web01.fireside.fm Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:30:14 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) The Smart Communications Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Branding” https://bigduck.fireside.fm/tags/branding Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 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. en-us episodic The Smart Communications Podcast is a useful resource for all nonprofit leaders looking to boost their communications chops on the go. Big Duck 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. no Big Duck hello@bigducknyc.com Episode 201: How do you approach rebranding a 100 year old nonprofit? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/201 30196533-efe6-4204-96a5-0e628e94bb08 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 Big Duck full Big Duck Discover how a 100-year-old community foundation approached a full rebrand, refreshing their identity to engage new audiences. 19:37 no Insights from a major nonprofit rebrand! Join Ally Dommu, director of service development, and Brad Drazen, vice president of communications and marketing at Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, as they unpack the motivations behind changing a 100-year-old foundation’s name, the research and collaboration that guided the process, and what other organizations and foundations can learn when considering a rebrand. podcast, nonprofit, communications, branding, rebrand, brand equity Insights from a major nonprofit rebrand! Join Ally Dommu, director of service development, and Brad Drazen, vice president of communications and marketing at Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, as they unpack the motivations behind changing a 100-year-old foundation’s name, the research and collaboration that guided the process, and what other organizations and foundations can learn when considering a rebrand.

]]> Insights from a major nonprofit rebrand! Join Ally Dommu, director of service development, and Brad Drazen, vice president of communications and marketing at Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, as they unpack the motivations behind changing a 100-year-old foundation’s name, the research and collaboration that guided the process, and what other organizations and foundations can learn when considering a rebrand.

]]> Episode 199: How can you find the best parts of your brand? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/199 3557af1f-4a13-498d-b2fe-770e9b6fde73 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 Big Duck full Big Duck Explore how nonprofits can uncover what makes their brand shine, and decide when it’s time to rebrand, refresh, or raise awareness. 29:58 no What are the best parts of your brand, and are you putting them to work for your mission? Farra Trompeter, co-director, interviews Lyn Weinman, founder, president, and chief strategist at KidGlov and the author of Untangling Spaghetti: A Branding Fable (https://kidglov.com/untanglingspaghetti/), to discuss addressing brand confusion, aligning on strategy, and knowing what type of change is right. nonprofit, podcast, branding, strategy What are the best parts of your brand, and are you putting them to work for your mission? Farra Trompeter, co-director, interviews Lyn Weinman, founder, president, and chief strategist at KidGlov and the author of Untangling Spaghetti: A Branding Fable, to discuss addressing brand confusion, aligning on strategy, and knowing what type of change is right.

]]> What are the best parts of your brand, and are you putting them to work for your mission? Farra Trompeter, co-director, interviews Lyn Weinman, founder, president, and chief strategist at KidGlov and the author of Untangling Spaghetti: A Branding Fable, to discuss addressing brand confusion, aligning on strategy, and knowing what type of change is right.

]]> Episode 189: How can you get more out of your rebrand? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/189 e847cd77-2121-46f0-918c-19e55bf2b44e Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Rebranding doesn’t stop at the launch. Learn practical tips to activate, maintain, and evolve your nonprofit’s brand with intention and care. 13:16 no Learn how to make your nonprofit’s rebrand last. Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Sandy Zimmerman, design director, explore how nonprofits can go beyond the brand launch and learn how to bring your rebrand to life —and keep it thriving. nonprofit, podcast, communications, branding, rebranding Learn how to make your nonprofit’s rebrand last. Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Sandy Zimmerman, design director, explore how nonprofits can go beyond the brand launch and learn how to bring your rebrand to life —and keep it thriving.

]]> Learn how to make your nonprofit’s rebrand last. Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Sandy Zimmerman, design director, explore how nonprofits can go beyond the brand launch and learn how to bring your rebrand to life —and keep it thriving.

]]> Episode 187: How can you shape your AI brand footprint? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/187 eb6eeba0-54ac-49f6-978c-cd1f6f6388b9 Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Learn more about what AI says about your nonprofit brand and ways to leverage ChatGPT, Google search, analytics, and more. 18:32 no How does AI perceive your nonprofit brand? Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by George Weiner, founder and chief whaler at Whole Whale, to explore “AI brand footprints” and how to proactively shape your visibility in tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI search. They explore how traditional SEO is shifting and what you can do to revisit your content strategy. nonprofit, podcast, communications, AI, brand footprint, branding How does AI perceive your nonprofit brand? Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by George Weiner, founder and chief whaler at Whole Whale, to explore “AI brand footprints” and how to proactively shape your visibility in tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI search. They explore how traditional SEO is shifting and what you can do to revisit your content strategy.

]]> How does AI perceive your nonprofit brand? Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by George Weiner, founder and chief whaler at Whole Whale, to explore “AI brand footprints” and how to proactively shape your visibility in tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI search. They explore how traditional SEO is shifting and what you can do to revisit your content strategy.

