Rewind: When You Should (And Shouldn't) Rebrand Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies For Social Impact podcast

29:39

Nonprofit leaders constantly hear that diversifying revenue streams is the key to financial stability. But what if that advice isn't the whole story? Research shows that 90% of high-growth nonprofits rely on a single dominant funding source. Does that mean nonprofits should double down on one funding stream—or is there a smarter way to approach fundraising? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down the real reasons some nonprofits scale while others stay stuck, the risks and rewards of focusing on a single revenue source, and how to strike the right balance between specialization and financial security. If your organization has struggled to gain traction, this conversation is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction – The surprising secret behind high-growth nonprofits [02:06] Diversification vs. specialization – Why common advice might be flawed [04:52] The power of focus – How narrowing your fundraising can fuel growth [08:15] Case Study: American Kidney Fund – A nonprofit that 10X’d revenue by shifting its funding strategy [12:43] The scaling challenge – Why growing nonprofits struggle with funding transitions [15:59] The reality of small donor programs – Why they’re harder to scale than many expect [18:51] When to kill an experiment – How to know when a funding strategy isn’t working [24:09] Deep partnerships vs. shallow diversification – The value of transformational funders [26:54] Should you grow at all? – Rethinking what growth means for your nonprofit Resources: Article - SSIR - How Nonprofits Get Really Big Article - SSIR - Ten Nonprofit Funding Models Article - Why Social Impact Brands Struggle to Attract, Grow, and Retain Revenue Article - How to Create the Conditions for Sustainable Revenue Article - From Starvation to Sustainability: Rethinking Revenue in Social Impact American Kidney Fund Podcast - How to Stop Planning and Start Doing Article - Want Foundations to Fund Your Work? Speak Their Language. Here's How. Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
Rethinking Failure in Social Impact 34:53

12天之前34:53

34:53

Failure isn’t just a possibility in social impact work — it’s inevitable. But are we failing constructively? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan break down the difference between constructive failure and harmful failure, and why embracing the right kind of failure is essential for innovation, leadership, and long-term impact. From team dynamics and funding challenges to moonshot thinking and psychological safety, this conversation will shift your perspective on what it truly means to fail — and how to fail forward without losing trust, credibility, or momentum for your organization. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction – Why failure is a complex, layered topic in social impact. [02:20] Why Failure Is Good (But Hard to Embrace) – The role of failure in learning, growth, and innovation—and why so many organizations resist it. [07:39] When Failure Has Real Consequences – Understanding the stakes of failure in the nonprofit sector and why some organizations can’t afford to take big risks. [12:59] Good vs. Bad Failure – Breaking down the difference between constructive failure that drives progress and failure that erodes trust and credibility. [16:08] Learning from Failure: The 4-Day Workweek Experiment – How Cosmic tested, failed, and adapted their approach to a 4-day workweek—without backtracking on their vision. [23:40] How Leaders Can Create a Culture That Supports Failure – Practical steps for building psychological safety and making failure a tool for growth instead of a risk to avoid. [29:34] Why Failure Should Be an Experiment, Not a Guess – Taking a scientific approach to failure, how funders can support responsible risk-taking, and why experimentation leads to real innovation. Quotes: "Failure is really just built into evolution, our humanity, the way physics and the world and science work at large. To not embrace it constructively, I think is just a big mistake." – Eric [02:20] "Being able, more importantly, to look failure in the eye—not just acknowledge it and move past it, but stand in the mirror and look at this failure and really let it sink in." – Jonathan [04:10] "It's really easy to talk about failure when you're not the one who's failing." – Eric [07:39] "Failure isn’t good carte blanche. We’re not out here preaching ‘go fail at everything.’ There are versions of failure that I don’t accept." – Jonathan [20:09] "If you never fail, you're not reaching far enough." – Eric [14:06] Resources: Article - The Benefits of a 4 Day Work Week For Social Impact Organizations Article - In Defense of Moonshots: True Social Innovation Requires Taking Risks Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

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The Last Messaging Framework You’ll Ever Need 33:24

