Growing pains are an inevitable part of any organization's journey, whether you're a nonprofit or a tech startup. In this episode, I sit down with Deirdre Tshien, co-founder and CEO of Capsho, to explore the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business in the ever-evolving AI landscape.

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Growth
Deirdre shares her candid experiences of:
- Pivoting and refining Capsho's focus in response to market changes
- Balancing innovation with staying true to the company's core mission
- Overcoming the temptation to please everyone and learning to say “no”

The Power of Listening to Your Audience
Discover why tuning into your community's needs is crucial for sustainable growth:
- How Capsho uses customer feedback to guide product development
- The importance of validating ideas before investing resources
- Strategies for prioritizing features that truly serve your audience

Staying Focused in a Competitive Landscape
Deirdre offers insights on:
- Managing imposter syndrome when faced with new competitors
- The value of “staying in your own lane” and focusing on your unique strengths
- Cultivating an abundance mindset in a crowded market

Lessons for Nonprofits
While Capsho isn't a nonprofit, Deirdre's experiences offer valuable takeaways for mission-driven organizations:
- The importance of setting clear priorities and avoiding mission drift
- How to approach growth opportunities with a critical eye
- Balancing innovation with staying true to your core purpose

Whether you're considering a new initiative, struggling with decision-making, or feeling overwhelmed by competition, this conversation will inspire you to approach growth with intention and confidence.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways.
04:40 Mindset for Growth and Scalability Explore the mindset needed for business growth, focusing on setting immediate, achievable goals rather than long-term projections. It is import to stay adaptable in rapidly changing industries and maintain focus on core objectives while managing growth.
09:20 Focusing on Core Mission and Adapting to Market Changes Capsho when through a journey of refining its product and target audience. It's always important to stay true to the company's mission while being responsive to market changes and customer needs. Discusses strategies for prioritizing development and expansion decisions.
17:57 Validating Ideas and Prioritizing Resources It's Important to validate new ideas through customer willingness to pay. Explore strategies for prioritizing limited resources and the challenges of saying no to seemingly good opportunities that don't align with core objectives.
24:09 Listening to Users and Managing Competition Listen to paying customers for product development decisions. Manage imposter syndrome and stay focused on your own goals in a competitive market. Tune out the noise and stay true to your mission.

Deirdre Tshien
Deirdre Tshien is the Co-founder & CEO of Capsho, the fastest way to get clients from your content!

Capsho is an AI-Powered Content Marketer that helps entrepreneurs who podcast, vlog and livestream create repurposed content that converts. From one audio or video upload, Capsho helps create title & description, social media posts, blog post, lead magnet checklist, LinkedIn Newsletters, images and short video clips.

She is the creator of The Honey Trap Method, author of Honey Trap Marketing and host of the Win the Content Game. She is a 2023 Honoree of the 100 Women to KNOW in America.

Learn more at capsho.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and on the brink of burnout in your nonprofit work? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Rob Tracz, a personal performance coach dedicated to helping driven individuals achieve success without sacrificing their well-being.

Rob shares his powerful journey from severe burnout to becoming a champion for sustainable success. He reveals how his relentless pursuit of “shadow success” led to deteriorating relationships, declining health, and missed opportunities with loved ones.

Key Insights on Preventing Burnout
Learn practical strategies to recognize and combat burnout:
- Identifying early warning signs in your routine and habits
- The importance of intentional consumption – both nutritional and digital
- Creating a support system through the “team triangle” concept
- Balancing challenge and recovery in your work

Supporting Your Team and Organization
Discover how leaders can foster a culture that prevents burnout:
- The critical role of open communication and psychological safety
- Implementing seasons of intensity and recovery in your organizational calendar
- Leading by example in prioritizing well-being

Personal Strategies for Thriving
Rob offers actionable advice for individuals:
- Introducing small, manageable challenges to reignite motivation
- Leveraging your personal values and strengths to guide decision-making
- Building a network of mentors, peers, and cheerleaders for support

Whether you're a nonprofit leader looking to support your team or an individual seeking to reclaim your passion and energy, this episode provides valuable insights to help you thrive in your mission-driven work.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to create sustainable success and avoid the pitfalls of burnout. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to work and life.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
04:09 Recognizing Early Signs of Burnout Rob shares personal indicators he overlooked, including falling into mundane routines and neglecting intentional consumption habits.
14:38 The Team Triangle Concept Learn about creating a support system with mentors, peers, and cheerleaders to navigate challenges and maintain accountability.
22:39 Balancing Push and Recovery Strategies for determining when to persevere through challenges and when it's time to pivot or let go.
28:53 Creating a Culture of Well-being Tips for leaders on fostering an environment that prioritizes communication, support, and sustainable success.