]]> Episode 163: When and how should you share branding work in development? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/163 62fd9148-5bf0-4bff-b10c-01649294652c Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Listen in and get advice about who and when to share nonprofit branding concepts and four key questions to ask when you do seek feedback. 16:58 no Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by Sarita Joseph, director of accounts, to discuss sharing nonprofit branding concepts and what questions to ask before inviting others to view and provide feedback on branding work in progress. Get tips on what to avoid and what to emphasize. nonprofit, branding Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by Sarita Joseph, director of accounts, to discuss sharing nonprofit branding concepts and what questions to ask before inviting others to view and provide feedback on branding work in progress. Get tips on what to avoid and what to emphasize.

]]> Farra Trompeter, co-director, is joined by Sarita Joseph, director of accounts, to discuss sharing nonprofit branding concepts and what questions to ask before inviting others to view and provide feedback on branding work in progress. Get tips on what to avoid and what to emphasize.

]]> Episode 162: What is the smallest viable audience for nonprofits? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/162 74b743dd-4721-46c4-b538-18a796d40e66 Wed, 29 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Learn why a nonprofit should adopt a more focused approach to audiences and what it looks like in practice. 18:48 no Join Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE, head of development at iNaturalist, as they discuss how to prioritize audiences and share examples of how being more limited in your approach to audiences ties to branding and communications. nonprofit, branding, audiences Join Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE, head of development at iNaturalist, as they discuss how to prioritize audiences and share examples of how being more limited in your approach to audiences ties to branding and communications.

]]> Join Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE, head of development at iNaturalist, as they discuss how to prioritize audiences and share examples of how being more limited in your approach to audiences ties to branding and communications.

]]> Episode 154: How can you deliver the right message to the right audience? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/154 7d627c56-f045-4c50-88cd-fb3ed97d9266 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500 Big Duck full Big Duck Discover when your organization should segment its messaging, and when it should keep messaging more general, as well as the differences between organizational messaging and persuasive messaging. 18:48 no What is most important, the message, the channel, or the mindset of the audience you are trying to reach? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ryan Gerhardt, copy director, discuss how we think about segmentation and messaging, the differences between organizational and persuasive messaging, and more. nonprofit, messaging, branding What is most important, the message, the channel, or the mindset of the audience you are trying to reach? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ryan Gerhardt, copy director, discuss how we think about segmentation and messaging, the differences between organizational and persuasive messaging, and more.

]]> What is most important, the message, the channel, or the mindset of the audience you are trying to reach? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and Ryan Gerhardt, copy director, discuss how we think about segmentation and messaging, the differences between organizational and persuasive messaging, and more.

]]> Episode 134: Does the nonprofit sector need to rebrand itself? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/134 784c513c-c39b-4413-ab01-c6610beb1438 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck The nonprofit sector is about more than passion-led missions. Learn how the portrayal of the nonprofit sector can be misleading and how the power of perspective and language can improve its impact. 14:40 no Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Joan Grangenois-Thomas, principal of JGT Public Relations, about misconceptions surrounding the nonprofit sector and suggestions for shifting perspectives and language about the industry. branding, podcast, nonprofit Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Joan Grangenois-Thomas, principal of JGT Public Relations, about misconceptions surrounding the nonprofit sector and suggestions for shifting perspectives and language about the industry.

]]> Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Joan Grangenois-Thomas, principal of JGT Public Relations, about misconceptions surrounding the nonprofit sector and suggestions for shifting perspectives and language about the industry.

]]> Episode 120: How can you engage your community in your brand? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/120 71585170-9dcf-4236-9578-bb84425492ee Wed, 14 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Who is involved in building your brand now, and who needs to be involved in the future, to advance your nonprofit’s mission? Learn why and how to involve the community most impacted by your work in how you communicate. 15:06 no Why is it important to center your community in shaping and representing your organization’s brand? Ally Dommu, director of strategy, talks with Farra Trompeter, co-director, about the value and practices of community-informed branding. nonprofit, communications, branding, community Why is it important to center your community in shaping and representing your organization’s brand? Ally Dommu, director of strategy, talks with Farra Trompeter, co-director, about the value and practices of community-informed branding.

]]> Why is it important to center your community in shaping and representing your organization’s brand? Ally Dommu, director of strategy, talks with Farra Trompeter, co-director, about the value and practices of community-informed branding.

]]> Episode 117: How does branding make things easier? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/117 eece60f0-d244-4035-91b9-b6109936430c Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Learn more about how branding gives nonprofits the tools to communicate more clearly and makes fundraising easier and how one organization’s new brand infuses their commitment to equity and more. 14:25 no Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Elandria Jackson Charles, chief development and communications officer at Blue Engine, about their decision to rebrand and the freedom and confidence that comes from being clear on who you are and what you stand for. nonprofit, podcast, communications, branding, fundraising Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Elandria Jackson Charles, chief development and communications officer at Blue Engine, about their decision to rebrand and the freedom and confidence that comes from being clear on who you are and what you stand for.

