Bragging...it's not just for jerks

Most foundations and nonprofits have probably heard this advice before. To be effective, you must influence others – service providers, policymakers or funders. To do so, you have to tell your story so your influentials can hear and understand it. Susan Parker form Clear Thinking Communications has a neatly written piece: “Is Your Good Work Going Unnoticed?  Seven Mistakes Foundations and Nonprofits Make (and How to Fix Them)” that is worth a read.

Tell your story this way:

1. Toot your own horn.
2. Talk about what worked and what didn’t work and be specific. 
3. Find something in your work that defies conventional wisdom. 
4. Talk about your work in plain English. [See Tony Proscio's booklets at the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation]
5. Tell the stories of the people you helped that includes the drama and ups and downs of real-life. 
6. Ask your audiences what they need. 
7. Find a message and stick to it. 

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—Julia

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