Category Archives: Social Consciousness

posted by Teresa

Feb 20, 2012 @ 7:00am

Collaboration is the New Competition for Nonprofits

According to the Internal Revenue Service, there were over 1.5 million registered nonprofits as of December 2011, and nearly 60% have revenue of under $100,000. Even if you divided that up equally among all 50 states, that’s 30,000 nonprofits per state.

Take that in for a second.

Nonprofit organizations are filled with the very best people you would ever hope to find: hardworking, passionate, committed to making a difference. Doing everything they can on a daily basis to lessen the negative impact of various social crises. All while fighting the odds of too little time, money and manpower to affect the real kind of change they want to see around their particular issues.

While growth in the nonprofit sector may reflect a more noble nature among us all, the result is increased competition for limited resources. This reality means we’re looking at more nonprofits competing for the same dollars to treat more symptoms — without necessarily solving the underlying problem.

Attacking the root problems that are causing a preponderance of negative social conditions demands not more organizations developing more programs, but more organizations coming together and building the kind of scale that can address the real problem. This type of collaboration can take place in several forms:

  • Nonprofits that partner with each other in community initiatives around an issue
  • Nonprofits that formally merge with other nonprofits that share a similar mission
  • Nonprofits that build programs that can be replicated by other nonprofits in the country

Whatever the model, one thing is certain. We will never break the cycle of social ills that exist in our country until we step out of a parochial, separatist mindset and acknowledge that collaboration is the only way forward. A simple concept, but one that falls short of execution all too often, given too many competing agendas.

I’ll stop at that, and leave you with this look at two models for consideration. Which do you think has the most potential to solve the big problems that plague our communities? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

 

Comment (0)
posted by Cathy

Feb 09, 2012 @ 7:22am

Ethics, Gratitude and Crowson Stone Printing

A lot of water has passed under the proverbial bridge since I first opened the doors of the company now called Riggs Partners. I couldn’t begin to count the relationships that have come and gone in those 25 years: clients, consultants, employees, vendors. But there have been two constants since that very first C.C.Rigg’s day in 1987. Me. And Crowson Stone Printing.

The partnership between an ad agency and a printing company is a significant one. The Riggs/Crowson relationship is built on a foundation of deep trust and mutual respect; in all these years, neither has ever had to look over the other’s shoulder to inspect for quality, ethics, intention. Never.

In 1998, our company founded a little pro bono initiative called CreateAthon. In one phone call, Crowson quickly agreed to become a part of our “printers confederacy,” providing free printing for a number of CreateAthon nonprofits. In 2001, they stepped up with an offer to print it all.

Since then, Crowson Stone has provided free printing for more than 75 CreateAthon clients, with a market value that surely tops the $1,000,000 mark. (We don’t know the exact amount since Crowson doesn’t keep score.) And that number doesn’t take into account the countless projects they produce outside the scope of CreateAthon, either pro bono or at a nonprofit rate. It doesn’t take much of a leap of faith to suggest Crowson is among the most philanthropic companies in their industry. Certainly they are in South Carolina.

The past few years have not been easy for those in the printing business, and Crowson Stone is no exception. In spite of visionary leadership and significant (early) investment in digital, challenge after challenge piled at their door. Still they remained committed to their customers, refusing to compromise on quality, integrity, ethics. Under the leadership of John deLoach, a man among men, they continued to serve their clients with honor.

Like so many who love Crowson Stone, I was beyond happy to learn INDEXX Printing from Greenville, South Carolina, is stepping in with support. I believe this is a good business move for INDEXX, yes. But I also believe  that when they looked at Crowson, INDEXX saw a company with a soul worthy of saving.

Thank you, Crowson Stone, for all you have meant to me, to Riggs Partners, to the Midlands of South Carolina, and to the nonprofits you have served. We owe you a huge debt of gratitude.

And we extend a warm welcome to INDEXX Printing. You have not only demonstrated great business acumen in your partnership with Crowson Stone, you have already served this community well.

the early days at 819 Main Street

Our friend Dick Terry (with Catherine Traywick). For many years, he was the face of Crowson Stone to Riggs.

Hot Off the Press CreateAthon Party at Crowson Stone

Still doing good: John deLoach (l) and John Stiles (r) of CS; Dean Schuster (aka the deanguin) of truematter

Comment (1)
posted by Cathy

Jan 25, 2012 @ 3:39pm

The Rise (and Fall?) of Brand Paula Deen

I find Paula Deen to be utterly magnetic. Her allure goes way beyond charm, I think; I want to hang out with her, to sit on that magnificent Lowcountry porch and dish about the neighbors, to be invited over for Thanksgiving dinner with Michael and the boys. (I would bring Bourbon Cranberry Sauce, and it would be a Big Hit.)