Rob Tracz
Rob Tracz is a Personal Performance Coach who specializes in guiding driven individuals through the challenges of balancing success with personal well-being.

With his unique approach, Rob helps business owners, leaders, and professionals break through stagnation, align their personal and professional goals, and create sustainable success. His coaching is built on six core principles—Resilience, Intentionality, Clarity, Optimization, Social Support, and Opportunity—giving his clients the tools they need to thrive under pressure while maintaining a fulfilling life.

Beyond coaching, Rob is an engaging speaker, strategist, and entrepreneur who is passionate about helping others unlock their full potential without sacrificing what matters most.

Learn more at RobTracz.com & SurvivingtheSideHustle.com
http://instagram.com/robtracz

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you considering building a website for your nonprofit but feeling overwhelmed by the options? In this episode, I sit down with Becky Launder, co-founder of Oh My High, to discuss the essential factors you should consider before embarking on your website journey.

Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Website
Becky emphasizes the importance of having a website for credibility and round-the-clock visibility. We explore how a well-crafted site can:
- Showcase your services and impact
- Share testimonials
- Collect leads and donations 24/7

Key Considerations Before Building
Before you start, think about:
- How your organization might evolve over time
- Your technical skills and available time
- Functionality needs (e-commerce, email marketing, donation forms)
- Budget constraints

Understanding Website Jargon
We break down common terms like domain names, hosting, and plugins to help you navigate the technical landscape with confidence.

The Oh My Hi Difference
Discover how Oh My Hi offers:
- User-friendly templates
- Robust features for nonprofits
- Affordable pricing options
- Exceptional customer support and community

Taking Action
Ready to get started? We share resources and a special offer to help you launch your nonprofit website quickly and effectively.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain clarity on your website strategy and find a solution that aligns with your nonprofit's mission and budget. Tune in for insights that will set your organization up for online success.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
01:12 The Importance of Websites for Businesses Websites are crucial for credibility, showcasing services, and working 24/7 to collect leads and provide information to potential customers or supporters.
03:25 Considerations Before Building a Website Discussion on factors to consider before creating or rebuilding a website, including future changes, DIY vs. hiring experts, functionality needs, and integration with existing tools.
11:49 Oh My Hi Platform Introduction Oh My Hi is a user-friendly website platform with built-in support and community features, designed for non-technical users. It't not for for e-commerce heavy businesses but very advantageous for nonprofits because you can easily embed your donation form.

Resources
View the NonProfit Template: https://demo-nonprofit.ohmyhi.com/?aff=197
Learn More about Oh My Hi: https://ohmyhi.com/?aff=197#pricingstrategy
ohmyhi.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you struggling to attract the right donors and volunteers to your nonprofit? The secret might lie in your organization's vision and mission statements. These foundational elements are more than just corporate jargon – they're powerful tools that can transform your fundraising efforts and organizational impact.

In this eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Dan Johnson, a seasoned nonprofit coach who has raised over $3 million for new nonprofits and helped turn around struggling organizations. Dan shares his expertise on crafting compelling vision and mission statements that resonate with donors and align with your organization's goals.

Why Vision and Mission Statements Matter
Dan reveals why these often overlooked elements are crucial for nonprofit success:

- They provide clarity and focus for your organization's efforts
- They help attract donors and volunteers who share your values
- They guide decision-making and strategic planning
- They differentiate your nonprofit from others in the same space

Key Insights on Crafting Effective Statements
Learn how to create vision and mission statements that drive results:

- The five essential components of a powerful nonprofit vision
- How to craft a problem statement that resonates with donors
- Tips for creating a mission statement that highlights your unique approach
- The importance of incorporating specific, measurable goals

Putting Your Vision into Action
Discover practical strategies for integrating your vision and mission into every aspect of your organization:

- How to use your statements in marketing and fundraising efforts
- Ways to incorporate your vision into staff and volunteer onboarding
- Tips for regularly reviewing and refining your statements

Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your nonprofit's approach to vision and mission statements. Tune in to gain insights that will help you attract the right supporters, increase your impact, and create lasting change in your community.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
06:28 Crafting an Effective Problem Statement Get specific about the issue being addressed, talking to those affected, and using their language. A well-crafted problem statement helps donors connect emotionally and understand the organization's unique approach to creating change.
19:38 Setting Measurable Goals and Staying Focused Include specific, measurable goals in vision statements to drive accountability. Stay focused on the core problem and not getting distracted by unrelated opportunities. Regular review of vision and goals helps keep your organization on track.
30:47 Developing Effective Value Statements Another role of value statements is in attracting and retaining staff and volunteers. Limit values to three core principles and including specific ways the organization upholds them. This approach helps create accountability and ensures the desired culture is maintained.
34:51 Crafting a Unique Mission Statement An effective mission statement clearly communicates an organization's unique approach. Explicitly state what makes the nonprofit different from others addressing similar issues, which can help with fundraising and marketing efforts.

