Episode 33: Are You Telling the Right Story? Ft. Vanessa

On today’s episode we are talking about storytelling and why so many organizations are struggling with this. Our guest today is Vanessa Chase Lockshin, the President of The Storytelling Non-Profit and the author of The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness. Listen in as we discuss Vanessa’s techniques for teaching non-profits how to raise awareness by telling their stories.

Topics discussed this episode:

• Reasons why non-profits have trouble telling their stories
• How overthinking can trip up people in organizations
• Why a culture that lacks collaboration makes storytelling difficult
• Importance of using a natural tone and cadence in fundraising copywriting
• Writing from a micro level vs. a macro level
• Starting small with content audits
• Data gathering to create audience personas
• How stories help donors see the impact of their donation

Resources:

Blackbaud

 

Blackbaud - Twitter #nofilternonprofit

 

Blackbaud - Facebook

 

The Storytelling Non-Profit

 

Vanessa Chase Lockshin - Twitter

 

The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness

 

npENGAGE

 

Quotes:

 

“Introduce donors to the big picture without overwhelming them. ” Vanessa Chase Lockshin

 

“Create context for donors to understand and relate to the cause using narrative” Vanessa Chase Lockshin

 

“Lack of collaboration can make it difficult for people in non-profits to find stories to tell.” Vanessa Chase Lockshin