#NPMC Chat: March 27, 2014

Welcome to #NPMC chat, everyone! Our topic today: problems vs possibilities in nonprofit messaging  http://ow.ly/uVrF4 

Let’s start with introductions. Please tell us a little about you. Even if you think you’re going to be quiet, pls say hello! #NPMC

Looking forward to participating in the #NPMC Chat. Tweet volume will increase for next hour :)

Looking forward to participating in the #NPMC Chat. Tweet volume will increase for next hour :)

Already see @CRMJen @JenniferCharney @Kelgon! Hello! #NPMC

Hi Marlene! Good to be back. I'm comm mger for #SaveTheRedwoods. #NPMC

I’m Marlene Oliveira, of Nonprofit MarCommunity and #NPMC chat. Also copywriter & communications consultant to nonprofits.

@lsalberts Hello! Great to see you! #NPMC

@JenniferCharney Great to have you back! #NPMC

Laura here from The Badger Group in Wisconsin. I work with our nonprofit clients on copywriting and social media. #NPMC

Howdy #NPMC

@mayawalk @Badger_Group hello! #NPMC

Can only stay for a bit today, but excited to hear what folks have to say! #NPMC chat.

Hello all Tweet chat-er's, I'm Heather, Communications Specialist at @abclifeliteracy #NPMC

Anyone else want to introduce/say hello before we dive in? #NPMC

Hi @mo_flow: I'm Jen Phillips of @SFDCFoundation - I work w/ #nonprofit customers in support of their social / digital programs #NPMC

Great to see every1! I'm Kelly Rembold. Mktg specialist f/ small nonprofit #NPMC

@mo_flow #NPMC I work with several faith-based & non-profits groups from #winniepg

Good to see you, @mayawalkca, @Kelgon! #NPMC

Good to see you, @mayawalkca, @Kelgon! #NPMC

@heaterisabel @SeattleSeneca - great to have you! #NPMC

Let's do this. Q1 As a consumer, what nonprofit messaging motivates you more? Solving a problem or creating a new possibility? #NPMC

For those new to #NPMC chat, we’re using Q/A format - we post questions using Q1, Q2, etc. You respond by using A1, A2, etc. Thx!

A1 solving a problem. #NPMC

Come join today's nonprofit marketing Tweet Chat. Today's topic: problems vs possibilities in nonprofit messaging #NPMC

@mo_flow A: 1 Like to actually avoid the term consumer. In my context a trigger. Look toward possibility #NPMC

@JenniferCharney Any examples come to mind? #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Q1 As a consumer, what nonprofit messaging motivates you more? Solving a problem or creating a new possibility? #NPMC

A1. Cleaning up pollution in SF Bay. #NPMC

#NPMC I think it's powerful to look towards new possibilities!

Q1: I'd say new possibility, since I work in the arts it usually ends up being an experience that we're trying to 'sell' #NPMC

A1 Solving a problem #NPMC

'Possibilities' folks, examples that motivated you recently? #NPMC

What's an example? @heatherisabel #NPMC

I agree with @mo_flow I don't see use of word "consumer" so much in nonprofit marketing. #npmc

Already a divided camp. :) Should make for a great discussion. #NPMC

A1. I think both! ie @Water4's video addresses the issue they're solving & the opportunities they're creating:  http://vimeo.com/50271567  #NPMC

@sburket Actually, I said it. @mayawalkca made that point. What kind of messaging appeals to you? #NPMC

An amazing performance that only happens one night, escape from daily life for a few hours, the spectacle of the theater. #NPMC

New possibilities excite us most with non-profit marketing. The problems seem constant; possibilities are new & inspiring! #NPMC

MT @SeattleSeneca Q1: I'd say possibility, since I work in the arts it usually ends up being an experience that we're trying to 'sell' #NPMC

@mo_flow A1: RE: Possibilities Context realise using Social Media could actually work. Ad campaign with fb specifically success #NPMC

@michellethai Well, hello there! #NPMC

#NPMC Depends on the mission / audience. Ex: Curing disease x may message differently to researchers v mobilization

Hi Michelle! @michellethai #NPMC

Maybe depends on cause/context, so... Q1b Is your nonprofit’s brand based more on problem-solving, or possibility creation? Why? #NPMC

A1 a lot of talk in np space about measuring success: how to measure success of a "possibility"? #npmc

@mo_flow Hi Marlene :) Glad to participate in another #NPMC!