]]> Farra Trompeter, co-director, chats with Elandria Jackson Charles, chief development and communications officer at Blue Engine, about their decision to rebrand and the freedom and confidence that comes from being clear on who you are and what you stand for.

]]> Episode 104: How can you embrace the challenges of changing your name? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/104 f2969511-8788-4df7-ba42-67d102dcffa5 Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500 Big Duck full Big Duck Learn more about what a good name can do for organizations–and how to navigate the process of changing it in the episode of the Smart Communications Podcast. 15:02 no Why would an organization consider changing its name? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and senior copywriter, Ryan Gerhardt, dive into the joys and pains of naming as part of the branding process. nonprofit, branding, brands Why would an organization consider changing its name? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and senior copywriter, Ryan Gerhardt, dive into the joys and pains of naming as part of the branding process.

]]> Why would an organization consider changing its name? Farra Trompeter, co-director, and senior copywriter, Ryan Gerhardt, dive into the joys and pains of naming as part of the branding process.

]]> Episode 98: How can you build inclusive processes in branding and beyond? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/98 ea8ec35e-3afb-4803-a818-1e39e3708cf1 Wed, 20 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Farra Trompeter talks with Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, founder of The Ross Collective, about how you can build inclusive conversations and ways to meaningfully engage your team and community in branding. 15:50 no At this moment, it’s important to slow down and create more inclusive teams and processes. Join Farra Trompeter and Dr. Renee Rubin Ross as they discuss participation and equity and share tips on how to make branding more inclusive. nonprofit, branding, participation, equity At this moment, it’s important to slow down and create more inclusive teams and processes. Join Farra Trompeter and Dr. Renee Rubin Ross as they discuss participation and equity and share tips on how to make branding more inclusive.

]]> At this moment, it’s important to slow down and create more inclusive teams and processes. Join Farra Trompeter and Dr. Renee Rubin Ross as they discuss participation and equity and share tips on how to make branding more inclusive.

]]> Episode 94: How can you update an iconic brand? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/94 f79d2257-d505-47f9-8b42-cff96698a29b Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Sarah Durham, chief executive officer at Big Duck, and Mark Graham, chief marketing & communications officer at American Friends Service Committee, explore how well-known organizations can evolve their brands. 20:59 no A classic brand identity is hard to change. Old perceptions about your organization’s brand or internal shifts can be challenging. Listen in as Sarah Durham talks with Mark Graham, chief marketing & communications officer at American Friends Service Committee about AFSC’s distinctive brand and the organization’s journey to evolve its iconic identity. nonprofit, branding, A classic brand identity is hard to change. Old perceptions about your organization’s brand or internal shifts can be challenging. Listen in as Sarah Durham talks with Mark Graham, chief marketing & communications officer at American Friends Service Committee about AFSC’s distinctive brand and the organization’s journey to evolve its iconic identity.

]]> A classic brand identity is hard to change. Old perceptions about your organization’s brand or internal shifts can be challenging. Listen in as Sarah Durham talks with Mark Graham, chief marketing & communications officer at American Friends Service Committee about AFSC’s distinctive brand and the organization’s journey to evolve its iconic identity.

]]> Episode 90: How can you leverage your brand to connect with your community? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/90 770e2f98-5e61-4e17-ab89-58e6df3c2c58 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck How can you leverage your organization’s brand to connect with donors and your community? Tune into this podcast for some great tips on the branding process, where fundraising fits in, and how you can use communications to connect with your community. 26:06 no Your brand is how your organization expresses its voice. Knowing whose voices are being centered in your brand strategy and assets is a key element to developing or shifting your brand, and making sure the process is inclusive is essential. Listen in as Sarah Durham, CEO, and Farra Trompeter, partner and chief growth officer, share insights on how to use your brand to connect with donors and your community. nonprofit, branding, community Your brand is how your organization expresses its voice. Knowing whose voices are being centered in your brand strategy and assets is a key element to developing or shifting your brand, and making sure the process is inclusive is essential. Listen in as Sarah Durham, CEO, and Farra Trompeter, partner and chief growth officer, share insights on how to use your brand to connect with donors and your community.

]]> Your brand is how your organization expresses its voice. Knowing whose voices are being centered in your brand strategy and assets is a key element to developing or shifting your brand, and making sure the process is inclusive is essential. Listen in as Sarah Durham, CEO, and Farra Trompeter, partner and chief growth officer, share insights on how to use your brand to connect with donors and your community.

]]> Episode 74: What tagline works?? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/74 e7e9ccae-f9c5-47c9-aaa0-dff66fe5fb03 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0500 Big Duck full Big Duck A good tagline can inspire you to think, feel, maybe even react. This episode breaks down the three structures to follow that can strengthen your organization’s brand strategy. 17:11 no A good tagline can inspire you to think, feel, maybe even react. In the episode of The Smart Communications Podcast, Sarah Durham and Big Duck Copywriter, Ryan Gerhardt, break down three structures for taglines that can strengthen your organization’s brand strategy. nonprofit, branding, tagline A good tagline can inspire you to think, feel, maybe even react. In the episode of The Smart Communications Podcast, Sarah Durham and Big Duck Copywriter, Ryan Gerhardt, break down three structures for taglines that can strengthen your organization’s brand strategy.

