The term “uncertain world” almost seems ridiculously inadequate for what we're experiencing right now. A devastating war in the Middle East. Continued suffering in Ukraine. A political system and society that gets more and more divided and more and more bitter every day. Steady increases in hate and gun violence. An approaching election cycle that could be the ugliest yet. An improving but fragile economy. Need I go on?
But when has the world ever been certain? Here's a hint: Never.
There is positivity there. Put it to work. Show the optimism you feel and the excitement you have.
Still, there is cause for concern. All these realities are taking a toll on our individual and collective psyches. If it seeps into our messages, that could endanger our work. Can we keep that from happening? Can we use our messages to alleviate any of these stresses?
If you have an updated messaging strategy, those questions are a lot easier to answer. A continued demonstration and reiteration of why you care about your work will give everything you say context. It can also provide much-needed stabilization, a touchstone if you will. A pause.
Last month, Douglas Spencer spoke at the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network's annual conference, always a great experience. When it came time for questions, this one came up (as it usually does): “How can we get our leadership to see we need to make a change to our brand and message?”
Here is yet another example of what nonprofits and for-profit organizations have in common—convincing leadership that it's time to pay attention to their message!
Introducing List Bump: Lists of Actionable Insights for Better Branding, Messaging, and Marketing! It is a succinct collection of advice compiled from nine years of blog posts by Spencer Brenneman Founder Douglas Spencer.
Here's a sample of some of its 40 lists of advice:
Three Stealth Threats to Your Brand You May Be Ignoring
Five Ways to Make Your Conversations Transformative
Six Clues It's Time to Redesign Your Website
Eight Signs It's Time to Update Your Brand Strategy
List Bump will be available by the end of November, just in time for the holidays. Sign up here to receive launch date notification.
November is National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), a public awareness campaign designed to shine a light on the experiences of youth who have run away and youth who have experienced homelessness that too often remain invisible. It is also an opportunity to spotlight the resources available to support youth in crisis throughout the nation. As part of the campaign, youth, adults, organizations, corporations, and communities nationwide work together to prevent youth homelessness.
In this recurring feature of Focal Point, we profile people and organizations on a mission! (If you have someone to suggest, let us know! )
In Case You Missed It
How to Find the Right Tone of Voice
Is There Gratitude in Your Message?
Well Said
Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty.
—Doris Day
Doris Day (born Doris Mary Kappelhoff; April 3, 1922 – May 13, 2019) was an American actress, singer and animal-rights activist.
POINT US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?
We hope you are enjoying Focal Point! If you know of someone else who could benefit from monthly tips on reframing your focus and remastering your message, please forward this link and encourage them to signup!