Your donors are busy. They’re tired. They make decisions all day in a world where everyone is clamoring for attention. Here's a simple way to help them "catch" your stories. Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help missionaries and nonprofits raise funds through storytelling. I've been re-organizing the content in response to some of your comments and suggestions, and I'll have some great resources for you soon. Sign up for my emails so you'll kno...
Sep 13, 2022•10 min•Season 3Ep. 75
Our stories have the power to move supporters along on a journey: introducing them to a problem, dispelling myths, offering hope, introducing them to our organization, showing them how we solve the problem, building trust, and inviting them to take action. At any point in time, you'll have people at different stages along these five levels of awareness: Unaware - They don't even know there is a problem. Problem Aware - They know about the problem, but not about solutions. Solution Aware - They k...
Aug 31, 2022•11 min•Season 3Ep. 74
My guest today is Joy Capps, author of Joyful Copy—How to Show Up in the Marketplace Ethically and Authentically. There are a lot of copywriting formulas and blueprints, and many ways to reach your audience. But not all ways line up with what we know to be ethical and true. Joy created her Joyful Copy framework to help us write marketing copy that isn’t slimy. Based on Galatians 5:22-23 and Philippians 4:8, her framework filters best practices of copywriting through the teachings of the Bible. L...
Aug 17, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 73
Every story gives us a chance to choose. Do we set up a “them and us” narrative, or will we do the work to offer another perspective? Airbnb runs an ad featuring a family of shaggy “monsters” enjoying their vacation. the goal of the ad is to invite people to become hosts on the platform. It starts where many of us are when it comes to inviting strangers to stay in our homes–it’s a little scary. But then we see a delightful series of scenes: enjoying beautiful views with a cuppa tea, a family hik...
Aug 10, 2022•16 min•Season 3Ep. 72
I got a message today from a supporter who needs to stop her monthly donations. I'm thinking of my friends in ministry who raise support–missionary support or raising funds for the ministry as a whole–and you’re on the field, you’re doing the work, and you get a message like this. The temptation is to shrink back. The temptation is to say, "Well, people are hurting (they are) and so I feel bad asking for money to support the ministry." But I want to encourage you that this is not the time to pul...
Jul 26, 2022•15 min•Season 3Ep. 71
How to make your fundraising materials more inviting and easier to read, so more people can join you in your life-changing mission. Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help missionaries and nonprofits raise funds through storytelling. I've been re-organizing the content in response to some of your comments and suggestions, and I'll have some great resources for you soon. Sign up for my emails so you'll know when it's ready!...
Jul 12, 2022•19 min•Season 3Ep. 70
My interview with Katie Hornor, author of Flamingo Marketing: How to Leverage Unique, Stay Relevant and Change the World [00:02:28] Leverage your unique [00:04:11] Why mindset is so important [00:06:03] Doing hard things [00:09:26] Time management [00:13:08] Legacy [00:14:03] Details on the book Katie has bonuses for you at freeflamingobook.com Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help missionaries and nonprofits raise funds through storytelling. I...
Jun 29, 2022•20 min•Season 3Ep. 69
My three top takeaways from the Virtual Event on Virtual Events, and how you can serve your people by sharing the things you learn. I try to attend something every year that’s outside of but adjacent to my field. It helps me see things with fresh eyes. New possibilities, solutions to old problems, and a break from the routine. I recently attended The Virtual Event for Virtual Events and came away inspired and energized. Here are my top three takeaways that any communicator (even if you're not do...
Jun 24, 2022•16 min•Season 3Ep. 68
You need to tell stories to raise more funds for your mission, ministry or nonprofit. But why is that? What exactly is it that stories do? Every known culture tells stories. This is the way we make sense of the world and our place in it. All through the donor journey, especially with people who are not yet aware of you and your mission. Stories help draw them in, and help them get to know, like, and trust you. Why Tell Stories? Stories help us connect – When you listen to a story, your brainwave...
Jun 20, 2022•8 min•Season 3Ep. 67
It's a new season for the Life and Mission podcast! Mission Writers Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help missionaries and nonprofits raise funds through storytelling. I've been re-organizing the content in response to some of your comments and suggestions, and I'll have some great resources for you soon. Sign up for my emails so you'll know when it's ready!...
