I’m Writing a Book. Wanna Be in It?
It’s official . . . I’m writing a nonprofit marketing how-to book to be published by Jossey-Bass in Spring 2010. It will be the book version of what I’ve been doing for the last several years for clients, on this blog, and through the webinar series: giving you real-world advice on how to get more support for your good cause, without a huge marketing budget or staff behind you.
Between now and the end of August, I’ll be giving you many ways to participate in the creation of the book. I want to use lots of examples to explain the strategies I’m advocating, so I’ll be asking you to share your stories with me. I’ll probably ask you to complete a few quick surveys to help me better understand your needs and questions — after all, if you are reading this blog, you are the target audience for the book too! I’ve wanted to write this book forever, and so many of you have inspired me to really make it happen, so I want to include as many of your stories as I can.
I will not, however, force you to read posts about the writing of the book itself, at least not here on this blog. If you are interested in my book writing experience or in freelancing or consulting for nonprofits in general, I invite you to subscribe to my other blog, Writing for Nonprofits, which I’ve rescued once more from blog purgatory. You’ll get the posts about nonprofit marketing/communications here as always; you’ll get the posts about the creative process and business side of being a writer, consultant, and trainer at Writing for Nonprofits.
P.S. Claire Meyerhoff and I just wrapped up another edition of Magic Keys Radio on Email Newsletter Basics. The podcast is ready. Listen here or subscribe in iTunes.
Kivi, would love to plug in some of my local NC nonprofits. I will stay tuned for anyway we can help you in Eastern NC. Good luck.
Go, Kivi, go!
I am a partner in a 2 person design firm in Chicago. We work with many non-profits with big dreams and small budgets. We have a variety of stories and challenges that we would love to share. Please feel free to contact me to discuss further.
Will be a must read for our office.
I love this.
Congratulations on the book deal and I look forward to seeing your writings! I teach graduate studies in nonprofit management (including marketing) and have my own consulting group for nonprofits
Kivi,
Too funny. I had been wondering if I should approach you with the idea of writing a book together (not that you have any idea who I am). Your style of education is SO refreshing, and your ideas so pragmatic that they SHOULD have an even wider audience than your blog. I had been toying with writing the missing nonprofit marketing book myself, but thought it would be much more fun to do with someone. So glad you are doing this, happy to help in any way.
Betsy
Hi Kivi,
We’ve got it all in our humble little org: internal communication challenges with fundraising offices in four countries, rebranding rollercoaster rides; rapid organizational growth followed by staff upsizing, only to downsize once the dust settled; niche donor group communication challenges–where standard best practices may not be; and the trouble pulling “stories from the field,” the field being in a far away country with a language barrier and confidentiality issues, don’t want to burden devoted field volunteers who have enough on their plate just doing their services. Keep me updated on what you need, and perhaps we can provide a story to match your lessons…best wishes.
Kivi,
We would love to be a part of this, and seem to share many of the same challenges Diana mentioned. Our small NGO is somehow bucking the current economic trends–we are doubling in size this year and opening new offices overseas, which has opened up a debate about whether to shift more autonomy to those offices and what that might mean for our branding and communication…shall I go on? And because our work is done in partnership with developing country governments, we have to be very, very careful abut taking credit for our successes, making it just a wee bit difficult to attract donors. Good luck and let us know how we can help.
Hi Kivi,
Could defiantely give you an Australian perspective. We are fairly small but have accomplished a lot for the victims of the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand. Would be interested to know more about the wonderful help you offer non-profits. Love to offer help to someone trying to make the world a little better for all.
Daniel
Hi Kivi,
I am an ED of a non-profit in Seattle, WA. I happy to give our perspective as an advocacy organization. Since becoming ED just over a year ago, I have shifted from grants/membership model to fee for service. Balancing our portfolio has been key to creating a sustainable organization.
Lisa