19天之前33:24

33:24

If you’ve ever felt like your messaging isn’t quite landing — like people don’t get it or aren’t inspired to take action — you’re not alone. We hear it all the time: “We’re struggling to tell our story.” But here’s the thing: your story isn’t the story that matters most. The real question is: How do you craft messaging that actually moves people? In this episode of Designing Tomorrow, we’re breaking down the last messaging framework you’ll ever need. We cover: The biggest messaging mistake most nonprofits and social enterprises make Why clarity beats complexity—and how to simplify without losing depth How to reframe your messaging to make your audience the hero The five key pillars of messaging that inspires action A real-time messaging workshop where we apply this framework live By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, practical framework to refine your messaging, cut through the noise, and drive real impact. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction – The No. 1 messaging struggle we hear from social impact leaders. [02:26] The coherence problem – Why your messaging feels all over the place. [02:45] Stop being vague – How unclear, academic language turns people away. [03:36] Shift the narrative – Why your organization’s story isn’t the most important one. [05:04] What does success look like? – The messaging shift that changes everything. [06:18] Articulating the problem – Making your cause relevant and urgent. [08:10] Know your audience – How to align your message with what people care about. [10:19] Paint a vivid vision – Why great messaging starts with a powerful, clear vision. [11:56] The power of a point of view – Why your philosophy shapes your messaging. [13:14] Voice, tone, and personality – The secret to making your messaging feel human. [19:48] Live messaging workshop – Real-time messaging strategy in action. [31:40] Key takeaways – The essential pillars of messaging that move people. Quotes: “Your story is not really the story you want to be telling. The story you want to be telling or planting seeds around is how can you get involved in helping us move our mission forward?” – Eric Ressler [03:36] “I think also another thing that can happen is that we try to capture too many ideas or too many perspectives or too many audiences all and try to just get it all into one thing. And then what we end up with is a word or a phrase that doesn't actually really mean anything.” – Jonathan Hicken [02:26] “The hardest thing to do, and I've tried, is to get AI to capture your voice. That is really hard.” – Eric Ressler [13:14] “I mean, the seminal example of a vision statement is Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.” – Jonathan Hicken [10:19] “Can you imagine a world where young children are not scared of climate change but motivated to actually participate in the solution?” – Eric Ressler [29:38] Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
The Changing Work Culture in Social Impact 37:25

26天之前37:25

37:25

The way we work is changing — fast. Remote work, shifting boundaries, and evolving expectations have reshaped what it means to work in the social impact sector. But are nonprofits keeping up? In this episode, Jonathan and Eric dive into the unique challenges mission-driven organizations face in building a sustainable, healthy work culture. From balancing remote flexibility with team cohesion to tackling burnout in a sector known for overwork, they explore what leaders must do to attract and retain top talent while staying true to their mission. Plus, Jonathan issues a challenge to nonprofit leaders: Can we be the best at work-life balance? Episode Highlights: [00:00] The Work Culture Shift How expectations around work have fundamentally changed Why nonprofits struggle with remote and hybrid models [01:00] Jonathan’s Story: Fired for Remote Work The personal experience that shaped his perspective on workplace flexibility Why remote work remains more challenging for social impact organizations [04:07] The Benefits & Drawbacks of Remote Work Eric’s experience running a fully remote creative agency How remote work can improve deep focus but challenge collaboration [10:29] The Energy of Mission-Driven Teams Can remote teams maintain the passion that fuels social impact work? The hidden costs of losing in-person connection [15:29] The Tech & Infrastructure Challenge Why some nonprofits struggle with digital transformation How tech gaps impact remote and hybrid team success [21:43] Remote Fundraising: Does It Work? Can major donor relationships thrive without in-person connection? What nonprofits can learn from virtual client relationships in other sectors [26:57] More Than Just Remote Work: The Bigger Shift Work-life balance, burnout, and rethinking work as identity Why social impact leaders must prioritize a sustainable work culture [35:27] A Challenge for Nonprofit Leaders Jonathan’s call to action: Nonprofits should lead in work culture How flexibility and balance can be a competitive advantage Quotes: "The biggest challenge for social impact teams? So much of our work is fueled by passion. Remote work makes that harder." — Jonathan Hicken [09:43] "People are no longer willing to sacrifice their entire personal life for work—and that’s a good recalibration." — Eric Ressler [27:38] "If we can’t pay the highest salaries, we must lead in work culture. Let’s be the best at balance." — Jonathan Hicken [35:27] Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