RT @CRMJen #NPMC Depends on the mission / audience. Ex: Curing disease x may message differently to researchers v mobilization

Do you mean envisioning your ultimate goal? @LiteracyLetters #NPMC

@JenniferCharney Hi Jennifer! How are you doing? #NPMC

@JenniferCharney @Kelgon to you as well! #NPMC

@sburket Brainstorming... water quality, health status, education levels... #NPMC

@mo_flow Q1b ABC is "solving literacy" but to do this, we must look towards a future where this is possible / no easy fix. #NPMC

@sburket You can measure progress toward fundraising to achieve a goal. #NPMC

@LiteracyLetters What possibilities excite you? #NPMC

MT @heatherisabel Q1b ABC is "solving literacy" but to do this, we must look towards a future where this is possible / no easy fix. #NPMC

Q1b Creation. From a faith context it's all about doing new things in a culture that says things are not possible #NPMC @mo_flow

For those attracted to problem-solving, what is it that motivates you? #NPMC

@mo_flow A2: Envisioning achievement of our overarching goals: Making all redwood parks models of excellence. #NPMC

Our campaign to get adult students & others to write letters sharing how #literacy has impacted them excites us enormously! #NPMC

Our campaign to get adult students & others to write letters sharing how #literacy has impacted them excites us enormously! #NPMC

That says possibility to me! MT @JenniferCharney achievement of our overarching goals: Making all redwood parks models of excellence. #NPMC

Love it! MT @mayawalkca Q1b Creation. From a faith context, doing new things in a culture that says things are not possible #NPMC @mo_flow

Remember: use #NPMC tag and if you want to be RTd, make sure your tweet is 120c or less to give room for the RT.

@mo_flow It's motivating to offer our services as a solution to big probs such as climate change, imperiled species. #NPMC

Stepped away for a min & trying to catch up! Hello back @JenniferCharney and @mayawalkca #NPMC

Q1c Which messaging approach has worked better for your organization in recent months – problems or possibilities? Examples? #NPMC

@mo_flow A1c: problem solving. We're restoring habitat for imperiled species. #NPMC

@Kelgon @JenniferCharney :) it does move faster each time we do this :) #NPMC

@Kelgon A dangerous move! #NPMC

Q1c Possibilities ex: #FamilyLiteracyDay isn't about solving literacy, but celebrating every day learning moments #NPMC

A1c: Problem solving - people need help doing what they want to do. #NPMC

We hope writing Love Letters to Literacy (a possibility) will result in increased awareness about #literacy (problem solving) #NPMC

Q1c from faith-context talking about diversity & affirming of all people has traction (i.e. fb ad campaign as the moment) #NPMC @mo_flow

@mo_flow A1. Creating new possibilities in problem solving #NPMC

Literacy orgs well represented at this month's chat. :) #NPMC

A1C Possibility of learning new skills & getting a job in the community #NPMC

RT @Kelgon A1C Possibility of learning new skills & getting a job in the community #NPMC

@mo_flow Literacy and innovation go hand in hand, right? @LiteracyLetters #NPMC

@mo_flow Literacy and innovation go hand in hand, right? @LiteracyLetters #NPMC

Q2 What is the impact on our organizations, communities, those we serve, partners when we focus on the positive? #NPMC

@mo_flow A2: Knowing that we can achieve more if we work together. #NPMC

Yes! RT @JenniferCharney @mo_flow A2: Knowing that we can achieve more if we work together. #NPMC

@LiteracyLetters @heatherisabel Agreed! #NPMC

RT @JenniferCharney @mo_flow A2: Knowing that we can achieve more if we work together. #NPMC

A2: By focusing on positive messaging, it helps make goals more attainable, v. deficit model which can seem insurmountable #NPMC

A2: By focusing on positive messaging, it helps make goals more attainable, v. deficit model which can seem insurmountable #NPMC

@mo_flow A2: It's certainly more motivating #NPMC

@mo_flow A2: It's certainly more motivating #NPMC

A2 Ppl see themselves in the positive stories we tell & become motivated and inspired #NPMC

A2 Ppl see themselves in the positive stories we tell & become motivated and inspired #NPMC

A2. Staying positive can prevents alienating those we exist to serve #NPMC

RT @mo_flow A2. Staying positive can prevents alienating those we exist to serve #NPMC

A2 - the positives are what people want to support, the changes are why they are involved, not the problems. #NPMC

@mo_flow A2: Though I've read that donors are more motivated to prevent losing something than they are to gain something. #NPMC

