Story Matters!

I see you pouring your heart and soul into your cause. Your work is vital to all of us, but not enough of us know about it. 

You’re not in it for the glory. And yet the lack of visibility is limiting your growth. Hindering new hires. Putting the brakes on needed programs.

There’s so much more you could do if you could just get people to act. 

If we were chatting over lunch (know a good sandwich place?), this is where I’d say, If there’s one thing I’ve learned in 20 years as a marketing director and agency leader, it’s this:

Actions start with feels.

Feelings are the power lines that transfer your passion from person to person. Facts are informational, but stories ask: How do you feel about this? And what are you going to do about it? 

Authentic stories well told make your audience confront your challenge (oh no!), discover your vision (yes we can!), and get clear on what needs to be done (where do I sign up?!).

Storytelling is more than the message (though that’s tricky to get right) and more than the medium (ditto). It’s knowing what’s on your audience’s mind when you approach them. Knowing what’s competing for their affections. Knowing whether it’s a “once upon a time” moment or an “it was a dark and stormy night” moment or a “horse walks into a bar” moment.

Story matters. Especially in philanthropy.

The truth is you’ll never not be busy with the work (and the endless fundraising). But that work will have a bigger impact when you and your team have a clear who, what, when, where, how, and why you’re stopping people in their tracks to make the ask. 

Let’s grab that lunch. And together, let’s energize your audiences to act.