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Why Confident Leaders Build Stronger Organizations 25:01

5 weeks之前25:01

25:01

Confidence: it’s one of the most critical traits for effective leadership, but also one of the trickiest to master. In this episode of Designing Tomorrow , Eric and Jonathan dive into what it truly means to embody confidence as a social impact leader. From personal struggles with self-doubt to lessons on humility, resilience, and overconfidence, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the realities of leadership in nonprofit and social enterprise sectors. How can confidence breed success? When does it go too far? And most importantly, how can you build confidence in yourself, your team, and your organization? Tune in for actionable insights, relatable stories, and a fresh take on leadership growth. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction: Eric introduces the theme of confidence and why it’s essential for social impact leaders. [00:08] The Struggle with Self-Doubt: Jonathan shares how he’s often questioned his ability to lead major projects. [00:17] Why Confidence Matters: Eric explains how indecision and lack of confidence can undermine effective leadership. [00:33] Confidence ≠ Arrogance: Jonathan emphasizes that confidence and humility can coexist, and being confident doesn’t mean being an "asshole." [00:40] The Paradox of Expertise: Eric reflects on how experience reveals how much there is still to learn. [05:43] Embracing Growth Zones: Eric’s story of “faking it until making it” and how leaders can thrive outside their comfort zones. [09:13] When Confidence Goes Too Far: Exploring the pitfalls of overconfidence, from cockiness to overreliance on charismatic leaders. [21:17] Building Organizational Confidence: The role of strong branding, strategy, and structure in creating sustainable success. [24:02] Closing Thoughts: Why confidence, when cultivated authentically, is a leadership superpower—and how it can benefit your entire organization. Resources: David C. Baker Podcast - Designing a Purpose and Strategy with Eric Ressler Article - In Defense of Moonshots: True Social Innovation Requires Taking Risks Article - 3 Signs That It's Time to Hire a Creative Agency Article - How to Defeat the 3 Toughest Challenges All Nonprofits Face Article - Define Your Social Impact Niche to Build a Brand That Matters Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

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The Right Way to Align Marketing and Fundraising 33:26

6 weeks之前33:26

33:26

Marketing and fundraising are the lifeblood of social impact organizations. But too often, they're working in silos, disconnected, or even at odds with each other. This is a huge problem. Because when these two critical functions aren't aligned, it hurts your ability to build trust with donors, limits your fundraising potential, and ultimately reduces your impact. In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, Jonathan and Eric dig into this age-old disconnect and uncover the strategies that successful organizations use to get marketing and fundraising working in harmony. We explore how aligning these departments can: → Amplify your overall impact → Increase donor trust and engagement → Help you achieve your social mission more effectively If your marketing and fundraising teams aren't collaborating effectively — or at all — this conversation will inspire you to fix that. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction: Why marketing and fundraising often operate in silos—and why it’s a problem. [00:14] A Powerful Metaphor: Jonathan compares marketing and fundraising to an orchestra’s melody and rhythm. [01:21] Core Responsibilities of Marketing vs. Fundraising: Eric and Jonathan define the primary functions of each team. [05:04] The Biggest Mistakes: Common pitfalls organizations make when these teams fail to align. [10:24] Shared Metrics for Success: How marketing and fundraising can measure success together. [13:45] The Role of Leadership: Why leaders must foster collaboration and set shared goals. [21:08] Strategies for Integration: Practical steps to align these two functions for maximum impact. [29:00] Key Takeaways: Final advice for nonprofit and social enterprise leaders. Resources: Article - From Starvation to Sustainability: Rethinking Revenue in Social Impact Whitepaper - Going All In: A Digital-First Guide to Sustained Nonprofit Fundraising Article - How to Differentiate Campaign Messaging for Major Donors vs. Grassroots Supporters Article - How to Increase Supporter and Donor Action Using an Engagement Pyramid Article - 8 Reasons Why Donors Aren’t Giving on Your Nonprofit’s Website Journey Maps Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