A2 In secular language - to help people claim their own agency. That they matter & their voice has power #NPMC @mo_flow

A2 In secular language - to help people claim their own agency. That they matter & their voice has power #NPMC @mo_flow

@JenniferCharney The nonprofit dilemma of multiple audiences versus corporations w/one customer group! #NPMC

Sorry, have another meeting, but this has been a great conversation! #NPMC

@mo_flow positivity is infectious! Being motivated and empowering others with a positive attitude helps across all areas in an NPO #NPMC

@mo_flow positivity is infectious! Being motivated and empowering others with a positive attitude helps across all areas in an NPO #NPMC

@mo_flow positivity is infectious! Being motivated and empowering others with a positive attitude helps across all areas in an NPO #NPMC

Nice! RT @SeattleSeneca A2 - the positives are what people want to support, the changes are why they are involved, not the problems. #NPMC

@SeattleSeneca Great having you! #NPMC

@mo_flow Donors like to envision themselves as part of the solution to a prob. #NPMC

@SeattleSeneca be well! nice to meet you :) #NPMC

We've talked about using positive messaging to motivate, inspire, rally, help people see themselves in our stories. #NPMC

@SeattleSeneca Welcome! And great A2 answer #NPMC

@JenniferCharney @mo_flow Very good point about donors/sponsors #NPMC

@JenniferCharney @mo_flow Push vs. Pull motivations - good reminder :) #NPMC

RT @mo_flow We've talked about using positive messaging to motivate, inspire, rally, help people see themselves in our stories. #NPMC

RT @JenniferCharney @mo_flow Donors like to envision themselves as part of the solution to a prob. #NPMC

RT @JenniferCharney @mo_flow Donors like to envision themselves as part of the solution to a prob. #NPMC

RT @JenniferCharney @mo_flow Donors like to envision themselves as part of the solution to a prob. #NPMC

People seem to prefer positive messaging even about difficult issues. Like this awesome #literacy video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VteDp3IK-60 … #NPMC

People seem to prefer positive messaging even about difficult issues. Like this awesome #literacy video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VteDp3IK-60 … #NPMC

A2. Not sure if asking (+) vs (-) is the right question. More important = emotions that drive ppl to action, incl. excitement & anger #NPMC

A2. Not sure if asking (+) vs (-) is the right question. More important = emotions that drive ppl to action, incl. excitement & anger #NPMC

Q3b. What is it we really want people to feel, believe and value in response to our messages? #NPMC

@michellethai Perfect timing. :) See my Q3. What do we want people to feel? #NPMC

RT @michellethai A2. Emotions that drive ppl to action, incl. excitement & anger #NPMC

We're chatting about positive messaging for non-profits over at the #NPMC tag, join us! ^HC

A2. In Contagious by @jberger, he found high arousal emotions drive people to action & spread the word  http://www.slideshare.net/MediaCause/viral-marketing-for-nonprofits-5-best-emotions-to-leverage … #NPMC

A2. In Contagious by @jberger, he found high arousal emotions drive people to action & spread the word  http://www.slideshare.net/MediaCause/viral-marketing-for-nonprofits-5-best-emotions-to-leverage … #NPMC

@mo_flow 3 b The people have to believe in culture of humanity and values of belonging to organisation and feel the energy of message #NPMC

@mo_flow 3 b The people have to believe in culture of humanity and values of belonging to organisation and feel the energy of message #NPMC

A3b. People want to know not only can they change the world, but that those with whom they partner r honest & transparent? #NPMC @mo_flow

Perhaps not just one emotion? Incite action through fear, excitement anger, but always pointing toward a better future? #NPMC

A3b: We want ppl to feel connected to the cause in many facades of their life bc they are important part of the solution- empowerment! #NPMC

A3b: We want ppl to feel connected to the cause in many facades of their life bc they are important part of the solution- empowerment! #NPMC

A3b: We want ppl to feel connected to the cause in many facades of their life bc they are important part of the solution- empowerment! #NPMC

A3. @mo_flow Oh ha! Let me move that slideshare over here:  http://www.slideshare.net/MediaCause/viral-marketing-for-nonprofits-5-best-emotions-to-leverage … Awe, excitement, anger, amusement humor, anxiety #NPMC

Hearing that message has to be effective, but we also want people to feel humanity, belonging, honest, empowered. Transparency. #NPMC

Hearing that message has to be effective, but we also want people to feel humanity, belonging, honest, empowered. Transparency. #NPMC

