Put Your Stories to Work

Yes!  Put those stories to work!  Nonprofits hear ALL the time that they need to “tell their story”. 

Why is it so important?  And what should that story include?

There is a big difference between telling a good story and telling an effective story.  Good stories support your good work.  They help people understand what you do and why you do it.  But effective stories?  They move people to take action, like giving you money, serving on your Board or volunteering in other ways. 

Effective stories have several explicit components. 

Number 1:  Keep it simple and make it about a person … ONE person, not thousands, hundreds, or even two people.  One person. 

Number 2:  Paint a picture with your words—“Let me tell you about Alice.  She is six with curly blonde hair and pink tennis shoes on the wrong feet.”

Number 3:  Add context and scope—“Alice is just one of thousands of young girls just like her who have been seized by sex traffickers in Maryland.” 

Number 4:  Offer a solution.  (Hint: That’s where your organization steps in).

Number 5:  Include a call to action!  Invite your listener or reader to an event, to meet the nonprofit’s staff, to visit the website, or “like” you on Facebook.

And most importantly - be authentic.  Authenticity is THE key component of telling an effective story!

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!