As a key team member of a nonprofit, you already have a strong passion for making a positive difference in the world. However, it's easy to feel like your message isn't being heard by a wider audience. That's where podcasts come in - they allow you to share your organization's story and mission with a community of supporters who are eager to listen.
Not only can appearing on a nonprofit podcast boost your organization's visibility, but it can also showcase your expertise as a leader in the nonprofit sector. Through podcasts, you have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain new supporters for your cause. So, why not take advantage of this powerful platform and share your story with the world?
Whether you're new to podcast interviews or have done many before, it's essential to approach each one with the right preparation and mindset. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your next podcast appearance. Let's dive in!
Do Your Research
Before you sit down for your interview or record remotely, research the podcast and host. Take note of the topics and themes the podcast typically covers and listen to a few episodes to get a sense of the host's interview style.
Jot down a few questions and topics that resonate with you and your organization and prepare answers or thoughts you can share during the podcast.
Here are a few questions to consider to get you started:
What inspired you to start this nonprofit or want to work for this nonprofit?
What challenges have you faced while running the nonprofit?
How has your work impacted your community?
Practice Your Message and Elevator Pitch
As the spokesperson of your nonprofit, you're the go-to person for sharing your organization's message, achievements, and goals. Take some time to practice sharing your message, so you can easily relay it to the listeners.
Prepare a 30-second elevator pitch that touches on your organization's mission, values, impact of your work, and how people can get involved in your cause. This gives the host and listeners a quick overview of your organization and establishes your credibility as the executive director.
Don’t forget to review your nonprofit’s strategic plan. Your plan will ensure that you convey your message and values during the interview. It will also help you refine your talking points, be clear about your goals and objectives, and better communicate your vision to the audience.
Your 30-second elevator pitch should include the following:
Introduce yourself and the name of your nonprofit.
Describe why your nonprofit matters by highlighting how your organization helps people or improves the community.
Explain how people can volunteer or support your work.
Read more about finding your nonprofit’s brand and voice which may help in developing an elevator pitch.
Think About Your Audience
Most podcasts have a distinct audience, and it's essential to think about who you'll be speaking to. Is the podcast geared towards donors, volunteers, or the general public? Knowing your audience can help you tailor your responses and topics to appeal to them.
Consider what you want the listeners to take away from your interview. What key points do you want them to know about your organization, and how can you make an impact on their lives?
A few key points for any audience of a nonprofit podcast include:
Your mission is the most important statement and should be considered a key point because it should simply explain what you do and why you do it.
Your impact with specific numbers, if possible. (How many people have you served, what programs offered, etc.)
Why they should donate/volunteer/or learn more about your nonprofit including the vision for your nonprofit and upcoming goals.
Don't Be Afraid to Share Personal Stories
Personal stories and anecdotes are essential for connecting with the audience and humanizing your organization. Think about a few moments where your work has impacted the community or a significant change that happened due to your work.
People want to hear about the impact of your organization, and a personal story can stick with them long after the interview is over.
Ideas for these types of stories:
A success story that includes details about how the individual was helped, and how their life has changed as a result.
Testimonials from volunteers or clients with specific details about how they helped or were helped and why they are passionate about your cause.
Behind-the-scenes look at what goes into running a nonprofit can be an effective way to engage an audience in your mission and encourage volunteers and donations.
Read more about how storytelling can inspire your audience.
Keep It Simple
When sharing your message, it's best to keep it simple and straightforward. Instead of diving into the scientific details or funding intricacies, focus on the nuts and bolts of your organization. Share how your work positively impacts the lives of your constituents. It's all about making a difference!
Don’t forget to provide a call to action by giving the audience a specific place to land after the episode. Don't send them to your homepage. We recommend either creating a page specifically for that podcast appearance OR create a unique page for donors, volunteers, and supporters to begin their journey of supporting your mission. (Check out some of ours at www.mission-driven.org/start or www.mission-driven.org/begin.)
Creating a webpage specifically for your podcast appearance can be a game-changer. Not only does it give your listeners a dedicated space to learn more about you and your nonprofit, but it also serves as a place to continue the conversation started on the podcast. By providing additional resources or even just a simple message thanking your audience for listening on the page, you help build a connection with them that can lead to long-term engagement. Having a dedicated page will also make it easier for you to track the traffic and engagement of that podcast.
Remember that You're the Expert
As a leader of a nonprofit, you're the expert on all things related to your organization. Don't be afraid to share your knowledge and insights with the audience. You have valuable information to share, and this is an opportunity to showcase your expertise.
Be confident during the interview and remember that you're the go-to person for anything related to your organization.
As a nonprofit executive director, podcast interviews offer a fantastic opportunity to share your message and connect with supporters. By doing your research, preparing your message and elevator pitch, thinking about your audience, sharing personal stories, and remembering that you're the expert, you can ace your podcast appearance.
With these tips and tricks, you're sure to leave a lasting impression on the listeners and make an impact on your organization's cause.