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The Art and Science of Trust Building 39:03

7 weeks之前39:03

39:03

Trust is not a given — it’s earned. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan explore how trust is shifting away from institutions and toward relationships, and why that’s reshaping the way nonprofits and social impact organizations must operate. You’ll gain insights on: The hidden power of impact storytelling and why nonprofits often overlook it. The five pillars of trust backed by science—and how to apply them. Why relationships are overtaking institutions as trust-builders. The surprising tension between vulnerability and expertise for leaders. Practical strategies to foster trust internally with your team and externally with your supporters. This episode will challenge your assumptions about trust and help you build stronger, more authentic connections — whether you're a nonprofit leader, social enterprise founder, or someone passionate about creating lasting impact. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Introduction Eric and Jonathan introduce the theme: Why trust isn’t a safe assumption anymore. [01:33] Declining Trust in Institutions A startling stat: Only 22% of Americans trust the federal government (2024). Nonprofits are more trusted than many institutions—but trust is still declining. [02:38] The Art of Trust Building How “first impressions” of your brand—like your website or emails—shape trust. Subconscious cues that determine whether someone engages or walks away. [05:08] Micro vs. Macro Trust Smaller organizations thrive on personal relationships, but big brands often have institutional trust built over time. Why your brand must back up individual relationships with authentic messaging. [08:10] Where Is Trust Going? Trust is shifting from organizations to relationships. Why larger digital-first organizations may face unique challenges in this new trust dynamic. [12:01] Impact Storytelling: The Trust Superpower Why nonprofits underinvest in storytelling—and why it’s their most powerful trust-building tool. Balancing emotional stories with transparent statistics and outcomes. [13:50] The Science of Trust The 5 pillars of trust: reliability, transparency, competence, vulnerability, and empathy. Why setting expectations is key to being perceived as reliable and trustworthy. [24:56] Internal Trust with Teams Building trust within your staff through recognition, autonomy, and support. How to find the right balance between freedom and structure for different employees. [33:57] Leadership Vulnerability When—and how—to show vulnerability as a leader without undermining trust. The importance of intentionality and transparency when connecting with your team. [37:48] Final Thoughts Trust is an ongoing process, not a finish line. It’s an art and a science—and it deserves your full attention. Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

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Why Your Team Is Losing Motivation—and How to Stop It. 35:15

8 weeks之前35:15

35:15

How do you keep your team energized, engaged, and aligned—especially in the demanding world of social impact? Passion and purpose are key, but they’re not enough on their own. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan unpack the essential elements of team motivation, exploring why some teams thrive while others stall, and revealing the missing ingredient in traditional approaches to workplace fulfillment. Plus, hear how strategies like impact storytelling, feedback systems, and even gym breaks can transform your culture and keep burnout at bay. Ready to inspire your team? Let’s get into it. Episode Highlights: [00:00] Opening Thoughts The unique challenges and opportunities for social impact leaders. [03:41] Breaking Down Team Motivation The differences between highly motivated teams and struggling ones. [06:16] Adding Balance to the Equation How burnout is more than just a workload issue—it’s a balance issue. [08:06] Meaning and Impact: Telling Your Story Jonathan’s new strategy: tasking a team member with collecting 30 impact stories a year. [12:05] Individual Roles Matter How to build motivation by recognizing the unique value of every team member. [17:48] Compensation: A Foundational Factor A quick reminder: pay matters, and it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle. [18:06] Passion Plans: A New Idea for Leaders Jonathan’s concept of “passion plans” to help employees deepen their connection to the work. [24:33] Can You Nurture Other Parts of Your Life? How balance and personal growth amplify professional motivation. [30:32] Leadership’s Role in Motivation Motivation is personal: How leaders can uncover individual drivers. [34:03] Closing Reflections Resources: Ikigai Diagram Unexpected Ways a Rebrand Can Supercharge Your Team Culture Your Theory of Change isn't finished until your Grandma can understand it. 8 Ways To Make Your Nonprofit Storytelling Stand Out How to use Crowdsourcing to Fuel Your Nonprofit's Digital Content Strategy Why Most Activation Plans Fail and How to Fix Yours. The Benefits of a 4 Day Work Week Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
Rewind: When You Should (And Shouldn't) Rebrand 30:32

