You've probably heard a thousand times that Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a valuable and essential digital marketing tool. But do you know how it works and how your organization can reap its benefits? In this episode of Messaging on a Mission, we dive into the importance of SEO and how to implement best practices to make your brand more discoverable than ever online. Key Takeaways Who your audiences are, where you can find them, and how to get your brand in front of them are the aspects of...
Dec 16, 2022•23 min•Ep. 46
Kim Sorrell discusses her book, Love Is , which is about her year-long quest to figure out the true meaning of love. She talks about that journey and what she’s learned about leading with love and incorporating it into your message. Episode Guest(s): Kim Sorrelle is an entrepreneur, director of a humanitarian organization, a popular speaker, and the author of two books. Her first book, Cry Until You Laugh is about her breast cancer experience and her husband's battle with pancreatic cancer after...
Nov 30, 2022•25 min
For many, the topic of today’s episode ranks right up there with having a root canal, attending a party filled with multiple exes, or fighting city hall. Yet, speaking in public about the work of your organization is one of the most powerful tools for getting your message out in the world. Our guest today gives us lots of concrete steps we can take to get better at public speaking. Episode Guest(s): Brenden Kumarasamy is the founder of MasterTalk; he coaches ambitious executives & entrepreneurs ...
Nov 16, 2022•27 min•Ep. 44
Crises occur when they're least expected, which is why crisis communications are necessary for every organization. Although life would be so much easier if emergencies arrived with a fair warning, you and your organization would be better off having an effective plan to help avoid catastrophe and permanent reputation damage. In this episode of Messaging on a Mission, David Oates, a renowned Crisis PR expert, sheds light on how individuals and organizations can avoid potential PR disasters and re...
Nov 02, 2022•32 min•Ep. 43
The idea of the annual report fills people with yawns, dread, and thoughts about practically anything else. It doesn’t have to be that way! In this episode of Messaging on a Mission, an expert explains why the annual report can not only be a powerful tool for telling your story and building your brand, but it can also supply your organization with great content to last you throughout the year! Episode Guest(s): Katharine Ramsden has helped leading organizations and their leadership teams tell th...
Oct 19, 2022•29 min•Ep. 42
For organizations to thrive, they have to have intergenerational teams and constituents. With that, however, can come to some unexpected communication challenges. Understanding how to speak to everyone based on their specific needs is the hallmark of good communication. In this episode of Messaging on a Mission, we hear about ways to make intergenerational communication clear and effective. Episode Guest(s): Peter Yawitz (peteryawitz.com) is the President of Clear Communication (clearcommunicati...
Oct 05, 2022•32 min•Ep. 41
Writing Intentionally Episode Summary: Writing is an essential aspect of our lives since we learned our ABCs. We write every day; whether we’re drafting a document for our colleagues at work, writing an email to a client, or texting a loved one on Instagram, it is a unique skill. However, it should be done purposefully. How do you pass your message with clarity if you’re writing for a group of people? This episode of Messaging on a Mission reveals insights from Erin Lebacqz – an expert in writin...
Sep 21, 2022•27 min•Ep. 40
When we think of the messages we send out in the world, we always think about the words. But how often do we think of photography? Not enough. Your message is more than what you say with vowels and consonants. It’s also about the story you tell, the emotions you show, and the authenticity you create with photography. In this episode of Messaging on a Mission we speak with renown photographer Joel Benjamin on how to think about photography when telling your story. Episode Guest(s): Joel Benjamin ...
Sep 07, 2022•31 min•Ep. 49
It’s impossible to go it alone; especially when your organization is lean and your to-do lists are fat! Enter “the consultant.” How do mission-driven organizations find the right one though? Today’s guest is the co-founder of Nonprofit.ist an online community that connects consultants with the mission-driven organizations they can help. Episode Guest(s): Heather Yandow is a collaborative co-conspirator and creative thinker with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit world. Inspired by issu...
Jul 20, 2022•27 min•Ep. 38
Some ideas are easy to communicate. Others are not as easily embraced. Our guest for this episode of Messaging on a Mission is Paul Rodney Turner, founder of Food for Life Global, the world’s largest vegan food relief with 211 projects in 60 countries serving up to 2 million meals daily. We hear about his journey from monk to the leader of a global nonprofit (as well as billiards champion). Plus, we learn his views on the energetic connection between all living things—and how that connection can...
