Note: Session descriptions outline presentations of up to 90 minutes. All workshops can be tailored to fit other time slots and your specific community needs.

1) Writing to Make a Difference: How to Create Marketing Materials that Get Results

Every day, more community-minded professionals realize the strategic importance of developing outstanding marketing materials – both offline and online. It’s not only a question of building short-term “market share” in the minds of constituents, but it’s also a long-term sustainability issue. As we prepare to undergo a generational shift, expertise in the marketing field is already becoming a crucial leadership skill for professionals of all ages.

In this highly interactive and practical workshop, you will gain first-hand experience in transforming your rough ideas -- or carefully crafted strategic plan -- into winning offline and online materials.

We will cover:

• The essential elements of effective marketing materials
• The top 6 document types to focus on
• What you need to know about your target readers – and how to connect to them

You will get first-hand experience in transforming your strategic plan into outstanding materials that get results. You will also benefit from valuable on-the-spot feedback on your own marketing messages and materials!

This session is ideal for those seeking professional development in the communications arena, as well as those working to build the communications capacity of their staff and volunteers. The workshop can be geared toward beginner or advanced audiences.

This workshop is based on my 2008 book, "Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact." It includes a handout that will serve as a quick reference guide.

2) 10 Tips for Successful Grant Proposals

Learn to "sell" your work to funders with a well-crafted grant proposal! We'll focus on their interests and how best to tell them your story.

We will cover:

• The life cycle of a grant proposal
• The 2P2R Pre-Writing System™: an easy 4-step way to get started
• "Making your case"
• Essential writing tips to remember
• Case study: strengths & weaknesses
• Your questions!

You'll also receive a handout that includes a slew of recommended resources, as well as a checklist to use to review your grant proposals.

3) Casting a Wide 'Net: Websites & E-Newsletters That Get Noticed

These days, if your organization does not have a strong website or enewsletter, you lose countless outreach opportunities. In this workshop, you will learn to create or revamp your e-newsletter or website by implementing effective online storytelling techniques.

We will cover:

• Special characteristics of online writing
• The 2P2R Pre-Writing System™: an easy 4-step way to get started
• The top 5 ways to make your online words work for you
• Real life case studies: strengths & weaknesses
• Checklist of other important things to think about
• Your questions!

You'll also receive a handout that includes a slew of recommended resources.

 

Note: This presentation is best given with at least one Internet-enabled computer and LCD projector.

 

~ For full workshop descriptions contact Dalya Massachi. ~