Allison Carney Consulting

Author: ahcarney

  • The Easy Elevator Pitch for your Nonprofit (Part 2)

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    Last week, I shared a simple equation for making an easy elevator pitch for your nonprofit. Take a quick look at that post before reading this one. We all know that creating a plan is half the battle. Implementing is where it can get very tricky. This blog post will detail how to implement it…

  • The Easy Elevator Pitch for your Nonprofit (Part 1)

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    There is one question that can strike fear into a nonprofit employee’s heart. “Oh and what does your nonprofit do?” We all know, of course, what we do. But everyone’s answer may be a little different.  And there is nothing worse than hearing a board member or volunteer’s response and immediately thinking, “Where did THAT…

  • 4 Easy Things You Can Do to Measure Your Nonprofit’s Communications

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    In PR, variables and exceptions go on forever. There’s no one answer to any question, and there really aren’t any blanket statements that help your nonprofit (except maybe don’t give your social media passwords to your intern). So when a nonprofit wants to improve their communications, it takes some research. There are too many variables…

  • Nonprofits Are All the Same (and Other Totally, Definitely True Things)

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    A few years ago, I was working with an organization which was having trouble with messaging, and I brought in a few communications firms to pitch a rebranding campaign. At the end of one such pitch, I asked what type of research they proposed doing. They responded with, “Well, we’ve worked with many nonprofits, so…

  • Happily Ever After: Why Nonprofits Should Commit to Communications

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    It has become common knowledge all nonprofits need to invest in communications. At the very minimum, they need to have a website and some messaging. Steps above that may include social media, traditional media relations, branding, e-mail marketing, and much more. But many of these investments are made as a big, one-time investment (i.e. “We need…

  • Why Millennials Are Not your Target Audience

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    Every organization is looking to reach more people. Companies are looking for more clients, nonprofits are looking for donors, and millennials (people aged 18-33) seem like a great target group. But there’s one problem. Just like all 60 year-olds are not the same, neither are 30 year-olds. Millennials are not an audience. There are about 92 million…

  • 4 Questions to Ask When Redesigning your Nonprofit Website

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    This week, I was writing some recommendations for an organization on the design of their new website. It had a beautiful look and feel, but the content was rather disorganized and confusing. And the truth is, it’s easy to find yourself in a similar situation. While there are many low-cost website options (WordPress, SquareSpace, Wix, etc.), most nonprofits don’t…

  • When the Protagonist Isn’t a White Kid

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    I spent a year in India between 2008 and 2009. I was conducting research, taking classes, and teaching at schools. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed my time abroad. In fact, I frequently say the exact opposite. But I wanted to travel and the program in India fit the bill, so I went. While there I…

  • 3 Ways To Not Talk About Ebola

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    Ebola is a terrifying disease. Its mortality rate is about 50%, and it is currently contained (except for a few cases) to West African countries such as DRC, Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. A deluge of articles has followed this outbreak from news outlets around the world. Many are good, unbiased pieces that help inform…

  • Noteworthy Articles on October 6th

    —

    by

    ahcarney
    in

    Here is a roundup of articles I think are worth the read: Social Impact Bonds: Getting Better at Doing Good by the Boston Globe Interesting article about some social impact bond impact in Boston “A vibrant economy needs an active third sector” – charities tell Osborne by the Guardian Article on the feedback from the…