Jul 06, 2022•23 min•Ep. 37
This episode of Messaging on a Mission, is a conversation on copywriting! Spencer Brenneman Lead Copywriter Anthon Greer sits down with Douglas Spencer to talk about why he loves copywriting, what it can do, and how to start, even when you have a block. Episode Guest(s): Anthony Greer specializes in content writing and brand messaging development. By listening to what you’re saying (and not saying), he creates content worth remembering and tells stories worth repeating. By creating engaging, opt...
Jun 22, 2022•21 min•Ep. 36
We’re doing something a bit different this week! No guest, just host Douglas Spencer talking about some of the most common ways that messages fail the organizations they’re created to support. You’ll hear about specific actions you can take to see if your message is up to the task of supporting your important work. Episode Guest(s): Douglas Spencer is president of Spencer Brenneman, LLC, which helps lo mission-driven organizations reframe their focus and remaster their messages to thrive in any ...
Jun 08, 2022•19 min•Ep. 35
The relationship between data and your message is an important one. If your message cannot reach the right people, what good is it? And how do mission-driven organizations ensure that their message is reaching the right audience? By carefully managing the data behind the people most important to your success. In this episode of Messaging on a Mission, we talk to Isaac Shalev about the kind of technology considerations nonprofits need to keep top of mind when developing both their messaging and t...
May 25, 2022•33 min•Ep. 34
According to Forbes ( https://www.forbes.com/lists/top-charities/?sh=1b5c50295f50 ), the top two charities in the United States are United Way Worldwide and Feeding America. The United Way started slowly over time as more and more “federated giving” organizations came together. Feeding America had a faster, but still slower start as one man’s volunteerism took on a life of its own. Not all organizations start slowly. Many are borne out of a specific need. Such is the case with The Kindness Proje...
May 11, 2022•29 min•Ep. 33
Inclusion decisions are made when everyone those decisions impact are included in the process. Today’s episode focuses on inclusive decision-making and—perhaps just as importantly—the conversations that enable it. Episode Guest(s): Mer (pronounced “mair”) Joyce is the Founder and Principal of Do Big Good , a Seattle-based firm that trains and facilitates inclusive decisions. Mer has committed her life to social change innovation. She was New Media Operations Manager on President Obama’s 2008 cam...
Apr 27, 2022•26 min•Ep. 32
Although we all believe—and know—that reinventing the wheel is bad, we all do it none-the-less. Why is that? Most often it’s because we don’t think we have enough time to stop and think about our work more broadly. The content we produce certainly falls into that category. So in addition to having a well-thought-out messaging strategy, our guest today gives us clear steps on how to repurpose content smartly and efficiently. Episode Guest(s): Stephanie Cory, CAP®, CFRE, is Principal of Stephanie ...
Apr 13, 2022•27 min
Despite the fact that data show being asked by someone to support an organization is one of the most effective ways to fundraise, many nonprofit board members are not comfortable asking their communities for support. This episode of Messaging on a Mission looks at why as well as how to change that. Episode Guest(s): Scottie Seawell is Principal Consultant and Co-founder of Leading and Governing Associates, a governance education and leadership consulting practice working with public purpose gove...
Mar 30, 2022•29 min•Ep. 30
Discussing mental health has never been easy, especially in the workplace. After two years living under the weight of a deadly pandemic, it’s more important than ever. In this episode of Messaging on a Mission we speak with Workplace Mental Health Strategist Michelle Dickinson about how organizations create and promote psychological safety within their workplaces. Episode Guest(s): Michelle E. Dickinson is a Workplace Mental Health Strategist and passionate mental health advocate. She is also a ...
Mar 16, 2022•24 min•Ep. 29
Is it possible to create an ethical digital landscape? Katrina German of EthicalDigital.ca believes so. In this episode of Messaging on a Mission, she outlines how her organization is using research and strategy to create an internet that is respectful and kind. From increasing the number of women in technology-focused venture capital to expanding the number of indigenous women pursuing technology careers, she and her colleagues have a plan. Episode Guest(s): Katrina German is an award-winning e...
Mar 02, 2022•38 min•Ep. 28
Most leaders of organizations—especially small ones, startups, not-for-profits— know that digital marketing is critical to an organization’s success. Still, its complexity and perceived expense hold leaders back from taking advantage of the channel. This episode of Messaging on a Mission dives into how and why digital marketing is a must-have for any organization with a message on a mission. Episode Guest(s): Jeff Kelly is the Strategy Director at Butterflyly, a fundraising and digital marketing...
