Services

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I offer a wide range of strategic consulting services for both nonprofits and foundations, some of which are listed below. Please contact me for more options and details.

Presentations or workshops

Introduction to social media and Web 2.5 tools

The biggest hurdle in integrating social media for a nonprofit can be internal culture change. Start educating your staff right now with an internal ’show and tell’  brown bag lunch or a more in-depth, hands-on workshop. If your staff understands Web 2.5 tools and their uses, your organization can better determine if incorporating these media into your communications mix is a good idea, and if so, how to do it.

• Presentations or workshops that introduce your staff to online tools for listening, sharing, blogging and microblogging, collaborating, and social networking, as well as guidance in the development of organizational social media policies and evaluation measures. (I also consult directly with nonprofits to help them determine if and how social media tools can advance their strategic communications plan.)
• Presentations or workshops that help you figure out what your digital identity is and how you can enhance it.

Nonprofit storytelling

Today, storytelling isn’t just a handy tool for nonprofits, it’s part of their core work. It’s the way they forge an all-important emotional connection with supporters and motivate social action.

• Presentations and workshops on nonprofit storytelling that focus on why stories work, story structure, the ingredients of a good story, the connection between stories and public policy, and storytelling tips–all with great written and digital examples from the nonprofit world.

Online Communications Tools for Nonprofits

Too many nonprofits still rely on reports and written documents to convey their messages, when there are dozens of wonderful FREE online tools that tell a story in a more compelling, engaging way—tools like Yodio, Animoto, Prezi, Empressr, Google Maps and Google Earth, PitchEngine, Glogster, and others. None of these tools are difficult to master after a quick how-to lesson, and they can really increase the effectiveness of your communications.

• Presentations or workshops that demonstrate a range of free online tools to use in storytelling and other kinds of communications with key audiences. Includes examples from the nonprofit sector, and suggestions for other ways these tools might be used.

Strategic counsel

Web site evaluation

A Web site is a major investment for nonprofits. Protect yours by making sure it’s offering users the content they want in the ways they prefer. Because communications technologies are moving so fast, I recommend a thorough evaluation of your Web site every year. Includes evaluation report and specific recommendations. Average duration: 1 month

Web site content development

Design is important, but these days content is king. It’s critical that your Web site has the right content written in a style for the web with your strategic communication goals in mind. Includes content outline; writing; identifying and, if desired, locating photos; and working with web designers to assure your site meets the needs of your key audiences and your organization.(See my free 20-page ebook on Best Practices in Nonprofit Web Site Design.) Average duration: 6 months

Communication audits

Without understanding the big picture of your communications efforts, it’s hard to plan how to get where you want to go. Whenever you begin a strategic communications plan, start with a thorough analysis and evaluation of all your communications activities and products. Includes a report and recommendations. Average duration: 1 month

Competition analysis

In such a competitive funding climate, it pays to understand the communications strategies and tactics (especially the successful ones) of your peers. It can help you create a more distinctive marketing niche. Report includes a thorough communications analysis, comparison, and evaluation of up to 6 of your peers, plus specific marketing recommendations. Average duration: 1 month

Strategic communication planning

Without a robust strategic communications plan, you can easily get off course and end up with very little return on your communications investments. Your best hope for measurable impact, planning involves three stages: 1) discovery (deep research on your organization and its peers); 2) the development of a strategy and related message platform (from taglines to elevator speeches to talking points to issue frames, as needed) and, if desired, message testing with key audiences; and 3) a tactical plan directly related to your strategic plan, which includes evaluation recommendations. I am also available to evaluate existing strategic communications plans. Average duration: 3-4 months

Video content development

We’ve all seen moving and beautiful videos that convey no strategic communications message or call to action. What a waste of time, money, and energy. As important as good videography is to your creative effort, the communications strategy is even more important. Includes development of the story arc and messages, working with videographer of your choice, and video marketing ideas, if desired. Average duration: 1-3 months

Issue Campaigns

Sometimes one of the best ways to move the social change needle on an issue is a multimedia communications campaign. Often collaborative, these can be very short and focused on a timely action, or sustained to support the growth of a larger movement. They can use a broad spectrum of communications including  media relations, social media, advertising, issue framing, special events, publications, and Web sites and blogs. Because they typically require a sizable investment, it’s important to plan thoroughly and well. I’ve designed and executed four major multimedia issue campaigns on racism, parenting, immigration, and open space protection.I can help you think through all the stages and complexities of such an undertaking, including guidance about the hiring of creative agencies. Duration varies.

Nonprofit blogging

Most nonprofits with a Web site should at least consider the advantages of starting an institutional blog. Blogs are one of the best ways to keep Web content fresh, add interactivity and personality, and drive traffic to your site. I can work with organizational bloggers to determine the strategy and content of the blog, frequency of posts, blog design and features, evaluation metrics, and blogging policies, as well as teach them how to write good posts, where to get inspiration, and how plan a blog production calendar. Average duration: 1 month