]]> A good tagline can inspire you to think, feel, maybe even react. In the episode of The Smart Communications Podcast, Sarah Durham and Big Duck Copywriter, Ryan Gerhardt, break down three structures for taglines that can strengthen your organization’s brand strategy.

]]> Episode 68: Why is a clear voice important for nonprofits? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/68 d43d018e-401b-444d-8b35-a8170ba4df0f Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Is your nonprofit a best-kept-secret? Learn how developing a clear, credible, and consistent voice can help you build and maintain deeper mindshare and engagement with your audiences. 15:30 no Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck and Advomatic, goes deep into the topic of organizational voice—what it is, how to create it, maintain it, and more. Building on the insights in her book, The Nonprofit Communications Engine (https://bigduck.com/insights/nonprofit-communications-engine/), she connects the work of establishing a clear and consistent voice to building deeper relationships and mindshare with audiences. Tune in to learn how you can start developing your nonprofit’s voice and get answers to common branding questions. nonprofit, nonprofit branding, branding, nonprofit organization, donors, audiences, communications Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck and Advomatic, goes deep into the topic of organizational voice—what it is, how to create it, maintain it, and more. Building on the insights in her book, The Nonprofit Communications Engine, she connects the work of establishing a clear and consistent voice to building deeper relationships and mindshare with audiences. Tune in to learn how you can start developing your nonprofit’s voice and get answers to common branding questions.

]]> Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck and Advomatic, goes deep into the topic of organizational voice—what it is, how to create it, maintain it, and more. Building on the insights in her book, The Nonprofit Communications Engine, she connects the work of establishing a clear and consistent voice to building deeper relationships and mindshare with audiences. Tune in to learn how you can start developing your nonprofit’s voice and get answers to common branding questions.

]]> Episode 56: How can you make your website friendlier and more accessible? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/56 136884aa-fdfe-4f01-93eb-cf8a4a4440d1 Wed, 08 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Sarah Durham and Amanda Luker discuss how your website can benefit from becoming more user-friendly. 11:44 no Advomatic’s Sarah Durham and Amanda Luker discuss how to constantly improve your website, create different ways to experience content, and run accessibility audits of your nonprofit’s website. Learn how you can make your website friendlier to all users, including those who are differently abled. nonprofit, nonprofit communications, accessibility, inclusive branding, website, content Advomatic’s Sarah Durham and Amanda Luker discuss how to constantly improve your website, create different ways to experience content, and run accessibility audits of your nonprofit’s website. Learn how you can make your website friendlier to all users, including those who are differently abled.

]]> Advomatic’s Sarah Durham and Amanda Luker discuss how to constantly improve your website, create different ways to experience content, and run accessibility audits of your nonprofit’s website. Learn how you can make your website friendlier to all users, including those who are differently abled.

]]> Episode 65: What happens when people think they know your organization but they don’t? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/65 9a45ef52-c343-4355-abc8-1e23d794a1f5 Wed, 27 May 2020 07:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Sarah Durham and Teresa Younger discuss shifting brand perceptions. 20:58 no What happens when people hang on to an old idea of your organization? Learn how Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, shaped and advanced a well-known brand. nonprofit, brand perceptions, branding, Ms Foundation, women What happens when people hang on to an old idea of your organization? Learn how Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, shaped and advanced a well-known brand.

]]> What happens when people hang on to an old idea of your organization? Learn how Teresa Younger, CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women, shaped and advanced a well-known brand.

]]> Episode 57: What should your nonprofit’s communications really achieve? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/57 ea335a33-7ebe-4ad5-b34a-d208724004e3 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 07:00:00 -0500 Big Duck full Big Duck Sarah Durham’s new book, The Nonprofit Communications Engine, explains what nonprofit communications teams can actually deliver and what they need to be successful. 6:47 no Big Duck’s latest book, The Nonprofit Communications Engine (https://amzn.to/2Tc6GOL), outlines a simple model for nonprofit communicators and leaders that makes it easier for them to leverage communications in order to advance their mission. Nonprofit CEOs and staff who manage communications can use this book to set clearer goals, guide their planning and activities, identify gaps in their expertise, and discover opportunities to strengthen their communications. In this podcast, Sarah Durham breaks it down. nonprofit, nonprofit communications, branding, teams, mission Big Duck’s latest book, The Nonprofit Communications Engine, outlines a simple model for nonprofit communicators and leaders that makes it easier for them to leverage communications in order to advance their mission. Nonprofit CEOs and staff who manage communications can use this book to set clearer goals, guide their planning and activities, identify gaps in their expertise, and discover opportunities to strengthen their communications. In this podcast, Sarah Durham breaks it down.

