Hello Reader After working with nonprofits over the last year, with different causes, different sizes, and different missions, one thing has become clear: the marketing challenges you face are often more common and more fixable than you might think. Here are five gaps I see again and again: A lack of clear messaging and brand purpose. Low brand trust due to inconsistency. A poor understanding of their audience. Assuming “everyone already knows what we do”. Talking at their community instead...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader Today, I want to share the story of an inspiring organization doing transformative work for newcomers: Passport to Integration. They offer an evidence-based online literacy and well-being program designed to help immigrants confidently navigate the challenges of starting a new life in Canada. When we met, they had a powerful vision, but were struggling with visibility, brand clarity, and strategic direction. As their Fractional Marketing Partner, I supported them to:- Define...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader,I hope your week is going well, as I continue to celebrate and reflect on what this year in business has meant to me. I wanted to share what I believe is the biggest gift I have received. One of the biggest gifts my business has given me is freedom. And with that freedom came flexibility. Early on, I thought I needed rigid schedules and tight control to succeed. But I quickly learned that flexibility, not rigidity, is what actually allows me to do my best work. Specific creative...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader Today I want to share a story that is deeply personal to me — my partnership with Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA). Thirteen years ago, when I first arrived in Calgary, I was a client at CIWA. Fast forward to today, and I had the privilege of returning, not as a newcomer, but as their Fractional Marketing Manager. CIWA was going through a mid-management transition, and like many nonprofits, they needed strategic support to keep things moving forward. Together, we...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader As a celebration of my one-year anniversary, I will share one lesson and spotlight one client per week! Today I want to share a story about an organization that will always hold a very special place in my heart: Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK). BB4CK is a powerful community of Calgarians who come together every single school day to care for 15,000 kids. 💛 After spending five wonderful years working in-house with this incredible team, I had the honour of returning...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader As I mentioned last week, this is the first email of a series of emails about the lessons I learned in my first year in business. I will send two emails per week. If you wish to stop receiving these emails but remain on the list, please click here When I first started my business, I thought I had to say yes to every opportunity. Every discovery call felt like a job interview, and I showed up hoping to be chosen. But then something shifted. I realized I’m not just a service...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader I can hardly believe it’s been one year since I officially took the leap into running my business full-time! This past year has been a rollercoaster of learning, growth, and (yes!) a few moments that took my breath away. But above all, it has been a year filled with connection, purpose, and incredible partnerships. I’m so grateful for every nonprofit leader and team who has trusted me to support their marketing and communications. Together, we’ve built strategies, launched...
2 months ago • 1 min read
I've worked with an organization whose feed looked busy, but it wasn't moving the needle. Here is why. Reader, last week we talked about email—and how it is way more effective than social media. So, what is the purpose of social media then? This is what I tell my clients:Social media is your window to the world.It helps you stay top of mind and build trust. It’s where you show up as yourself, keep your brand promise, and stay true to your mission. But sometimes, we get so busy that social...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Most nonprofits pour their energy and resources into social media, but the ROI numbers tell a different story. Reader, I continue to see a lot of hesitation from nonprofits to send emails consistently and in a rgular (and higher) cadence. Here’s the truth: Email marketing generates $36 for every $1 spent Social media? Just $8 for every $1 invested Yet, I still see hesitation from nonprofits when it comes to sending more emails. Not just during campaigns (and even then, many cringe when I...
3 months ago • 1 min read
