.…
What Do Donors Want?
There have been plenty of research done on what kind of communications and messaging appeals to donors and drives them to give. Most have concluded that quantifiable and personal impact statements where donors can see how their money helps others are the most effective strategy. The more concrete and personal the impact story is, the…
From Holiday High to Extraordinary Connections
The holiday season is full of family, friends, and fun. We look back over the year and give thanks for our good fortune. Many of us also share our good fortune with those who need lifting up by donating to our favorite charities. It makes the holidays even sweeter to know that we’ve made lives…
“Othering” is Not OK
A recent editorial by Ruth McCambridge at Nonprofit Quarterly really resonated with me. In it she laments the standard practice of many nonprofit executives who use “othering” language when talking about their clients. She says this practice is “a regressive blast from the past, full of words and phrases that are coded shortcuts to narratives…
Can Nonprofits Be Cool?
Of course they can! I think that doing good is always cool. But do most Americans think nonprofits are cool? Probably not. We are the bleeding hearts, the scavengers for cash, the reminders that the world is not perfect. I think most everyone know that nonprofits are necessary and useful in this world, but not…
Using Your Brand Voice in Storytelling
All marketing professionals tell stories in order to sell their products or services. It drives a deeper commitment to a brand by uniting consumers through shared experiences. Nonprofit marketers are no different. In fact, I feel it is even more crucial for nonprofits to be effective storytellers in order to stay viable. Our stories of…
The Power of Hope
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the lack of civility and decency in today’s culture, especially on social media. It seems that the ability to make a real-time knee jerk reaction to a comment from a stranger on Twitter or Facebook brings out the worst in some people. I read recently that the…
Telling Their Stories
As the Vice President of Engagement for a regional social service agency, I am responsible for creating meaningful opportunities for critical constituency groups like donors and volunteers to connect with our mission. The best way to do this is by sharing real-life stories of our clients and how our services assist them in bettering their…
Would You Date This Brand?
March 5, 2019 Would you date a brand? It seems like a silly question but think about it. We all have deep and meaningful long term relationships with our favorite brands. I personally will not get out of bed unless there is the possibility of Starbucks in the very near future. My evenings are made more…