Jun 16, 2022•7 min•Season 3Ep. 66
Ronne Rock is a storyteller, truth-teller, hope-dealer, and author of One Woman Can Change the World: Reclaiming Your God- Designed Influence and Impact Right Where You Are. Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help missionaries and nonprofits raise funds through storytelling. I've been re-organizing the content in response to some of your comments and suggestions, and I'll have some great resources for you soon. Sign up for my emails so you'll kno...
Jun 02, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 65
Mission and vision are words we hear often, but we can struggle to differentiate between them. As leaders, communicators, and fundraisers, the confusion can cost us. We have a great cause! Why won’t people join us? Why don’t they give? Maybe it’s because we’re not being clear. They can’t see the big picture, and they don’t understand what we’re doing or how what we do fits in with the big picture. In this episode, I’m talking about vision, mission, goals, something I call handles, and how all of...
May 20, 2021•14 min•Ep. 64
Fundraising doesn’t have to be a chore! Why should it be? We get to invite people into a greater story. David Oaks and I had a fun conversation about the simple things you can put into practice today to build better relationships and raise more money for your mission. Connect with David: Website: www.wsdevelop.com Instagram: @davidLoaks12 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidLOaks Twitter: @davidoaks Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help mis...
May 06, 2021•56 min•Ep. 63
How do we get past that nagging feeling that we aren't qualified or "ready" to do that thing we're supposed to do? Imposter syndrome is that feeling many of us get when we start something new, where we question our qualifications, our abilities, or even our right to be involved at all. Jennifer Harshman works with people who want to make a difference, mostly writers and entrepreneurs. She says imposter syndrome is something we can all struggle with, but there are ways to overcome it. Talk back t...
Apr 20, 2021•38 min•Ep. 62
How can moments of slow living create an island of peace in our daily lives? Jodi Grubbs is a slow living advocate and host of the Our Island in the City podcast. Here are some of the ways we can slow down and connect in the midst of our busy lives. Guest: Our Island in the City Connect with Jodi on Instagram @jodi.grubbs Sponsor: Get Out of the Boat, A Bible-Based Business Virtual Retreat, April 30, 2021 getoutoftheboat.com Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of...
Apr 07, 2021•26 min•Ep. 61
Chris Staron is an award-winning filmmaker, an author, comedian, and podcaster. As host of the Truce Podcast , Chris uses journalistic tools to provide history and context to better understand the Christian church today. He gives us an inside look into his storytelling process, and why the stories we tell are so important. Connect with Chris at trucepodcast.com Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help missionaries and nonprofits raise funds throug...
Mar 24, 2021•42 min•Ep. 60
What's keeping your nonprofit or ministry from being fully funded? Mary Valloni lays down some truth to help us overcome the lies we believe about money and fundraising. Plus, simple things you can do today to start your journey to Fully Funded. Connect with Mary at maryvalloni.com and at fullyfundedacademy.com Need a Certified Fully Funded Coach? fullyfundedacademy.com/kayhelm Get the book: Fundraising Freedom: 7 Steps to Build and Sustain Your Next Campaign Disclosure: Links may be affiliate l...
Mar 10, 2021•46 min•Ep. 59
Misty Phillip is using her gifts and her calling to bring people together. In 2020, she hosted two events–one live, right before the lockdown–and the second as a virtual event. We talked about the differences and similarities between live and virtual events, Misty’s personal journey of faith, and cultivating community. About Misty Phillip Misty is a dreamer and a doer who believes we are all here for a reason and that we are created for a purpose. She encourages people to use their story to give...
Feb 23, 2021•29 min•Ep. 58
If you've ever wanted to start a podcast, this is for you. But not only podcasts, we're talking about going where your audience is, the process of creating content, and how to get your message out to the world. About Alana is a podcast coach, editor, and podcast producer who is on a mission to take the overwhelm, frustration, & stress out of podcasting, and put the fun back in! Alana is the host of The Podcasting Party Podcast, where she shares simplified step-by-step instructions, and easy-...
Jan 29, 2021•37 min•Ep. 57
I sat down with Brandy Wallner of Hope*Writers to talk about three things writers and creatives need to succeed. 1. A guide 2. Good, fresh information 3. Community Brandy is a community writer for Hope*Writers, tasked with building community and keeping members on track. For more about Hope*Writers https://lifeandmission.com/hope Do you dream of publishing your writing but you’re not sure what to do next (or where to start)? Check out this free quiz to help you identify where you are on the writ...
