Saturday, February 27, 2016

Stories and Stakeholders



Just like peanut butter goes with jelly, stories connect you with your stakeholders.  And, they do it in a way that is more powerful than any other form of narrative.  Stakeholders, including donors and volunteers, want to be true partners with your organization.  They want honest communication about what’s going on, how you’re meeting your mission and where and how you’re struggling.  Stories can help you do that.

Stories allow you to show your authenticity and they just happen to be one of the most expedient ways to establish trust with others.  And once trust is established, relationships follow.  And, as we know, it’s all about the relationships. Stories are the glue that binds your stakeholders to your mission.

The path to receiving funding, signing up volunteers, or creating an organizational champion is not smooth, and it’s not a straight line.  The first step is not only to tell them why they should care, but to hear why they actually do care.  Sharing great stories sparks that emotional connection and sets the stage for honest dialog and discussions.  What’s your story?  Tell us about yourself in the comments below!

Join us on May 13 in Richmond, Virginia to learn more about how to create effective and persuasive stories that will enrich and ensure your nonprofit’s sustainability and success.  Visit Alchemy2016.com to learn more and to register today!

No comments:

Post a Comment