This episode is sponsored by:
I am thrilled to be joined by Seth Donlin, a seasoned marketing and communications coach who helps leaders master the art of authentic storytelling. With decades of experience in journalism, politics, and marketing, Seth now empowers leaders and entrepreneurs to craft compelling narratives that connect, inspire, and grow their impact.
In this episode, we dive into the power of “sticky” stories – those memorable, relatable stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Seth shares practical tips for making your storytelling more authentic, using sensory details to captivate listeners, and building trust with donors through podcasts and speaking opportunities.
In this episode:
- [02:43] Seth Donlin, evil mastermind?
- [04:47] Seth’s journey to becoming a master storyteller
- [07:51] The neuroscience behind why stories bond us
- [10:50] Why everyday stories are more relatable than “big” dramatic ones
- [16:00] What makes a story “sticky” and memorable
- [17:48] Using sensory details to draw your audience in
- [23:02] Authenticity, honesty, and storytelling in the age of AI
- [28:19] Why podcast guesting is a powerful tool for nonprofit leaders
- [36:27] Building confidence to share your story as a podcast guest
- [39:57] Personal vs. private details: how to know what to share
NOTEWORTHY QUOTES
“There’s so many stories in the world, in our lives, and we often don’t make proper use of them.” – Seth Donlin
“It’s the smaller stories in life that are actually the most effective for business storytelling because the thing about those huge stories is they’re very inspiring, but they’re not at all relatable.” – Seth Donlin
“ We want our stories to be sticky so that our audience remembers them and takes that story with them.” – Seth Donlin
RESOURCES
E50: Building Your LinkedIn Presence as a Nonprofit Leader with Tania Bhattacharyya
The EmC Masterclass developed by Dr. Lola Gershfeld is for everyone looking to enhance their communication and collaboration skills to raise more revenue for their mission. This groundbreaking Emotional Connection process has been integrated into top universities’ curriculum and recognized by international organizations like ICF HRCI, and SHRM. Use the code LEADWITHHEART to enjoy a generous 10% discount.
Imagine a fundraising partner that not only helps you raise more money but also supports you in retaining your donors. A partner that helps you raise funds both online AND on-location. Donorbox is a comprehensive suite of tools, services, and resources that gives fundraisers, just like you, a custom solution to tackle your unique challenges. Helping you…help others. Visit donorbox.org to learn more.
CONNECT WITH SETH
LinkedIn: Seth Donlin
Instagram: @seth.donlin
Website: https://www.sethdonlin.com/
CONNECT WITH HALEY
Haley is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Certified Stress Management Coach, and Certified EmC train the trainer. She is the Founder of The Savvy Fundraiser, a nonprofit consulting and coaching business. She has worked in both small and large nonprofit teams in the human services, homelessness, and youth sectors; and she specializes in the EmC process, nonprofit leadership, board development, and fundraising. Haley is a passionate, impact-driven, experienced nonprofit professional whose mission is to empower, elevate and engage nonprofit leaders to build healthy, thriving organizations.
Instagram: @thesavvyfundraiser
LinkedIn: Haley Cooper, CFRE
Website: thesavvyfundraiser.com
This episode is sponsored by Donorbox
As the fundraising engine of choice for over 80,000 organizations in 90+ countries, Donorbox’s easy-to-use fundraising tools help you raise more money in more ways. Seamlessly embed a customizable donation form into your website that reduces donor drop-off with a 4x faster checkout, launch a crowdfunding or peer-to-peer campaign, sell event tickets, raise funds on the go with Donorbox Live™ Kiosk, and much more.
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