Hi Reader, In leading your nonprofit, have you ever thought, "we address a serious problem, so we need to sound serious?" So many leaders like you have told me they don't want to risk sounding too casual in their marketing or fundraising materials. And I get it. More often than not, we deal with serious topics that deserve to be treated seriously. But there's a difference between being serious and being sincere, and confusing the two can make your communications feel distant, even when your...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, You've got a new website on the horizon. Or a campaign in progress. Or a board that keeps asking why the brochure isn't done yet. So you move forward, because that's what leaders like you do. But when materials come before messaging, you're putting the cart before the horse, and even the best executed materials fall flat. Here's how to get them back in order.Rooting for you, Jordana P.S. If you're gearing up for a new website, a campaign, or any major communications push—and you're...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I sat on hold for 27 minutes trying to cancel a dermatologist appointment. While I waited, I heard about the hospital's cancer care. Their organ transplant department (one of the best in the state!) Their social media channels. Their e-newsletter. And they asked me to donate. On a loop. For 27 minutes. How much do you think I donated after that call? Your organization can do better. Here's how. Rooting for you, Jordana View Online Were you forwarded this email? Click here to...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I recently made an appointment to get my six-year-old daughter's ears pierced. She was ready. I was as ready as I was going to be. Before we even walked through the door, the welcome email from Rowan completely won me over. I always say that "show me you know me" is the golden rule of communication. This is one of the best examples I've seen, and what it means for your organization's communications. Rooting for you, Jordana PS: "Show me you know me" means speaking to your...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, are you sure your ideal audience understands what your organization does? That they understand your mission and the impact they have on it by supporting you? It's really important that they do—because no one buys into a solution until they're clear on the problem. A recent run-in with my toilet and $185 reminded me just how important this is, and what it means for running your nonprofit. Rooting for your nonprofit and your plumbing, Jordana View Online Were you forwarded this email?...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, how can your people feel connected to your mission if they've never personally experienced the problem you solve?For those who celebrate Passover, this is exactly what we are tasked with, year after year: "In every generation, each person must see themselves as if they personally came out of Egypt," we read during the Passover Seder. Here's how we do it, and how you can apply it to your nonprofit's communications to connect the right people to your mission. Happy Passover to those who...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, if you ask three people what your organization does, how many different answers will you get? Too many.Even if the three people are your staff, board members, or donors, you’re likely to get three different answers.That’s a problem, because people won't support or spread the word about something they can't understand—your unclear messaging is likely getting in the way of your growth.One solution is to send an email like this one.It’s a great example of the power of clear...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, communicating your nonprofit's message isn't easy. And it's even harder if you get stuck on one (or more) or these four common misconceptions about it: 1) “We do so much, there’s no way to communicate it all concisely.” I get it—you should be proud of everything you do! But…everyone doesn't need to know everything. Your goal isn’t to communicate everything you do, it’s to share a message that resonates with the right people and draws them in to learn more. Strong communication is...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Reader, how do you feel when your organization’s newsletter hits your inbox? Proud, inspired, and motivated?Or frustrated, confused, and disappointed?I know sometimes it’s the latter.You’re not alone.As a nonprofit communications consultant I’ve heard a LOT of frustration over the past decade from nonprofit leaders whose organization’s communications don’t accurately convey their mission, activities, and impact.Even worse, those communications take a LONG time to put together in the first...
5 months ago • 1 min read