]]> Big Duck’s latest book, The Nonprofit Communications Engine, outlines a simple model for nonprofit communicators and leaders that makes it easier for them to leverage communications in order to advance their mission. Nonprofit CEOs and staff who manage communications can use this book to set clearer goals, guide their planning and activities, identify gaps in their expertise, and discover opportunities to strengthen their communications. In this podcast, Sarah Durham breaks it down.

]]> Episode 28: How can you facilitate better internal communications? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/28 a49f82ae-1fe1-4dfe-804f-1453aa5c75c7 Wed, 30 Jan 2019 08:00:00 -0500 Big Duck full Big Duck 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. 18:15 no Nonprofit leaders must make their vision clear and get everyone—staff, board, and other stakeholders—aligned and motivated to work toward it together. For Wayne Ho, President and CEO of CPC (https://www.cpc-nyc.org/) (Chinese American Planning Council), this means communicating effectively with over 4,000 employees. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Wayne shares three essential rules that guide all of his internal communications. Want to learn more about how Wayne encourages all 4,000 of his staff members to be effective brand ambassadors? Listen here. (https://bigducknyc.com/insights/how-do-we-communicate-without-communications-staff/) branding, brand, nonprofit communications, internal communications, nonprofit brand, brand ambassador, cpc, wayne ho Nonprofit leaders must make their vision clear and get everyone—staff, board, and other stakeholders—aligned and motivated to work toward it together. For Wayne Ho, President and CEO of CPC (Chinese American Planning Council), this means communicating effectively with over 4,000 employees. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Wayne shares three essential rules that guide all of his internal communications.

Want to learn more about how Wayne encourages all 4,000 of his staff members to be effective brand ambassadors? Listen here.

]]> Nonprofit leaders must make their vision clear and get everyone—staff, board, and other stakeholders—aligned and motivated to work toward it together. For Wayne Ho, President and CEO of CPC (Chinese American Planning Council), this means communicating effectively with over 4,000 employees. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Wayne shares three essential rules that guide all of his internal communications.

Want to learn more about how Wayne encourages all 4,000 of his staff members to be effective brand ambassadors? Listen here.

]]> Episode 20: How do you get affiliates to speak with one voice? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/20 9985a768-afe0-477f-bd98-0a8ac2fa873a Wed, 17 Oct 2018 16:30:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck 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. 14:43 no Stephanie Paul, Vice President of Marketing and Development at the American Parkinson Disease Association (https://www.apdaparkinson.org/about-apda/stephanie-paul/) shares how the rebranding process helped APDA unite its 19 local chapters and ensure all had the tools to communicate with one clear voice. branding, nonprofit branding, nonprofit brands, nonprofit communications, APDA, big duck Stephanie Paul, Vice President of Marketing and Development at the American Parkinson Disease Association shares how the rebranding process helped APDA unite its 19 local chapters and ensure all had the tools to communicate with one clear voice.

]]> Stephanie Paul, Vice President of Marketing and Development at the American Parkinson Disease Association shares how the rebranding process helped APDA unite its 19 local chapters and ensure all had the tools to communicate with one clear voice.

]]> Episode 18: Should you fire that lousy board member? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/18 a4cb8374-2a82-4382-b656-d72db9675949 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 12:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck 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. 11:41 no Simone Joyaux, author of “Firing Lousy Board Members,” (https://www.simonejoyaux.com/) and organizational management, development, and fundraising expert tackles what makes a great nonprofit board. She maps out the process of getting smarter about governance and shares the steps nonprofit boards can take right away to begin reflecting, discussing, and reaching consensus about what good governance looks like. communications, nonprofit communications, branding, strategy, youtube, youtube live, digital marketing Simone Joyaux, author of “Firing Lousy Board Members,” and organizational management, development, and fundraising expert tackles what makes a great nonprofit board. She maps out the process of getting smarter about governance and shares the steps nonprofit boards can take right away to begin reflecting, discussing, and reaching consensus about what good governance looks like.

]]> Simone Joyaux, author of “Firing Lousy Board Members,” and organizational management, development, and fundraising expert tackles what makes a great nonprofit board. She maps out the process of getting smarter about governance and shares the steps nonprofit boards can take right away to begin reflecting, discussing, and reaching consensus about what good governance looks like.

]]> Episode 17: How can you facilitate great internal communications? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/17 60107329-1328-40b2-b596-bb11a68385c2 Wed, 05 Sep 2018 15:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Communicating well internally can help your organization communicate well externally. Listen in for useful tools and practices to facilitate productive conversations inside your org. 15:06 no Liz Ricca, Big Duck’s Managing Director, shares tools and practices that can help facilitate great internal communications. She gives tips on how to use organizational values actively as an HR tool and provides a structured feedback exercise you can put into practice to spark meaningful, productive conversations between staff. Listen in. communications, nonprofit communications, branding, strategy, youtube, youtube live, digital marketing Liz Ricca, Big Duck’s Managing Director, shares tools and practices that can help facilitate great internal communications. She gives tips on how to use organizational values actively as an HR tool and provides a structured feedback exercise you can put into practice to spark meaningful, productive conversations between staff. Listen in.