@mo_flow A3b. May depend on the audience. Inspired & proud to be part of the org's community. #NPMC

@mo_flow A3b. May depend on the audience. Inspired & proud to be part of the org's community. #NPMC

A3b Not us, but I think some orgs want ppl to feel frustration about a problem so they want to help solve it #NPMC

RT @Kelgon: A3b Not us, but I think some orgs want ppl to feel frustration about a problem so they want to help solve it #NPMC

Q4. If people need to feel empowered, belonging, that we r honest, transparent, how can we model that in our messaging? #NPMC

RT @mo_flow RT @Kelgon: A3b Not us, but I think some orgs want ppl to feel frustration about a problem so they want to help solve it #NPMC

We have to balance effective messaging about an issue, with the feelings we want folks to have about our organizations. #NPMC

@mo_flow By using "you," "your" to involve donors and place responsibility for solving prob on them. #NPMC

A4. Lots of ways: model it, be intentional about language - speak to people not @ and use everyday accessible terms #NPMC @mo_flow

A4. Lots of ways: model it, be intentional about language - speak to people not @ and use everyday accessible terms #NPMC @mo_flow

A4 Sometimes transparency can be demonstrated through mode of communication, ex. more accessible, informal, etc. #NPMC

A4 Sometimes transparency can be demonstrated through mode of communication, ex. more accessible, informal, etc. #NPMC

RT @heatherisabel A4 Sometimes transparency can be demonstrated through mode of communication, ex. more accessible, informal, etc. #NPMC

@mo_flow A4. Use real-life stories of volunteers/testimonials about how our work helps to support people. Not stale "key messages" #NPMC

Agreed! Lose the jargon when necessary MT @mayawalkca A4 Speak to people not @ and use everyday accessible terms #NPMC @mo_flow

Agreed! Lose the jargon when necessary MT @mayawalkca A4 Speak to people not @ and use everyday accessible terms #NPMC @mo_flow

Oh, how I love when a discussion comes around to simple, accessible, jargon-free communications! #NPMC

Oh, how I love when a discussion comes around to simple, accessible, jargon-free communications! #NPMC

Love this! MT @SherryCalder A4. Use real-life stories of volunteers/testimonials about how our work helps to support people. #NPMC

The popularity of storytelling is a good thing. Allows us to show impact, positivity, hope, solutions. #NPMC

The popularity of storytelling is a good thing. Allows us to show impact, positivity, hope, solutions. #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Oh, how I love when a discussion comes around to simple, accessible, jargon-free communications! #NPMC

Hi @mo_flow, sorry I was late for the #NPMC chat today.

Themes today: play on emotions, positivity is motivating, keep comms simple and jargon-free, offer stories & testimonials. #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Oh, how I love when a discussion comes around to simple, accessible, jargon-free communications! #NPMC

More themes: talk about real people, how we're helping. #NPMC

Our time is almost up. Any key learnings? Q5. Time is almost up. What stood out for you in today’s chat? #NPMC

@SherryCalder Good to have you. :) #NPMC

RT @SherryCalder RT @mo_flow: The popularity of storytelling is a good thing. Allows us to show impact, positivity, hope, solutions. #NPMC

A5: MT @SherryCalder @mo_flow A4. Use real-life stories of how our work helps to support people. Not "key messages" #NPMC

A5 palpable engagement level & the energy is quite motivating! Pretty awesome to be with peeps who value words :) #NPMC @mo_flow

RT @lsalberts A5: MT @SherryCalder @mo_flow A4. Use real-life stories of how our work helps to support people. Not "key messages" #NPMC

@mo_flow Thanks for organizing today - great conversation around the importance of positive msg + building possibilities together! #NPMC

Thanks for another great #nonprofit marketing chat, @mo_flow! #NPMC

Nice seeing everyone! Thank you for a great chat! Chat archives will be posted soon at  http://ow.ly/qmZRO  #NPMC

RT @mo_flow Nice seeing everyone! Thank you for a great chat! Chat archives will be posted soon at  http://ow.ly/qmZRO  #NPMC

@mo_flow Thanks for hosting this month's #NPMC on messaging!

My pleasure, all! Save the date/time for next #NPMC Chat: Thursday, April 24 at 1 pm ET. #NPMC Send me any topic requests!

@mo_flow Thanks for the great chat today! #NPMC

@heatherisabel @mo_flow thanks indeed! A great resource & one highlight each month to reconnect with why this work is so important! #NPMC