Relaxed Folk

Last night I returned from our family reunion (on my dad's side) in Rusk, Texas. I just visited the website http://www.rusktexascoc.org/ and right on the front page it says: "...If you require a respite from life’s stresses, yearn for a living history lesson, or seek a simpler, more congenial lifestyle, Rusk awaits you."

Lemme tell you that sentence is no joke. Friendly greetings everywhere you turn with rolling hills, greenery and relaxed folk. One gift store owner said it best when asked what time he opens, he said "When I get here" and well, sir what time do you close? "When I leave."

Not one person was in a hurry to do anything. The entire experience was at a pace slower than molasses. On the other hand it was a welcomed refreshing break.

This is another example, to me, about marketing. The chamber posted a dead on description of its town. So when we say that DonorsResource.org is consistent, easy and reliable. Is that accurate?

Stall Tactics

Wednesday I met with our CPA and walked away with a list of four fairly simple items that required additional documentation. No problem, right? Wrong.

What was a simple task set up camp as an insurmountable obstacle. The amount of energy put into stalling out weighed the actual time spent on the work by a landslide. I'm giving myself a high five for the creative avoidance tactics. At one point I thought about counting the fibers in my carpet.

The positive outcome after completing the daunting task from hell, reminded me how organized my files are. With any hope I'll recall this experience the next time excessive stalling starts looming.

Twitta' Sistah

Its totally insane. But after all, I do drive an online nonprofit which makes sense that this communication be a huge part of the thing.

As it stands I'm totally lost and have no idea how to respond to the direct messages I receive or find more people of interest to follow. I have to admit, it is fun to figure this stuff out you just gotta dig the lingo "tweeps...tweeding and tweeple.."...ah, the many ways people have gotten creative with the word "twitter".

Is the goal to become a social media networking know how? No. Gently play in the arena that I have a stake in? You betcha.

Chuck and Leroy

First Tech Credit Union has stepped out of the marketing box with Chuck and Leroy, two squirrels. They debuted on the radio, I want to say a week ago? Both squirrels are singing different songs, one upbeat and cool, the other not so much.

I think the marketing strategy behind this is rather brilliant. I've already established an affinity for Chuck. Is he the smarter squirrel?

When you get a chance, check the page http://www.firsttechfans.com/, watch for sasquatch in the bottom right hand corner and scroll over "the boys" they talk. Excellent marketing.

Guest Blogger: Semiosis Communications

Nonprofit Marketing. What's your story?

Many nonprofits still resist the notion they must market themselves. You see, nonprofits have missions to attend to and needs to satisfy and money to raise. No time or money or staff to do marketing. The truth is, nonprofits do marketing all the time. Marketing happens in every interaction with a stakeholder, be it a phone call, an email, web page, brochure, newsletter, tweet, meeting, event... Products or services nonprofits provide are also part of marketing. Why is marketing important for nonprofits? Marketing comes before fundraising - it prepares the ground for the ask, creating awareness, knowledge, understanding, empathy, preference, and ultimately trust. In short, the main function of marketing is to cultivate relationships.
The best and most effective way to do all that is to tell stories. People communicate through stories. Stories are what people understand. Storytelling constitutes authentic marketing. What stories should you tell? You can talk about programs and services and metrics all you want, your stakeholders will relate to people. So, tell stories of the people (children, animals) you helped! It works; when Mercy Corps transitioned to a storytelling approach to marketing, they recorded a measurable increase in people taking action to support their work. Your nonprofit may not be Mercy Corps, but I'm sure you have tons of success stories about your beneficiaries.
Stories are marketing, marketing is stories. What's your story?

Peter Korchnak, Founder, Semiosis Communications