]]> Liz Ricca, Big Duck’s Managing Director, shares tools and practices that can help facilitate great internal communications. She gives tips on how to use organizational values actively as an HR tool and provides a structured feedback exercise you can put into practice to spark meaningful, productive conversations between staff. Listen in.

]]> Episode 16: Should nonprofits rebrand when overhauling their websites? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/16 9b09a044-da57-47a0-8dfc-1f0ab47fe563 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 19:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Should nonprofits squeeze in a full rebrand when their website needs an update? Listen to learn more. 7:15 no Should nonprofits squeeze in a full rebrand when their website needs an update? In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck, outlines the basic order of operations for a successful rebrand process—from the strategic plan to the website overhaul. communications, nonprofit communications, branding, strategy, youtube, youtube live, digital marketing Should nonprofits squeeze in a full rebrand when their website needs an update? In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck, outlines the basic order of operations for a successful rebrand process—from the strategic plan to the website overhaul.

]]> Should nonprofits squeeze in a full rebrand when their website needs an update? In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck, outlines the basic order of operations for a successful rebrand process—from the strategic plan to the website overhaul.

]]> Episode 15: How do you articulate your community’s values? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/15 59a20281-9d4e-4e94-b6f3-b954635d32ae Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Nonprofit leaders have a great opportunity to define their organization’s values by listening to clients and other key constituents in their community. Listen to learn how to shape your values collaboratively. 15:54 no Cecilia Clarke, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Community Foundation, shares her experiences listening to over 1,000 community members about their vision for Brooklyn, and how those insights helped redefine their work and organizational values. She also shares tips on how to articulate your nonprofit’s values and get to the underlying why of your work. communications, nonprofit communications, branding, strategy, youtube, youtube live, digital marketing Cecilia Clarke, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Community Foundation, shares her experiences listening to over 1,000 community members about their vision for Brooklyn, and how those insights helped redefine their work and organizational values. She also shares tips on how to articulate your nonprofit’s values and get to the underlying why of your work.

]]> Cecilia Clarke, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Community Foundation, shares her experiences listening to over 1,000 community members about their vision for Brooklyn, and how those insights helped redefine their work and organizational values. She also shares tips on how to articulate your nonprofit’s values and get to the underlying why of your work.

]]> Episode 14: Can we engage audiences with YouTube Live? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/14 83911898-d817-4762-91c5-fbcd10993a49 Wed, 01 Aug 2018 10:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Sharing information and starting conversations online are powerful ways nonprofits can engage new audiences. Listen to learn more about a burgeoning platform in the nonprofit space—YouTube live. 10:28 no Elianne Ramos, Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs at National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and prior Latino Digital Coalitions Desk for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, shares her experiences launching and maintaining a YouTube Live platform for her organization. She discusses the benefits of YouTube Live in helping maintain consistent, digestible, and shareable communications that tie together all threads of her organization’s work, what it takes for nonprofits to start their own, and more. communications, nonprofit communications, branding, strategy, youtube, youtube live, digital marketing Elianne Ramos, Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs at National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and prior Latino Digital Coalitions Desk for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, shares her experiences launching and maintaining a YouTube Live platform for her organization. She discusses the benefits of YouTube Live in helping maintain consistent, digestible, and shareable communications that tie together all threads of her organization’s work, what it takes for nonprofits to start their own, and more.

]]> Elianne Ramos, Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs at National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and prior Latino Digital Coalitions Desk for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, shares her experiences launching and maintaining a YouTube Live platform for her organization. She discusses the benefits of YouTube Live in helping maintain consistent, digestible, and shareable communications that tie together all threads of her organization’s work, what it takes for nonprofits to start their own, and more.

]]> Episode 13: Should we digitize our brand guide? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/13 00ff5b3c-a032-41d0-bf90-2560a19aedf8 Tue, 24 Jul 2018 16:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Brand guides contain everything you need to write and design on behalf of your nonprofit, and many organizations are beginning to digitize them. Listen to learn more about the pros of digital brand guides. 7:18 no In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast Claire Taylor Hansen, one of Big Duck’s Art Directors, shares digital brand guide trends and best practices in the nonprofit and for-profit worlds and offers suggestions for keeping your brand guide alive. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast Claire Taylor Hansen, one of Big Duck’s Art Directors, shares digital brand guide trends and best practices in the nonprofit and for-profit worlds and offers suggestions for keeping your brand guide alive.

]]> In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast Claire Taylor Hansen, one of Big Duck’s Art Directors, shares digital brand guide trends and best practices in the nonprofit and for-profit worlds and offers suggestions for keeping your brand guide alive.

