September 2009–Schultz & Williams (S&W) Vice President Jessica Harrington presents Now More Than Ever: Making Your Messages Count at nonprofit conferences across the nation.

Now, more than ever, the state of the economy and fierce competition mean it’s critical that your organization’s cause and case for support are effectively and strategically communicated.

Making your messages count requires a multi–faceted approach starting with taking an assessment of your organization’s donor and prospect pool–in today’s environment it’s important to look at your audience with fresh eyes. Once that is completed, you must retool your communications strategy to appeal to "current" and "future" donors, review your communications options and develop key messages to guide your fundraising initiatives. In addition, successful marketing strategies may require utilizing an integrated mix of media to build awareness and achieve results.

In fact, the need to use a range of outlets to reach diverse audiences is increasingly important in today’s environment. To break through the media clutter and increase public awareness of your organization, grab prospective donors’ attention, move them to take action and steward them up the giving ladder may require utilizing many communications tools. These might include personal solicitation, telemarketing, direct mail, e-mail, social networking, website and traditional advertising.

Most important, developing targeted and succinct message points to guide all of your media communications is essential to ensure maximum impressions and fundraising results. Messages should focus on your core mission, tell a story, reflect your unique voice, engage donors, recognize past support and be driven by donor feedback. Communications should also include program and fiscal updates, showcase specific initiatives, create urgency and be personalized!

Click (here) for a detailed PowerPoint presentation of “Now More Than Ever: Making Your Messages Count”, by Jessica Harrington. To arrange for Jessica to present her program at your organization or an upcoming conference, please call 215-625-9955, ext. 101.

Founded in 1987, Schultz & Williams is a national consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today S&W works with nonprofits throughout the United States and continues to exemplify its legacy as one of the first firms in the country to combine the principles of development, management and marketing into our consulting services—an approach that proves successful for nearly every client challenge.