9 weeks之前30:32

30:32

Rewind: This episode was orginally published in Season 2, Episode 1. New episodes from Season 3 will continue to publish next week. — You probably shouldn’t rebrand your social impact organization. Except, of course, when you really should . (wait, what?) Because when the conditions are right, a rebrand can be one of the most powerful ways to reach your mission faster. But how do you know when it’s the right time to invest in a rebrand? Let’s be real: a rebrand is a big swing move. And it’s a tempting play to run when: ↳ You aren’t making the impact you need to ↳ You can’t seem to get your story or message across ↳ You aren’t getting engagement from customers or donors ↳ Your current brand feels dusty and dissonant BUT There are times when you absolutely, positively, shouldn’t do a rebrand. And if you try to push one through anyway, the results can be disastrous and might even cause a huge backlash from your community of supporters. In this week’s Episode of Designing Tomorrow , Jonathan and Eric discuss how you know if it’s the right time to invest in a rebrand for your social impact org. And maybe even more importantly, what to watch out for to make sure you are ready to make the most of it. Episode Highlights [00:00] – Introduction to the topic of rebranding social impact organizations. [01:07] – The importance of rebranding as a significant investment. [03:04] – The role of rebranding during organizational growth or inflection points. [05:20] – Rebranding as a solution for organizations stuck in a stagnation loop. [08:19] – Rebranding during large strategic shifts and the concept of nonprofit life cycles. [09:01] – Addressing outdated branding and content strategies. [12:02] – The importance of effectively communicating your story to supporters. [14:45] - Discusses the pitfalls of rebranding without a clear strategy or measurable ROI. [15:22] - Emphasizes the importance of having broad support within the organization for a rebrand to avoid pitfalls and ensure effectiveness. [18:29] - Advises on the integration of rebranding efforts with strategic planning for a cohesive approach. [23:44] - Highlights the necessity of adequate resources and long-term planning to sustain a rebrand beyond its initial launch. Resources Article - Dare to Be Bold: Making a Case for Better Social Impact Branding Article - Unexpected Ways a Rebrand Can Supercharge Your Team Culture Article - Navigating a Rebrand: Nine Common Mistakes to Avoid Book - Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
Rewind: How Top Brands Win Your Attention. Every Time. 15:02

10 weeks之前15:02

15:02

REWIND: This episode was originally released in Season 1, Episode 2. New episodes from Season 3 will drop in 2025. — Today, you’ll consume 74GB of information. That’s the equivalent of watching 16 movies. In one day. Our inboxes are overflowing, our social streams are noisy, we doom scroll short form content on apps purpose-built to hijack our attention, designed by the world’s smartest minds. But as the volume of information we consume grows each day, our capacity as humans to focus and make sense of the world remains basically unchanged. And this is the essence of the attention economy—where information is no longer the scarce commodity; instead, our attention is the prize to be won. In today’s episode, we’ll cover What, exactly, the attention economy is and how the world's most successful brands have mastered it to gain an unfair advantage Then, we’ll break down the 4 key pillars these brands use to win in the attention economy and how you can apply them to to your social impact strategy Resources: The Revolution is Digital: A Manifesto for Today’s Social Impact Leader We Are For Good Podcast: How to Grow Your Social Impact in the Attention Economy The ROI of Brand Building 4 Scroll-Stopping Digital Experiences to Inspire Your Nonprofit's Content 3 Must-Have Digital Elements Every Social Impact Organization Needs Community Building Might Not Feel Like Your Core Work, But It Should Be Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
Why Most Activation Plans Fail and How to Fix Yours 40:00