]]> Episode 12: What makes a great nonprofit tagline? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/12 98f6dad2-ce16-4ca1-a778-9a84b82a2fda Wed, 11 Jul 2018 01:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck A tagline can’t communicate everything, but it can fill in gaps left by the name and logo and help express your brand. Tune in for new ways of thinking about your organization’s tagline. 14:04 no Dan Gunderman, Big Duck’s Creative Director, tells all about taglines. Dan defines what taglines are, the function they serve in a nonprofit’s brand, and shares tips for crafting a tagline that is simple, meaningful, and truly unique to your organization. Dan Gunderman, Big Duck’s Creative Director, tells all about taglines. Dan defines what taglines are, the function they serve in a nonprofit’s brand, and shares tips for crafting a tagline that is simple, meaningful, and truly unique to your organization.

]]> Dan Gunderman, Big Duck’s Creative Director, tells all about taglines. Dan defines what taglines are, the function they serve in a nonprofit’s brand, and shares tips for crafting a tagline that is simple, meaningful, and truly unique to your organization.

]]> Episode 10: What words should you avoid? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/10 1533a842-0981-44c5-887c-d95da29f87d9 Wed, 27 Jun 2018 08:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Lila Tublin, one of Big Duck’s copywriters, uncovers words, phrases, jargon, and pronouns(!) nonprofit communicators should think carefully about before using, gleaned from our popular “Words to Avoid” annual blog, plus shares tips to ensure your writing is clear and easy to understand no matter what. Click play to tune in. 10:24 no Word choices are important! Tune in to learn what words and phrases nonprofit communicators should avoid, gleaned from our popular “Words to Avoid” annual blog, plus tips for making more thoughtful language choices. Word choices are important! Tune in to learn what words and phrases nonprofit communicators should avoid, gleaned from our popular “Words to Avoid” annual blog, plus tips for making more thoughtful language choices.

]]> Word choices are important! Tune in to learn what words and phrases nonprofit communicators should avoid, gleaned from our popular “Words to Avoid” annual blog, plus tips for making more thoughtful language choices.

]]> Episode 9: Why is it so hard to raise awareness? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/9 afcec32b-e25b-4217-abc2-a4c341293d1c Wed, 13 Jun 2018 08:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck To successfully increase their organization’s visibility through campaigns, nonprofit leaders need to ensure they’re grounded in strategy—with concrete goals, audiences, and actions in mind. 8:40 no To successfully increase their organization’s visibility through campaigns, nonprofit leaders need to ensure they’re grounded in strategy—with concrete goals, audiences, and actions in mind. To successfully increase their organization’s visibility through campaigns, nonprofit leaders need to ensure they’re grounded in strategy—with concrete goals, audiences, and actions in mind.

]]> To successfully increase their organization’s visibility through campaigns, nonprofit leaders need to ensure they’re grounded in strategy—with concrete goals, audiences, and actions in mind.

]]> Episode 8: How are organizational values and personality different? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/8 6bcc8bf2-7403-41ce-bb59-f10d3bde7c9d Wed, 30 May 2018 08:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Organizational values and brand personality are related but very different, and often get confused. We’ll define and differentiate them in this podcast. 12:07 no Organizational values and brand personality are related but very different, and often get confused. We’ll define and differentiate them in this podcast. Organizational values and brand personality are related but very different, and often get confused. We’ll define and differentiate them in this podcast.

]]> Organizational values and brand personality are related but very different, and often get confused. We’ll define and differentiate them in this podcast.

]]> Episode 7: Are events and galas still effective? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/7 9d0b5f01-ad0c-41bb-ac56-844f4a669aaf Wed, 16 May 2018 11:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck 12:25 no Special events and annual galas may no longer be a nonprofit’s best bet for fundraising. Why? The world is changing rapidly—and so are audiences’ expectations. Tune in to learn more. Special events and annual galas may no longer be a nonprofit’s best bet for fundraising. Why? The world is changing rapidly—and so are audiences’ expectations. Tune in to learn more.

]]> Special events and annual galas may no longer be a nonprofit’s best bet for fundraising. Why? The world is changing rapidly—and so are audiences’ expectations. Tune in to learn more.

]]> Episode 5: How can nonprofits use photography well? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/5 d47f9aa7-0090-4cbe-8d57-6bcd6c63561b Wed, 25 Apr 2018 13:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck 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. 8:19 no Photography is an excellent way for organizations to show rather than tell. Tune in for tips and insights on how to invest in great photography on a budget. Photography is an excellent way for organizations to show rather than tell. Tune in for tips and insights on how to invest in great photography on a budget.

]]> Photography is an excellent way for organizations to show rather than tell. Tune in for tips and insights on how to invest in great photography on a budget.

