A well-placed op-ed can help your nonprofit call attention to an important issue or change minds about a controversial topic. Unlike reported news stories, op-eds are opinion pieces that are written by those who aren’t on the staff of a newspaper, magazine or website. They offer outside voices the opportunity to express opinions and share…
The Presidential election has become — quite unfortunately — a daily case study in crisis communications. Nearly every day this fall — and sometimes more than once a day — one or both of the major candidates has been forced to respond to a crisis, whether it’s negative news about his or her past with the…
Nonprofits spend months planning for the annual end-of-the-year giving season. But smart organizations are also planning ahead for another year-end tradition: increased coverage of charities during the holidays. When the first Salvation Army bell ringers start setting their kettles outside of local shopping malls, their chiming bells seemingly send a signal to editors and reporters that they should be…
When nonprofits build their media relations strategies, they often focus on getting their stories told in the local media or in the national mainstream press. But they often overlook an important potential avenue for spreading the word about their work — the nonprofit trade press. These publications and websites — which include The Chronicle of…
Are thought leadership and media relations on your to-do list? Then you need a plan to make it happen! I invite you to join us for our next Accelerator Course on Becoming a Thought Leader and Media Darling. During the six-week program, you and your team will develop a Thought Leadership Communications Plan. With my coaching, help from…
You don’t have to rely solely on your own pitches to get your organization quoted or cited in the media. Sometimes, you can get coverage by connecting with journalists when they are looking to find an expert as they report their own stories. But how can you make sure your organization gets the reporter’s call when she or…
In just a few weeks, we will kick off our latest Nonprofit Marketing Accelerator – Becoming a Thought Leader and Media Darling. Mary Alice Holley of BC/DC Ideas shares some tips on becoming a thought leader and what being media savvy can do for your nonprofit. ~Kristina Guest Post by Mary Alice Holley of BC/DC Ideas If your…
If you handle media relations for your nonprofit, it’s important to understand the rules that govern professional journalism. These rules might appear quaint in this age of partisan cable networks and opinion-based websites. But, believe it or not, most reputable news organizations are still working under the idea that journalists should be responsible with the information they gather…
Is your organization or are some of your staff the “go to” people in your field? Are you recognized as an authority on a specific topic? Do others look to you for insights, trends, and guidance in a rapidly changing world? Are you frequently called by the media, and asked to contribute to publications or…
Many nonprofits use the “spray and pray” technique when they are pitching their stories to the media. They spray their pitches everywhere and pray that somebody picks them up. But if your organization is interested in having its messages connect with your ideal audiences — and if it wants more success landing meaningful media coverage — it’s…
There’s an adage in public relations that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. But while this might be true if you’re a celebrity or a political candidate, bad publicity can have dire consequences for nonprofits. When you manage the reputation of a nonprofit that is working to advance an important mission, incorrect information — particularly if…
Nonprofits spend countless hours — and considerable money — to stage gala dinners, peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, and other events that aim to draw attention to their work and rally their supporters to give to their organizations. Quite often, they also expect these events to generate media coverage. And, quite often, they are disappointed when their events…