11 weeks之前40:00

40:00

Is your organization struggling to turn awareness into meaningful action? You’ve nailed the brand and the website, but supporters still aren’t stepping up. Why? In this episode, Eric and Jonathan tackle the critical but often overlooked concept of activation: turning passive attention into real-world impact. Whether you’re trying to inspire donations, mobilize volunteers, or drive policy changes, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you succeed. Discover why activation is the hardest—and most important—part of your impact strategy, and how to finally get it right. Episode Highlights: [00:00] What Is Activation? Eric defines activation as "turning attention into action" and explains why it’s the most challenging yet crucial element of any social impact strategy. [02:30] The Three Pillars of Success. Eric outlines the three core pillars of social impact strategy: brand, digital, and activation—and why activation is where most organizations struggle. [06:04] Forms of Activation. From fundraising to advocacy, Jonathan and Eric explore the many ways activation plays out in the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors. [12:10] Modern Content Creation. Eric breaks down the key elements of modern content creation: distribution-first thinking, channel proficiency, and community feedback. [20:18] Evaluation and Iteration. Jonathan and Eric emphasize the importance of continuous improvement in activation efforts and explain how to measure success. [33:16] Starting Small. Jonathan shares how focusing on a single person or small audience can help organizations experiment and refine their activation strategies. [38:01] The Human Factor. Jonathan reflects on what motivates people to act and shares a personal story that reveals the key ingredients of effective activation. Notable Quotes: Eric [00:00]: "Activation is turning attention into action. It’s the hardest part, but it’s also where the magic happens." Jonathan [36:52]: "At the end of the day, we’re convincing human beings to make decisions. How do we make that easy for them?" Resources: City of Marion Public Library Instagram Podcast - Distribution First Mindset - Create LESS Content to Get Better Results Article - How to Increase Supporter and Donor Action Using an Engagement Pyramid Article - Turning Stats Into Stories: Supercharge Your Social Enterprise’s Proof of Impact Podcast - Minimum Viable Strategy - How to Stop Planning and Start Doing Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
Ending Low Pay in the Social Impact Sector 30:28

12 weeks之前30:28

30:28

Low pay the social impact sector is reaching a critical point. Leaders and workers alike are grappling with the harsh realities of compensation in an industry driven by passion and purpose. But at what cost? In the latest episode of Designing Tomorrow , Eric and Jonathan dive deep into this pressing issue, exploring: • The cultural shift around work-life balance and its impact on the sector • Why attracting top talent is crucial for solving intractable social problems • The hidden costs of underpaying staff, from turnover to missed opportunities • Practical solutions for leaders and staff looking to improve compensation They share personal stories and hard-won insights from years in the trenches, challenging conventional wisdom about what's possible when it comes to pay in nonprofits and social enterprises. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your impact career, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the sector's most persistent challenges. Tune in now to join the conversation and learn how we can build a more sustainable, equitable future for social impact work. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to pay inequity in the social impact sector and its consequences for mission-driven organizations. [01:00] - Jonathan shares a personal story about discovering pay disparities at the Seymour Center and his decision to raise wages for key staff. [03:02] - Discussion on the exploitation of passion in nonprofits, where employees sacrifice their wellbeing for the cause. [06:16] - Eric and Jonathan examine why low pay stigmatizes discussions about compensation and its damaging effects on organizational impact. [11:05] - The cost of turnover and how paying fair wages can prevent talent loss, increase organizational stability, and improve mission outcomes. [16:04] - Strategies to address compensation issues, including prioritizing key performers, normalizing pay transparency, and focusing on quality over quantity. [25:17] - The importance of appointing an executive sponsor to lead pay equity initiatives within an organization. Resources: David C. Baker - https://punctuation.com/ Article - How Your Nonprofit Can Escape the Overhead Trap Once and for All Article - Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott Proved Unrestricted Funding Works. Follow Her Lead. Whitepaper - Going All In: A Digital-First Guide to Sustained Nonprofit Fundraising Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
How to Stop Planning and Start Doing 26:55

