The Focused-Unfocused Roller Coaster

When life throws you a curve ball you go on Pinterest for 5 hours, take long naps, eat, stare at the ceiling, go back on Pinterest, then Facebook and maybe Twitter.  Or at least that’s what I do.  I’ve just finished one of my latest pity parties for myself and now I’m trying to reign in all that “well I totally need to know how to make coffee filter topiary balls” and get focused.

So what do I do get this unfocused girl focused again – here are my tips:

• It’s ok to have your pity party if that’s what you need.  Giving yourself permission to do this I’ve learned helps you see all the stuff that might not be to your liking right now so you know where your focus needs to be.
• Turn those hours on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram or just random surfing into looking for ways others get their focus back.  I like to visit thedailymuse.com, charityvillage.com, katewhite.com, sethgodin.com and just random Google searches for whatever is troubling me or for what I may need inspiration to do.
• Take a break from work.  An afternoon off, an extra day added to the weekend – but be sure to take it for yourself.  Do what you want, get done or not done what you want.  This will give you the energy to get back on the path you want to be on.
• Read daily motivational quotes. As Zig Ziglar says “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” Yes roll your eyes but it’s true – if you want to get your focus back so you can reach those goals you need to get your mind back to its happy place J
• Then lastly try the popular catchphrase “Fake it till you make it” – again yes it is one of those “really – do you think that’s going to work” but it does it really does.  Try it and before your know you’ll be focused again and all smiles.  And when your faking it at least you aren’t being mopey and not getting anything done…well except those amazing coffee filter topiary balls!

~daniELLE ramsTEN

Fun & Marketing…Farketing? (hmmmm?)

I always say have fun when you are working but sometimes I think nonprofits lose sight of this by making their message so heart wrenching people turn it off (we all know the Sarah McLachlan commercial).

From working in the nonprofit sector for over 10 years I’ve picked up a few tips and things to remember when working on marketing materials for your cause.

• Remember that for some causes it’s self-explanatory what you do. Take a look at www.charitywater.org for some wonderful examples.  They really know how to be creative and make an impact without being so heart-wrenching you need to look away.
• Tip: Marketing is a time to get creative and let out all those quirky thoughts (keep it clean though!)  You should be brainstorming with your team, testing out some ideas and looking your cause from many different angles.  And sometime when you do all this you learn even more about your nonprofit.
• Remember to keep it serious when seriousness is needed.  There have been some many horrific disaster events and community events that have happened over the last few years that you can see a consistent message.  Stating the need and the urgency and that’s it – the tears are already there so keeping it simple is the best way to go.
• Tip: Ask someone from outside your organization to read your marketing material.  This way you will know if you’ve got a good balance of your message/cause and fun factor.
• Remember to watch the trends and realize are they something you can coast along with that will help your cause or will you just get lost in the trendy shuffle?
• Tip: Let your passion shine.  Individuals who work in the nonprofit sector are usually very connected to their cause and can tell it with such compassion and realism that sometimes it’s ok to have your cause/message be told by your story.
• Remember sometimes you need to hire a company to get it right.  Most nonprofits fear the advertising company and their big glossy finish but as they say sometimes you need to spend money to make money.  If you are a small shop with little experience you may need to call in the experts – except make sure you are part of the process, that way you can learn and maybe develop the next campaign on your own J

Marketing takes time but it is a time to have fun.  Explore your options, look to other industries to inspire you and find that special something that will make you connect with your donors. Farketing the next best thing…well maybe not, doesn’t quite have that Brangelina ring to it – so FUN and MARKETING it is.

~daniELLE ramsTEN