Jan 19, 2021•38 min•Ep. 56
Tom Lane is the apostolic senior pastor at Gateway Church and author of Tested and Approved: 21 Lessons for Life and Ministry Tom Lane is the apostolic senior pastor at Gateway Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. As an elder, he provides spiritual governance for Gateway’s ministries. As a pastor to pastors, Tom is a long-term, trusted Christian leader. Tom has written many books including Heritage: A Father’s Influence to the Generations , Foundations of Healthy Church Government , and he...
Jan 14, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 55
Some thoughts on the hope of Christmas, and I share shorts from my friends in the Christian Podcasters Association. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10 Several friends eager to run into the New Year have asked me, “Do you have your word for 2021?” Actually, I don't have a single word. I have a phrase from the song O Holy Night. The soaring, triumphant anthem for a world so drained and exhausted that it know...
Dec 28, 2020•23 min•Ep. 54
Sometimes a single word or phrase has the power to change the course of our lives, and “Chickening IN” is that word for JJ Gutierrez. This little twist on a familiar phrase launched JJ into a transformational journey from fear to faith. Her book, Chickening IN: From Fear to Courageous Faith, 8 Pillars of Transformation , is a practical guide to defeating fear and doubt. I spoke with JJ in February, but we especially need her message today. Overcoming fear is a process. One step follows another, ...
Dec 15, 2020•46 min•Ep. 53
How do you define success? Is it financial? Family? Creative or business achievements? Or does it have to do with something else? Tim Winders is a Performance Coach and author who specializes in helping Executive Teams and Entrepreneurial Leaders maximize their potential by looking beyond traditional “cookie-cutter” methods that often limit the creative process. A lifelong student, he thrives on helping people discover how to live outside of the box and walk out their unique God-given calling. I...
Dec 03, 2020•54 min•Ep. 52
What happens when you play catch every day for a year? Ethan Bryan played catch on New Year's Day with his daughters. Then they had an idea. "Dad, what if you played catch every day for an entire year?" That's 365 days of catch! It's 500 catch partners, 10 states, and 12,000 miles, rain, wind, and snow. It's about play, letting our guard down, and connecting with each other. Do you have a story about how play connected you to something bigger? Links A Year of Playing Catch: What a Simple Daily E...
Nov 18, 2020•38 min•Ep. 51
Today I’d like to take my 14 years experience managing a nonprofits and offer help for leaders in this area. Download the guide at kayhelm.com/npguide . 1) A Spirituality of Fundraising, by Henri J.M. Nouwen You can read this through in one sitting. It’s only 50-60 pages. And it deals with the most important part of your fundraising–your mind. So many people start because of passion, but then run into a wall because fundraising feels like begging. So we’ve got to change our mindset. This is a bo...
Nov 05, 2020•21 min•Ep. 50
Brian J Dixon on making money in ministry, taking care of relationships, and having those difficult but important conversations. Connect with Brian Website: https://briandixon.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/brianjdixon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbrianjdixon Take the Hope*Writer quiz More about Hope*Writers: lifeandmission.com/hope Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. If you decide to purchase any of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Send...
Sep 12, 2020•37 min•Ep. 49
Joyce Glass is The Write Coach, helping writers through the process of writing and completing their books. Key Takeaways There is a process to writing Share your work for accountability Get prayer covering Get in a writing community Writing is a skill you can learn Writing, editing, and research are all different things. Don't try to do them all at once! Break large projects in to smaller parts Get the help you need Links Connect with Joyce at TheWriteCoach.biz Podcast - The Write Hour Send me y...
Aug 26, 2020•55 min•Ep. 48
Doubt can be a gift, because it alerts us when something's amiss. Here's a way to engage doubt without getting burned. We rarely see doubt as a good thing. It’s been called a dream-killer. Something to overcome or push through. And certainly, doubt can be destructive. But I propose we take another look at the gift of doubt. Doubt can be hard to define but it plays out in indecision, hesitation, busywork, loss of enthusiasm, etc. When we encounter doubt, the first response is often fear. How is d...
Jul 17, 2020•18 min•Ep. 47
Interview with Mike Lane of Hope Bridges, a nonprofit serving over one-hundred children in northern Thailand with food, clothing, education, and basic health care. Resources Hopebridges.org The most life-changing coffee you’ve ever had. Join the Life and Mission Community Send me your questions Support the show Mission Writers is a library of resources to help missionaries and nonprofits raise funds through storytelling. I've been re-organizing the content in response to some of your comments an...
Jun 30, 2020•34 min•Ep. 46
