Marketing for Non-Profits August 28, 2007

I have quite a few non-profit organizations as clients, my company also supports several in our community. Most hate spending money…especially on marketing – although I do try valiently to make them understand marketing is vital to their existance.

Now there’s a difference between the big dogs – ie the American Heart Association, or Juvenille Diabetes etc – they spend BIG TIME on marketing. They get it.

Most small non-profits can’t “justify” spending money on promotional items, bill boards, printed material that is half way decent or a functional website.  I hear this over and over again. We can’t afford it…I tell them they can’t afford not to.

Non-profits need to advertise to not only their potential client base, but also to their potential donors. Many non-profits will get subsidies from the government – or if it’s health related they will get insurance reimbursements; but those typically don’t pay all the bills.

I also hear…”If we only had more funds..the differences we could make in peoples lives!”….Advertising is your answer.

If they listen here is what I tell those non-profits sitting on the proverbial budget fence:

• Have a cohesive Corporate ID package – logo, business cards etc. that is unique 

• Have a marketing plan and budget

• Have a community relations point person

• Have a great relationship with the press – PR is free if its done in-house 

• Have a website that accepts donations on-line.

• Have an agency brochure

• Have a newsletter, e-newsletter or both

 

Now this may seem overwhelming – but its not. Do one thing at a time. As you raise more awareness, more people will support the cause, more money will come in, and more advertising can be done.  Its a great circle to be in!

Non-profits need to be creative. I often get asked to donate my services – and I do. I choose my causes and support them year after year.  Printers will do the same. Non-profits can’t expect it all for free – but they will find if they pay for some, they will get some freebies in return. 

Advertising agencies typically support the non-profits that use them. I do. I also have my other causes – but I absolutely give back to the non-profit agencies that are loyal clients. 

 Thats what makes a great community – people helping people.

Cindy 

 

 

I’ve hopped on the Blog-wagon! August 7, 2007

 

Here we go! I’ve hopped on the Blog-wagon. It’s been on my proverbial list forever and since its birthday week I thought – what they hey I might as well just do it!

Birthday week – well for those of you that know me, I tend to celebrate my birthday for days and sometimes weeks. I’ll be 45 on Friday – wow that sounds so old, but in fact I still feel like i’m 20 something.  My life has been a true adventure, I’m one of those risk takers who tends to jump first and think later. Sure it has cost me a few times, well in fact it has cost me dearly a few times – but absolutely no regrets.

I really don’t think of mistakes in life as awful things – they are simply bumps in the road that should teach you a few things.  I guess at the age of 45  – well almost – I’ve learned a few things.

I’ve learned that material pocessions are just that pocessions and really don’t have any intrinsic value. You can’t take them with you and truly they can be lost in a heart beat – so why fret over having them or not having them. Who really are the Jone’s anyway? And why do we continuely try to compete with that proverbial family down the street? 

I’ve learned that the people who truly care about you are the ones that are there for you no matter what the circumstance is. They don’t ask questions – they just “do”. Now that is friendship.

I’ve learned that you only get one shot at something. That this second in time is now gone forever, so you better make the most of it.

I’ve learned that when you wake up in the morning you have the choice to be either happy or sad…..choose the happy. It makes the day so much nicer.

I’ve learned that it is important to give back to your community – that one person can make a difference.

I’ve learned that it is ok to love someone unconditionally.

I’ve learned that your children are an extension of you, and to always say “I love you”. 

I’ve learned that you can’t change someone…people can only change themselves.

 You would think at my age I would have it all figured out, but I learn stuff on a daily basis, I guess that’s what life is all about.

 Well, Happy Birthday Week everyone! It’s going to be a great year!