Feb 16, 2022•39 min•Ep. 27
Every year new communicators join the workforce—which is desperately needed. But what are the college communication curricula that are preparing them for the world we have today and the world we’ll have tomorrow? This episode looks at what today’s students are learning and how are they preparing for careers in communications. Episode Guest(s): Dr. Cody Clemens’ primary research and teaching foci are in Health, Organizational, Relational, and Gender Communication. His scholarly work has appeared ...
Feb 02, 2022•41 min•Ep. 26
POSTSCRIPT: This episode of Messaging on a Mission was recorded in November of 2021, slightly more than a month before our guest’s untimely death from a heart attack. We are airing the episode to honor his memory and share his insights with those who can benefit from them. For most organizations, the end of the calendar year is when you do a fundraising push. People can get that last bit of tax benefit before they file their returns. Now is the time organizations are interpreting the results of ...
Jan 19, 2022•44 min•Ep. 25
Your organization makes an impact. Clearly, or you would not do what you do. However, why doesn’t anyone know about your impact? There are a lot of reasons why and that’s exactly what we cover in today’s episode of Messaging on a Mission. Fundraising expert Megan Amundson walks us through why should create a culture of impact and how, both internally and externally. Episode Guest(s): Megan Amundson helps nonprofit organizations raise more money from individual donors by training and coaching lea...
Jan 05, 2022•38 min•Ep. 24
In the first year of Messaging on a Mission, we produced 22 episodes, all of which were designed to help you think about your messaging strategy differently. We think they were all pretty good, but nonetheless, this episode covers conversations with: Grace Moreno Darren LaShelle Kim Vanni Tom King Liz Page Jamie Brogioli Brian Forest Michael Tate Sharon McIntosh Matt Montgomery Our thanks to all of these guests and the many others who helped us create Messaging on a Mission this year. Podcast Ho...
Dec 15, 2021•41 min•Ep. 23
Episode Summary: International fundraising has its own challenges—not the least of which is getting people “here” to care about “there.” In today’s episode, we speak with the Founder and CEO of Project Alianza, Kristin Van Busum. Project Alianza is closing the education gap in rural Central America by building safe schools and providing literacy programs and scholarships. We are a women-led organization that has provided education to over 13000 children. Kristin speaks with Messaging on a Missio...
Dec 01, 2021•38 min•Ep. 22
Speeches are one of the most powerful forms of communication available to us as we send our message out on a mission. They have the power to inspire, educate, and console. In this episode, we speak with a former U.S. Senate and White House speechwriter about not just speeches, but what they can teach us about our entire messaging approach. Episode Guest(s): Brian Forest is a seasoned speechwriting, messaging, and public affairs veteran who has worked on nearly every major policy issue of the las...
Nov 10, 2021•35 min•Ep. 21
Technology is such an integral part of our lives for everything we do. How we share our message with the world is no different. In a minute we’ll hear from a brilliant woman who will walk us through the key issues. Episode Guest(s): Trina L. Martin is a technologist, international speaker, best-selling author, podcaster, and a proud retired US Naval Officer. Through her experience in technology management and consulting including 20+ years of work as a computer programmer and 10 years as a cyber...
Oct 27, 2021•29 min•Ep. 20
Most corporations no longer limit their community support to sponsorships. However, if constructed carefully, these sponsorships could be important sources of visibility and engagement. In this episode of Messaging on a Mission, we talk to an expert in bridging the gap between associations/non-profits and the for-profit partners who support them. Episode Guest(s): Bruce Rosenthal has advanced corporate partnership programs for more than 20 years. He is a strategic advisor, consultant, and educat...
Oct 13, 2021•29 min•Ep. 19
One of the best ways to use content effectively is to repurpose it. So, that’s what we’re doing with this episode of Messaging on a Mission. The same content will also air in an episode of the Relish This! podcast! Relish This! Host Stu Swineford and Messaging on a Mission Host Douglas Spencer talk about all the opportunities content marketing presents mission-driven organizations. Key Takeaways: For the best search engine optimization (SEO), start with the audience in mind and make sure that yo...
Sep 29, 2021•44 min•Ep. 18
Change! That’s something with which we’re all intimately familiar these days. Sometimes change is something that is forced upon us and sometimes it’s something that we drive. When working through a strategic planning process it’s important to remember that communication to all stakeholders is critical. Organizational effectiveness consultant Carol Hamilton walks us through how and why. Episode Guest(s): Carol Hamilton is an organization effectiveness consultant who helps nonprofits become more s...
Sep 15, 2021•27 min•Ep. 17
