The Smart Communications Podcast

The Smart Communications Podcast is a useful resource for all nonprofit leaders looking to boost their communications chops on the go.

About the show

The Smart Communications Podcast helps busy nonprofit leaders build their communications skills and develop their organization’s voice. Every episode shares insights and practical tips to help you leverage strategic communications to advance your nonprofit’s mission.

The Smart Communications Podcast on social media

Episodes

  • Episode 31: Should you rename your nonprofit?

    March 12th, 2019  |  25 mins 46 secs
    marketing, nonprofit, nonprofit branding, nonprofit communications

    If your nonprofit’s name is inaccurate, misleading, or outdated, it may be time to change it. Tune in to learn what goes into a name change and how to navigate the process successfully.

  • Episode 30: How do you structure a growing communications team?

    February 26th, 2019  |  17 mins 24 secs
    marketing, nonprofit, nonprofit communications, team building, teams

    Suzanne Shaw, Director of Communications at the Union of Concerned Scientists, bridged silos, built in-house capacity, and more through department restructuring. Listen to her story.

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    Episode 29: Can you legally use that photo or song?

    February 13th, 2019  |  12 mins
    free music, free photos, licensing, music, nonprofit, nonprofit communications, photography

    Grabbing an image from Google is easy. But if your nonprofit is planning an online campaign, recording a PSA, or launching a podcast, it’s crucial to use media legally.

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    Episode 28: How can you facilitate better internal communications?

    January 30th, 2019  |  18 mins 15 secs
    brand, brand ambassador, branding, cpc, internal communications, nonprofit brand, nonprofit communications, wayne ho

    For nonprofit leaders, it’s vital to communicate effectively with staff, board, and other stakeholders in order to carry out their vision for the organization. Listen for tips on how to do just that.

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    Episode 27: How can an executive director realize their vision?

    January 16th, 2019  |  13 mins 27 secs
    ccr, executive director, nonprofit communications, nonprofit executive director, nonprofit leader, nonprofit vision, nonprofits

    Over 12 years, Vince Warren shaped the Center for Constitutional Rights around his vision of what the organization could be. Tune in to hear about his experiences and insights.

  • Episode 26: What is “strategy?”

    January 2nd, 2019  |  12 mins 18 secs
    communications goals, nonprofit communications, nonprofits, strategy

    “Strategy” is an approach to effectively break down problems or respond to opportunities. Listen in to learn how you can put strategy into practice at your nonprofit.

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    Episode 25: Should your nonprofit podcast?

    December 19th, 2018  |  19 mins 12 secs
    nonprofit communications, nonprofit podcasts, podcast launch, social justice

    Podcasting can be a smart way to reach new audiences. Chandra Hayslett, Communications Director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, shares her experiences launching The Activist Files Podcast.

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    Episode 24: How can you communicate better with the board?

    December 5th, 2018  |  21 mins 11 secs
    board, board relationship, nonprofit board, nonprofit partnership

    The key to building trust with your board is candor. Craig Shelley, Managing Director of Orr Group, goes deep on what exactly that entails, how to practice it, and more.

  • Episode 23: How can nonprofit communications leaders collaborate more effectively?

    November 28th, 2018  |  17 mins 43 secs
    collaboration, communications, nonprofit leadership

    Elise Dowell, Vice Chancellor for Communications and External Affairs at The Jewish Theological Seminary, shares the lessons she's learned about collaboration as a nonprofit communications leader.

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    Episode 22: What are the ingredients of great storytelling?

    November 14th, 2018  |  17 mins 8 secs
    brands, nonprofit narratives, nonprofits, storytelling

    A compelling story is a powerful tool nonprofits can use to engage, inspire, and move people to act. Jenny Dyson, Creative Director of Pencil, shares tips on how to start telling yours.

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    Episode 21: How can communications help development?

    October 31st, 2018  |  19 mins 42 secs
    fundraising, nonprofit communications, nonprofit development, nonprofit fundraising, nonprofits

    Big Duck goes to Fundraising Day 2018 and asks rockstars in the fundraising world one question: What can communications do to support development? Tune in to hear their answers—and more.

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    Episode 20: How do you get affiliates to speak with one voice?

    October 17th, 2018  |  14 mins 43 secs
    apda, branding, nonprofit branding, nonprofit brands, nonprofit communications

    Stephanie Paul, VP of Marketing and Development at the American Parkinson Disease Association, shares her experiences rebranding and how it helped APDA's chapters sing from the same songbook.

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    Episode 19: How can you get your new brand to stick?

    October 10th, 2018  |  16 mins 28 secs
    brand stickiness, internal communications, nonprofit, nonprofit branding, nonprofit brands, nonprofit communications

    As a nonprofit’s rebrand comes to a close, the task of getting the brand to take hold—and stay alive—begins. Tune in to learn what nonprofits need internally to ensure their new brand sticks.

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    Episode 18: Should you fire that lousy board member?

    September 19th, 2018  |  11 mins 41 secs
    brand personality, brand strategy, branding, communications, core values, jargon, language, marketing, nonprofit communications, nonprofits, organizational values, personality, phrases, pronouns, values, word choice, words

    A shared understanding of governance is the key to a strong nonprofit board. Simone Joyaux, author of “Firing Lousy Board Members” defines what that means, why it matters, what it takes to get there.

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    Episode 17: How can you facilitate great internal communications?

    September 5th, 2018  |  15 mins 6 secs
    brand personality, brand strategy, branding, communications, core values, jargon, language, marketing, nonprofit communications, nonprofits, organizational values, personality, phrases, pronouns, values, word choice, words

    Communicating well internally can help your organization communicate well externally. Listen in for useful tools and practices to facilitate productive conversations inside your org.

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    Episode 16: Should nonprofits rebrand when overhauling their websites?

    August 22nd, 2018  |  7 mins 15 secs
    brand personality, brand strategy, branding, communications, core values, jargon, language, marketing, nonprofit communications, nonprofits, organizational values, personality, phrases, pronouns, values, word choice, words

    Should nonprofits squeeze in a full rebrand when their website needs an update? Listen to learn more.