]]> Episode 4: How do we communicate without communications staff? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/4 b4cb165d-5aa3-4205-b593-14322661f809 Wed, 11 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Having a dedicated communications team is out of reach for many nonprofits, but the need to communicate effectively to external audiences is still there. This episode of the Smart Communications Podcast features a conversation with Wayne Ho, President and CEO of CPC, a large social services organization located in NYC. Out of CPC’s 4,000 employees, none have “communications” in their job title. Listen in to find out how Wayne encourages all staff to be effective brand ambassadors. 12:18 no Having a dedicated communications team is out of reach for many nonprofits, but the need to communicate effectively to external audiences is still there. This episode of the Smart Communications Podcast features a conversation with Wayne Ho, President and CEO of CPC, a large social services organization located in NYC. Out of CPC’s 4,000 employees, none have “communications” in their job title. Listen in to find out how Wayne encourages all staff to be effective brand ambassadors. Having a dedicated communications team is out of reach for many nonprofits, but the need to communicate effectively to external audiences is still there. This episode of the Smart Communications Podcast features a conversation with Wayne Ho, President and CEO of CPC, a large social services organization located in NYC. Out of CPC’s 4,000 employees, none have “communications” in their job title. Listen in to find out how Wayne encourages all staff to be effective brand ambassadors.

]]> Having a dedicated communications team is out of reach for many nonprofits, but the need to communicate effectively to external audiences is still there. This episode of the Smart Communications Podcast features a conversation with Wayne Ho, President and CEO of CPC, a large social services organization located in NYC. Out of CPC’s 4,000 employees, none have “communications” in their job title. Listen in to find out how Wayne encourages all staff to be effective brand ambassadors.

]]> Episode 3: What's the board's role in branding? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/3 5e7959ea-f915-4b9a-8638-dd7d1ae54349 Mon, 02 Apr 2018 14:00:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Figuring out the right people to have in the rebranding process at the right time is a real struggle. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Big Duck’s VP, Farra Trompeter, and Big Duck’s CEO, Sarah Durham, share their experiences leading nonprofit rebrands and serving as nonprofit board members, plus provide expert recommendations for defining the board’s role in branding. 11:31 no Figuring out the right people to have in the rebranding process at the right time is a real struggle. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Big Duck’s VP, Farra Trompeter, and Big Duck’s CEO, Sarah Durham, share their experiences leading nonprofit rebrands and serving as nonprofit board members, plus provide expert recommendations for defining the board’s role in branding. Figuring out the right people to have in the rebranding process at the right time is a real struggle. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Big Duck’s VP, Farra Trompeter, and Big Duck’s CEO, Sarah Durham, share their experiences leading nonprofit rebrands and serving as nonprofit board members, plus provide expert recommendations for defining the board’s role in branding.

]]> Figuring out the right people to have in the rebranding process at the right time is a real struggle. In this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Big Duck’s VP, Farra Trompeter, and Big Duck’s CEO, Sarah Durham, share their experiences leading nonprofit rebrands and serving as nonprofit board members, plus provide expert recommendations for defining the board’s role in branding.

]]> Episode 2: When is it okay to use jargon? https://bigduck.fireside.fm/2 75f33463-9585-4f39-9117-30bcdf328520 Mon, 02 Apr 2018 13:45:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck Generally, we recommend avoiding jargon. But in this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Dan Gunderman, Big Duck’s Creative Director, sits down with Sarah Durham, Big Duck’s CEO, to discuss when nonprofits communicators should embrace industry-specific language. 6:46 no Generally, we recommend avoiding jargon. But in this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Dan Gunderman, Big Duck’s Creative Director, sits down with Sarah Durham, Big Duck’s CEO, to discuss when nonprofits communicators should embrace industry-specific language. Generally, we recommend avoiding jargon. But in this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Dan Gunderman, Big Duck’s Creative Director, sits down with Sarah Durham, Big Duck’s CEO, to discuss when nonprofits communicators should embrace industry-specific language.

]]> Generally, we recommend avoiding jargon. But in this episode of the Smart Communications Podcast, Dan Gunderman, Big Duck’s Creative Director, sits down with Sarah Durham, Big Duck’s CEO, to discuss when nonprofits communicators should embrace industry-specific language.

]]> Episode 1: Welcome to the Smart Communications Podcast! https://bigduck.fireside.fm/1 02988738-0967-488e-a1be-111415fccd71 Mon, 02 Apr 2018 13:30:00 -0400 Big Duck full Big Duck 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. 1:51 no 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 is hosted by Sarah Durham (https://bigducknyc.com/about/sarah-durham), CEO of Big Duck (https://bigducknyc.com/) and produced by Marcus DePaula. Our music is by Broke for Free (https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gCVozH1XRcgWBHJxsuCDY). 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 is hosted by Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck and produced by Marcus DePaula. Our music is by Broke for Free.

]]> 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 is hosted by Sarah Durham, CEO of Big Duck and produced by Marcus DePaula. Our music is by Broke for Free.

]]>