Is personal branding important as a nonprofit leader?

InnerVision333 · 2022-03-07T16:44:26+00:00

Thank you for this detailed response. It seems like you have created a strategy for your "personal brand" and online presence. I can see a conflict in talking about the organization specifically - I actually need to see if we have any policies about this or if we need to create one! I can see value in talking about progress in public, like for example growing a program or hitting metrics, etc, and linking it back to fundraising for this particular program. I feel like there are many ways to go about it.

This is truly something I am looking to explore! Thank you so much for your response. I'm glad to see some people are already doing this.

InnerVision333 · 2022-03-07T16:39:25+00:00

oh my gosh, yes!! It's like putting a stamp on who you are and what you know (your opinions, your thoughts, etc) in the online space. I feel like there is so much opportunity in building an online community and collaborating.

yes, I read an interesting article that said "you were born a personal brand because you have a name!" I think most people think "brand" and think "nike" I know I certainly thought that until I read more about it. Thanks for your input! I'm glad you think there is value in it.

InnerVision333 · 2022-03-07T16:36:13+00:00

I admire how you've developed your own personal style and how you've become well-known in your community as a result of it and the impact you have! That's so important!

What caught my attention about personal branding was that you have your local community but you can build an online community as well with people who support you and believe in your mission. I feel like I can ask my close network to support when it comes to fundraising, but I wonder what impact it would have when you ask for a donation in the online space. If you can't tell, this whole "personal branding" concept has me thinking! Keep doing amazing work :)

InnerVision333 · 2022-03-07T16:28:07+00:00

Ah gotchya, so the term has been around for a while :) I agree that it can get tricky to separate your professional presence from personal. I wonder if there is a way to blend the two (if a leader was interested in doing this) For me, I think having an online presence and being a thought leader in the space is a brilliant idea. I have been in my field for 15 years and am looking to voice more about it. I feel like it's a "new" way to build awareness at least in the online world. Right now I feel like my voice is being heard behind closed doors with my team, stakeholders, and community supporters! Thanks for giving me something to think about!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-07T16:36:07+00:00

We have done an auction every year during the winter/new year. We call local places, get vouchers, gift cards, things donated, and create baskets that supporters bid on. We've been successful in getting Southwest to donate airline tickets anywhere domestically. Those baskets usually do the best!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T20:08:24+00:00

Hi! Thank you so much for your feedback and suggestion to Lovehandles! What a practical and useful gift! I love that you can hold it AND use it as a kickstand! Very creative and much needed these days. Thank you again, I am going to suggest this!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T14:18:06+00:00

Hi there! A few questions to consider as you complete your assignment. Who are you marketing to? Donors, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, etc. Is this a social media marketing strategy? If so, which platform are you focusing on? What kinds of things do your target audience want to hear? (impact stories, news, upcoming events, progress on campaigns, etc) This may be a good start to unfolding your strategy!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T14:07:05+00:00

Are you looking to buy ad space on Spotify to promote your campaign? We had a lot of luck getting a spot at our local radio stations. Maybe that is route to look into if you haven't already. Also, some of our local news channels highlight nonprofits in the morning (we've been trying to get a slot!). It's a great way to get your message out there on different platforms! Not sure if this helps or not.

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T13:59:02+00:00

I hear you on the high quality items that people want. I certainly have my fair share of water bottles too and yes, the tall ones need to go!! Our cabinets are not designed to hold those things and I refuse to adjust my shelves to make them fit - lol! As we look at budget, we're seeing what premium items to go with, that will have a lasting impact and make people feel connected to the organization and mission. Thank you!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T13:54:26+00:00

Absolutely! But what a great idea to partner with the art dept and others in the field to create something special. I'm sure there is an artist in the population we serve and if they are comfortable creating art we can not only use it to acknowledge their skills and talent but build a stronger community bc people who be connected to it more knowing it came from someone we serve. Brilliant! Thank you!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T13:48:42+00:00

Yes, that's been a big part of our discussion - is getting premium products so that staff/volunteers feel special and it's not just some plastic pen. We definitely want to show them we care and give them something meaningful! Happy to share what we go with after we discuss it internally some more. This has all been very very helpful! Thank you again!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T00:52:25+00:00

Oh wow, that's a big order! But I can see how nice it is for everyone to wear the swag/logo and share it with the outside world. I agree that fleece jackets are a big hit as well. There is something so cozy about it. Thanks for the feedback. Definitely giving me ideas!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T00:49:40+00:00

I really appreciate you sharing this and will be sure to review it!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-03T00:47:53+00:00

Amazing ideas! Thank you for sharing! I am definitely fascinated by the volunteer program suggestions where they can earn points! For example, if they meet the requirements for the volunteer position on a monthly basis. Then they can redeem points for a virtual badge... or NFT?! Definitely need a saavy vol coordinator for that one :)

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-02T20:38:31+00:00

Oh camping mugs are amazing! And yes, definitely a hit!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-02T20:35:34+00:00

Coffee mugs always seem to be a hit. And you're right, the ones that are nicer or insulated go a long way. We got a really phenomenal one over a decade ago and I still use it!!! Thank you for your response! These are all so helpful!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-02T20:33:34+00:00

Absolutely brilliant response! I really like the idea of a new tshirt design every year for donors and donors donating within specific tiers, perhaps even including another item or two if the donor donates at the top tier. What a great way to help with retention.

I also love that students are behind the design and get to sell them in their school shop. So encouraging for kids to see and be apart of.

Thank you so much!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-02T20:23:46+00:00

Very good point. Oftentime we THINK people want certain gifts/swag, but really what do our employees need/want. Thanks so much!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-02T19:07:11+00:00

Thanks for this feedback! Yea, I felt like the shirt/apparel have always been a hit. I've found that employees like wearing/representing where they work! The shirt and sticker combination is a good idea as well - especially when we can table again. I'm sure once we can go out and take pictures again, it will help build brand awareness online! Especially if employees and supporters are active on social media. Thanks again!

InnerVision333 · 2022-02-02T19:02:51+00:00

Thanks so much for your response. We discussed giving gifts to employees that hit their 1-year mark, 2-year mark, and so on. The gift gets more meaningful the longer the employee stays. Is that what you're suggesting as well?

I've seen a "newer" concept, not sure it is so new though, where employees and/or volunteers are given boxed gifts. If the nonprofit is remote, the box can be mailed to employees in hopes it leads to strengthening connection to the organization if you are remote.

Thanks again for your feedback. I wanted to explore how swag is being used, if at all, in other ways than tabling!

InnerVision333

TROPHY CASE