Isn’t that just the effect a really great brand has on you? I can see Paula as part of my life, a celebrity friendship as casual and easy as any meaningful relationship in my life.

So I was heartbroken to watch her appearance on The Today Show last week when she announced the Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis. Not so much because of the disease—I believe she will successfully manage it—but because the entire handling of the announcement was such a debacle.

How I wish I had been Paula Deen’s brand consultant when she learned of the diagnosis three years ago. (Of course, the report that her longtime publicist resigned last month after Paula began hawking a diabetes drug indicates the Food Network star didn’t follow the counsel she received anyway.) But I would have made a powerful pitch to her—one she may never have thought about or considered—and that perspective, I believe, could have changed every misstep that followed.

At issue is the protection of a multi-million dollar brand built around the very culprit in this significant and dangerous health diagnosis: rich, fatty, unhealthful Southern recipes. Paula and her team created an empire promoting comfort food, beginning with The Lady and Sons Savannah, Georgia restaurant, then expanding in every direction—publishing of cookbooks and magazines, multiple television shows, an extensive line of signature cookware, online and retail interests. A heavy consideration in the what do we do about this diagnosis discussion, no doubt, was Dean’s endless array of ”strategic partnerships” with other national brands, including Walmart, Smithfield, Harrah’s, International Greeting and Cooking.com, to name just a few.

Here, apparently, was the Protect the Brand strategy:

  1. Wait three years to publicly announce that she has Type 2 Diabetes, all the while continuing to expand—rather than refining—her brand
  2. Form another strategic partnership, but with a drug company rather than a highly respected, mission-driven nonprofit
  3. Make the diabetes announcement during a live segment on The Today Show, an appearance in which she was (uncharacteristically) nervous and disingenuous

How did a brilliant business woman capable of such extensive brand expansion come to make so many poor crisis communications decisions? Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t believe greed is the heart of the issue. (Pollyanna, I know. But I don’t.)

I believe the problem is having a brand strategy based on this flawed core premise:

Brand Paula Deen = Southern Cooking

Wrong. So wrong. This powerful brand is based on one thing that should have been protected at all cost, but wasn’t:

Brand Paula Deen = the authenticity of Paula Deen, herself

I can’t think of another celebrity more utterly charming and disarming in her honesty. Likely to say anything at any time, she lights up stage and screen by saying exactly what she’s thinking—and what we are thinking, too, but are too timid to say.

How powerful it could have been had she announced the diagnosis early, long before she had “something to bring to the table.” What if, three years ago, she’d said:

I didn’t expect this. I don’t know enough. I am afraid.

What if she’d invited us all to take this very human journey with her, changing our lifestyles and habits and menus, one day at a time, together.

Would her brand have disintegrated? Would the Food Network have dropped her? Would corporate partners have abandoned her?

Would we?

I surely don’t think so.

Paula Deen, the person, will survive this misstep, I do believe. But the brand has suffered a severe blow. And the best thing it can do (I sure hope it moves quickly) is to get real about what Paula Dean, the brand, stands for. I, for one, think there is way more there than just another stick of butter.

 

Comment (5)
posted by Teresa

Jan 10, 2012 @ 7:00am

5 Trends for Nonprofits = 1 Big Challenge

“Greater emphasis on strategy, organizational alignment and process design will be applicable to all nonprofits, large or small. Essentially, being more sophisticated and savvy when it comes to supporter engagement won’t be just a ‘nice to have’ — it will be a necessity.”

This from Vinay Bhagat, founder and chief strategy officer for Convio, as commentary to support their predictions of Key Trends for the Nonprofit Sector in 2012. A quick look at these five indicates the significant challenges organizations are up against:

  1. Online and New Media Channels Will Continue To Extend Their Influence
  2. Peer-to-Peer Engagement Will Play An Expanded Role
  3. Donor Fatigue Will Be More Pronounced
  4. Supporters Want To Control Their Experience
  5. Integrated Marketing Will Rise To New Heights

So what’s at the bottom of all this? Is there one thing nonprofits can call on to help address these complex marketing issues?

Yes. It’s called strategy.

After a couple of years basking in the glow of social media tactics, nonprofits must accept the consequences of all the “free and easy” noise that has resulted in a highly crowded nonprofit marketplace. One in which the consumers who have been bombarded with so many cause-related digital messages may be considering a way out (see points 3 and 4).

On the other hand, nonprofits that design and deploy well orchestrated, multi-channel  marketing initiatives — with highly focused objectives, clearly defined audiences, and a razor-sharp message —  will not only prevent “donor fatigue” but also attract and engage record levels of supporters (see points 1, 2 and 5).

