Over the past months I have watched my town (yes, it really is a town, with sidewalks, pedestrians and outdoor cafes) and by extension, the community it serves, lose more than a few independent and valued local merchants. Gone are a family run luggage shop and a sporting goods merchant, a boutique shoe store, a children's clothing shop and a gift shop that closed up by posting a sign on their window for their new online business web address. The double punch of a difficult economy and the fast growth of online commerce did them in. They say the economy is starting to revive but for many businesses that failed, the way back to the consumer may be one that does not include a storefront. Barnes and Noble recently announced it may close many of its 700 outlets, a move Borders Books has already … Continue Reading
Are You Infor-taining Me?
Some of the best nonprofit communications I have seen lately, have been ones that fully understand information delivered in straight up "words on paper or screen" format no longer works. I know, I love the written word too, but communication today is done mostly on the quick (unless you are at the beach right now with a good book or book reader in your hands) and requires a whole new way of figuring out how to grab attention that then allows you to effectively communicate. The Chronicle of Philanthropy's Peter Panepento recently brought attention to some of the more creative ways organizations are using video to get their messages out. While some of his selections are not all that unusual, one from Israel by the Youth Renewal Fund (and created with a very small budget) demonstrates a growing … Continue Reading
Time to Chill
It's the sixth of July and the first, full-fledged heat wave is upon us here in the Northeast. The temperature is expected to reach 102 degrees in New York City today - or at least that is what the local meteorologists are predicting. It's hard to tell what is driving their breathlessly excited forecasting - heat prostration or just the opportunity to have a "big" weather story to tell. I simply want the facts. I can add my own emotional spin. Isn't that what we all want? Information. Delivered clearly, promptly, and with a little knowledgeable perspective if available. If you don't have the knowledge to offer a valued perspective, that is okay so long as you stick to the facts. That is why I have mostly given up on getting news from television, radio (NPR excluded) and print. I still read my … Continue Reading
Think Jewish Community Every Day
We always talk about how important community is to our work, so much so, that the word itself is at great risk of being devalued for its hackneyed overuse in our communications. Yet, now more than ever, every nonprofit professional has the ability to connect directly and in real-time to any number of communities with the push of their thumb. Never has it been so easy to find, create, nurture and connect with so many different people without spending much time and zero dollars. Technology has made it not only possible, it has made it a requirement of any effective marketing strategy. So, the question is, "Are you thinking about the Jewish community you want to reach every day?" Are you making the commitment to engage them with a planned strategy and frequency that keeps you in their field of … Continue Reading
10 Key 2010 Consumer Trends That You Should Know About
I was re-reading the TrendsSpotting 2010 Consumer Trend Report which contains lots of interesting and a few surprising ideas about what consumers want today. Here are 10 key trends that should inform the way your nonprofit communicates with your key audiences in the aftermath of our great economic freefall. With thanks to TrendsSpotting. Value is the key driver in consumer decision-making. What are you giving your supporters that is of value to them? Think about a values set that they believe in (honesty, transparency, accountability, ethical behavior) and live it. Consumers have discovered their own resiliency (post-economic meltdown)and are taking more control of their lives. Your supporters, like all consumers, have figured out that they are going to survive and be okay - just maybe in a … Continue Reading
The Silver Lining in the Cloud of the Volcano
With Iceland's dangerous debris-filled volcanic ash cloud still wreaking havoc, delaying deliveries of critical supplies and stranding thousands of air travelers in airports around the world, I wonder why more companies and organizations have not seen this major crisis as one that they can help address and as the image building pr opportunity of the decade. While thousands of tourists sit waiting in limbo, with scarce cash and food and nowhere to bathe, why haven't more companies and nonprofits stepped into the void to offer assistance and strengthen their reputations as caring, compassionate and nimble global citizens at the same time? Yes, the Red Cross and some consulates have provided some food and cots but in addition to their modest and appreciated efforts, there is so much more that … Continue Reading
Brands That Beat the Recession: Lessons Learned
The DOW just passed the 11,000 - signaling (if you believe the prognosticators) that the long recession is officially behind us. Lots of people learned some tough but important lessons during these difficult months and many of us changed our behavior in the process. In looking at the most recent Millward Brown Optimor BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Brands 2009 Report, I was struck by ten key takeaways they note that gave the top brands the edge needed to survive and thrive during the recession. Here are their ten key learnings and my take on how they apply to the nonprofit sector. With thanks to the folk at Millward Brown. Brands Still Matter. Even in difficult economic times, people still make purchases of things they value. For nonprofits, that translates into knowing that maintaining your … Continue Reading
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