13 weeks之前26:55

26:55

"Is your strategic plan collecting digital dust?" That's the question every social impact leader needs to ask themselves. We've all been there — investing countless hours and resources into creating the perfect 3-year plan, only to have it sit unused on a shelf. But what if there was a better way? A more agile approach that could energize your team and get your ideas into action? Enter the Minimum Viable Strategy (MVS) framework. In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow , we break down this powerful tool for social impact leaders. We reveal: • The 4 key steps to implementing MVS (and why most organizations get step 3 wrong) • How to avoid "shiny object syndrome" when testing new ideas • Why traditional strategic planning often fails — and how MVS can help fix that • The #1 mistake leaders make when rolling out an experimental approach (hint: it's NOT because the ideas are bad) Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit executive or an emerging social entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you move from analysis paralysis to decisive action. Don't let fear of imperfection hold you back from making progress. Tune in now and learn how to harness the power of MVS to accelerate your impact. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to the concept of Minimum Viable Strategy (MVS), inspired by the tech world's Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach. [03:45] - Eric shares a personal story about overcoming "analysis paralysis" and adopting a bias toward action in his work at Cosmic. [06:50] - Jonathan reflects on applying a version of MVS at Seymour Center, focusing on storytelling experiments for climate resilience. [10:15] - Jonathan adds critical components to the MVS framework, emphasizing the importance of defining learning goals and decision-making triggers. [18:42] - Discussion on pitfalls like "shiny object syndrome" and the need for team capacity to iterate effectively on experimental strategies. Resources: Article - Turn Your Strategic Plan into Actionable Brand and Digital Strategies Video - Demystifying Strategic Planning: Insights from a Seasoned Expert Article - In Defense of Moonshots: True Social Innovation Requires Taking Risks Article - Are you Acting with Courage? Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
Signs You’ve Lost Touch with Your Community 26:46

14 weeks之前26:46

26:46

Are you losing touch with your community? It might be time to reconnect. As social impact leaders, we pour our hearts and souls into our work. But sometimes, in the rush to create change, we can drift away from the very people we're trying to serve. In our latest episode of Designing Tomorrow, we tackle this critical issue head-on. We explore the subtle signs that you might be losing connection with your community and offer practical strategies to rebuild those vital relationships. We dive deep into: • The telltale signs that you're out of sync with your audience • Why staying connected is crucial for your organization's success • Simple yet powerful ways to reconnect, starting today • How to create a culture that celebrates community engagement Whether you're leading a nonprofit, social enterprise, or mission-driven company, this episode is essential listening. We break down exactly how to stay in tune with your community without compromising your vision or watering down your impact. Don't let disconnection derail your mission. Tune in now and learn how to harness the power of authentic community relationships to take your work to the next level. Episode Highlights: [00:09] Staying connected with your community [01:43] The first sign of losing touch: stumbling when explaining who you serve and what problem you're solving [04:25] The second sign: not knowing what your community likes or wants to improve about your product or service [07:28] The third sign: feeling nervous about engaging with or hearing feedback from your community [08:13] The fourth sign: hearing disparaging remarks about your community from your team [10:12] Using community input to guide their design and strategy process [14:16] Community defined as building true relationships through authentic dialogue, beyond transactional methods [15:01] Importance of conversations with customers and not relying solely on structured methods [16:20] Create community groups for continuous feedback and deeper relationships [17:04] Use of journey mapping as a way to understand and connect with customers [18:03] Informal check-ins, like emails or coffee chats, to maintain community engagement [21:06] Measure organizational success based on how the community defines its own success [23:32] Organizational benefits of reducing churn and developing deeper relationships [24:00] Use community feedback can help to shape organizational value and impact Resources: Journey Mapping 101 Community Building Might Not Feel Like Your Core Work, But It Should Be Brand Building: An Authentic Approach to Growing a Fierce Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link. *** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at podcast@designbycosmic.com Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.…

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

1
Getting Community Input Without Getting Derailed 27:16

15 weeks之前27:16