But it’s neither free nor easy. Planning integrated, multi-channel marketing programs is hard, and it demands a tremendous amount of focus, self-discipline and attention to detail. Start now with an assessment of current marketing efforts, give yourself an honest grade, and commit to a marketing program in 2012 that is built  on an integrated, strategic platform that takes into consideration these five consumer predictions. Then stand back and watch the magic.

Comment (0)
posted by Teresa

Dec 19, 2011 @ 12:35pm

TEDx: Exponential Impact for Nonprofits

Earlier this fall, I was both surprised and delighted when I discovered my dear friend Julie Turner had nominated me as a potential speaker for TEDx Columbia. Founded as a four-day video conference in California 25 years ago, TED is now an international program committed to Ideas Worth Spreading. Presenters are asked to talk about their passions, inventions, beliefs, observations — the ideas they have that can spark change in the world. Talks are captured on video and viewed worldwide.

TEDx events allow people to use the “talk” model as a tool for effecting change in their own communities. On January 16 (MLK Day), I’ll have the honor of joining seven other speakers in the first-ever TEDx Columbia event. I’ll be talking about CreateAthon, and the incredible things that can happen when you let a big idea go in the world. Others will share stories on topics ranging from First Amendment Rights and brain damage research to urban farming and a program that uses rescue dogs to teach compassion and character development.

To say I was a bit overwhelmed at the thought of joining the distinguished ranks TED presenters is an understatement indeed. So being me, I began the task of preparing my presentation by researching other TED presentations. I was amazed to find the types of topics that were tagged at TED.com: the arts, humanities, animal rights, environmentalism, social justice, health, education, energy, philanthropy. A treasure trove of good.

Meanwhile, back at TEDx Columbia, I thought about the amazing story of Anna Bigham, one of my fellow presenters. She founded a nonprofit organization called Hidden Wounds that provides interim and emergency counseling services to combat veterans and their families. Her work honors her beloved younger brother, who took his life while struggling with PTSD. To realize I will be sharing a stage with someone like her — with such a noble and noteworthy cause — has humbled me even more. And what a gift the TED organization gives by lending a stage to nonprofits and their causes, as well as commercial endeavors that can make a difference in the world.

If you have a cause you’re passionate about, or just looking for a little inspiration, I encourage you to spend some time with TED. If you have a TEDx event in your area, consider how you might introduce your cause to the audience of inspired doers and thinkers in the TED universe. If you don’t have TEDx nearby, organize a team and make it happen now.

Comment (0)
posted by Cathy

Dec 15, 2011 @ 3:41pm

Goodwill for Goodwill. And There’s a Prize!

from chair spindles to gorgeous tree ornaments

We couldn’t be happier about this one if we tried. Working with Goodwill Industries of the Upstate/Midlands SC is a dream assignment—powerful mission, great people, interesting projects.

A wonderful bonus of the work we’ve done for Goodwill is the friendships we’ve developed along the way. Good Life blogger Kendra Ardis, for instance.

We first met Kendra when she responded to our Craig’s List ad looking for The Perfect Person to help us develop and launch our first lifestyle blog, The Good Life. The blog centers around the definition of thrift we love the most, from Wikipedia:

the recycling of formerly-owned items, finding new use and new love for vintage material goods which had been thrown out, and the thrill of imagining what the former life of the item was like

A thrifter from way back, Kendra is the Perfect Person to write The Good Life.

wouldn't these look swell on your tree?

As a bonus, Kendra and The Good Life brought to us another artist who takes thrift to a new level, Barb Blair of Knack Studios. In a guest post on The Good Life, Barb transforms these old chair spindles into the most incredible Christmas Tree ornaments around. What’s more, she’s allowing The Good Life to give them away a set of 12 in a contest on the blog’s Facebook page as a way to bring more people who love the art of thrift to the blog.

(To enter to win these ornaments, just click on this link. Deadline is midnight tonight.

Maybe it’s just the traditional feeling of goodwill (pardon me) the holiday season brings, but we’re feeling grateful for so many things that came to Riggs Partners wrapped in the Year 2011—not the least of which is a wonderful new client and all the relationships therewith. We are truly grateful.

Comment (0)
posted by Kevin

Dec 07, 2011 @ 7:30am

The New Art of Conversation

I’m in planning mode for several clients now, and McKinsey’s much discussed “customer decision journey” is dominating my thoughts. This theory holds that consumers hold a portfolio of brands, evaluate other brands constantly based on peer influencers and decide periodically which brands to add, discard or replace.

The customer decision journey replaces the old purchase funnel, rightfully acknowledging that spouses, children and friends influence our decisions more than advertising, public relations or social media.

It is worth acknowledging that consumers have denied the influence of advertising on their decisions since the beginning of market research. Nevertheless, Gallop’s poll paints a clear picture.

Peer influence and referral have never been more influential than before.

This dynamic is made all the more powerful by technology’s ability to offer everyone a voice, a megaphone and an audience. So what’s a marketer to do?

Start a conversation. Be bold and give consumers something to discuss.

Amidst all the noise about cyber Monday, Patagonia did just that.

There has been disagreement in marketing circles about Patagonia’s strategy. Some have questioned whether or not the approach was sanctimonious.

I love that the company has taken a stand against excess consumerism. Even better is the fact the company started a conversation about Patagonia. No doubt people are consuming less. So why not increase loyalty from current customers and attract new ones with likeminded values?

Comment (0)
posted by Julie

Dec 01, 2011 @ 5:14pm

We’re still sticking together.

The concept of community was very different in the 1950’s. It was a physical place where a group of people lived. It probably had sidewalks and a few white picket fences. But the most important feature was the cluster of people who interacted with each other to form this place.

Many of today’s most successful communities are nowhere to be found, per say. Their address starts with www but their sense of community is as strong and solid as a 1950’s ranch home.

It’s been an interesting evolution to experience. The shift from push to pull is a welcome change for most. Our world is more open. There are more people, more ideas and more opportunities than ever before. Especially when it comes to communities and audiences.

Love bacon? Handmade gifts? Restoring BMW’s? Knitting? Knitting clothes? Knitting clothes for dogs?

It’s interesting we now have so many more spaces to join with other likeminded people. We have professional and social sets we can select and sort at will. And always on our own terms.

The community concept hasn’t gone anywhere. Even better, it will continue to grow and evolve.

In short, the world is becoming more niche, and responsive brands have to embrace this. Differentiating, often to the exclusion of some, is paramount to relevance in today’s highly defined online communities.

 

 

 

 

Comment (0)
posted by Apprentices

Nov 15, 2011 @ 5:37pm

CreateAthon: Flying High

To say that it’s been a big month for CreateAthon is an understatement. When CreateAthon officially became a 501(c)3 last month, we knew big things were coming. But, I don’t think anyone at Riggs Partners could honestly say they knew just how huge November would be.

We’re only halfway through the month and CreateAthon has already traveled to Washington, DC to help launch the A Billion + Change initiative. There they joined forces with companies like Starbucks, Capitol One, and Microsoft to promise to create $1 billion in pro bono services by 2013. To add to this already incredible month, AIGA highlighted CreateAthon in their Design for Good movement as a way to get involved in pro bono designing. The support from these two initiatives will do wonders in helping spread CreateAthon’s message.

Welcome to the team, Andrea!

Just when we didn’t think November could get any better, Peyton Rowe, CreateAthon’s Chief Evangelical Officer, brought Andrea Goulet Ford to our team. It has only been a few weeks since Andrea joined us, and she already has our heads spinning with her amazing ideas. With her help, CreateAthon is on the path to even greater success.

It’s exciting to see how much CreateAthon has grown this year. What’s even more exciting is seeing how many people want to help CreateAthon succeed. Today is only November 15 and I am overwhelmed by how much support our program has gained this month. I can’t wait to see what the rest of November has in store for us.

by Jody Piland

 

 

Comment (0)
posted by Kevin

Nov 14, 2011 @ 4:50pm

Turning Empathy into Action

Monday mornings are the busiest time of the week at Riggs Partners. We gather first thing and recap the upcoming week’s meetings and deadlines, as my to do list looms over me. I chew through my e-mail in box trying to delete everything I possibly can. In short, this is the single worst possible time to message to me.

Yet this morning, Sustainable Midlands, a local nonprofit did just that. Not only did I stop to absorb their content this morning, I wrote them a check.

I’ve been getting e-mails from Sustainable Midlands for some time. Years, even. I’ve stood by, quietly siding with their attempts to make my city a greener one. Yet I’ve never contributed, attended an event, followed them on Facebook, or forwarded one of their E-mails. I’ve been a passive ally, all empathy and no action.

Every cause struggles with peripheral supporters. If only 20 percent could be converted to active supporters, that’d be huge. Here’s how.

Sustainable Midlands took advantage of a local controversy to become immediately relevant. Wal-Mart is proposing a large location near downtown Columbia. City Council has tabled discussions momentarily, allowing time for anger to build.

Urban planning is but one small part of Sustainable Midlands’ advocacy. Nevertheless, they are serving as the central conduit of communication on the proposed Wal-Mart development.  They keep me updated through e-mail and links to a dedicated page on their website. They’ve demonstrated leadership, and made themselves a vital part of an issue that is front-page news. That’s not just smart, or even just much appreciated. It’s worth supporting.

Nonprofits should be mindful of events that make their causes relevant and timely. People give their attention to those who lead and demonstrate a commitment to a future vision. Find a way to engage in meaningful dialogue with those on your periphery, and you’ll find them gravitating closer and closer.


 

 

Comment (1)