Dan Johnson
Dan is a nonprofit coach that helps business owners and professionals create nonprofits that last. Dan has raised over $3 million for new nonprofits, turned around several struggling organizations, and helped over 30 nonprofit leaders create sustainable nonprofits.

Dan is a 4x nonprofit founder, former impact evaluator, and nonprofit coach. He grew his first nonprofit to 10,000 volunteers nationwide in 3 years, and has created federal and state policy change on numerous issues. Dan’s work has been featured in The Nonprofit Communications Report, CNN, The Chicago Tribune, The Examiner, Mic Magazine and organizations he’s helped have been featured in national outlets including Vanity Fair, the New York Times, and hundreds of local news stories.

Dan developed the 5 Levels of Sustainability to give new nonprofit leaders a pathway to creating a nonprofit that lasts. He serves nonprofit leaders through 1:1 and group coaching programs. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and two sons, Alex and Leo, and is a long-suffering fan of Detroit Lions football.

Learn more at https://nextlevelnonprofits.us
https://www.facebook.com/chngthewrld
https://www.tiktok.com/@npmentor
https://www.youtube.com/@nlnonprofits

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you looking to create a steady stream of income for your nonprofit? Monthly giving programs might be the answer you've been searching for. In this episode, I'm joined by Katherine Lacefield, a seasoned philanthropic consultant with over 20 years of experience, to explore the power of recurring donations.

Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program
- Creating a compelling narrative around your program
- Crafting an exclusive experience for monthly donors
- Implementing effective stewardship strategies

Strategies for Growing Your Monthly Donor Base
- Targeting existing donors for conversion
- Segmenting your audience for personalized outreach
- Leveraging year-end campaigns to boost monthly giving

Retaining and Engaging Monthly Donors
- Tracking key metrics for program health
- Conducting exit surveys to improve retention
- Making the giving experience fun and memorable

One of Katherine's standout tips? Don't wait for perfection. Launch your program and refine it as you go. Remember, if you don't believe in the value of monthly donations to your organization, how can you expect others to?

Whether you're considering starting a monthly giving program or looking to revamp an existing one, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you create a sustainable source of funding for your nonprofit.

Ready to take your fundraising to the next level? Tune in now and discover how to build a thriving community of monthly supporters for your cause.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways:
03:28 Exploring the Benefits of Monthly Giving The advantages of monthly giving programs for nonprofit are consistent finances, operational stability, and sustainability. Its cost-effective and a great long-term value for organizations.
08:18 Crafting an Effective Monthly Giving Campaign Create a separate donation page, name the program, and develop stewardship strategies. It's also so important to build relationships with donors and suggests personalizing communication to increase retention and engagement.
15:49 Strategies for Growing Monthly Donor Programs To start building your program start with existing donors. Segment your database and craft a compelling story. Get an example of a client that converted on-time donors into monthly donors and how clear communication and goal-setting is impactful.
24:47 Tracking and Improving Monthly Donor Retention Monitoring monthly donor retention and gathering feedback is critical to the health of the program. Track donor longevity, reasons for leaving, and overall satisfaction. Even if someone stops being a monthly donor, maintaining relationships is important to encourage future support.
28:25 Final Tips for Successful Monthly Giving Programs Build confidence in your organization's mission, don't waiting for perfection before launching, and making the donor experience fun and engaging. Build personal connections with donors and think creatively about fundraising approaches.

Katherine Lacefield
Katherine Lacefield is a trusted partner in the philanthropic space, leveraging over 20 years of experience empowering organizations and individuals to bring about positive impact in their communities. Her knowledge and expertise span many areas, from overall fundraising strategy, monthly donations, major donation campaigns, and peer-to-peer, to a nuanced understanding of the global grantmaking landscape, animal welfare and rights, and sustainable development. She is the founder of Just Be Cause Consulting and the host of the Just Be Cause Podcast.

Learn more at www.justbecause.consulting
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@just.because.consulting?xmt=AQGzrTxxXpSOESIRL4Q6G-lzM-EGknSAHAJ7m51p3yMirJw
Podcast: http://www.justbecause.consulting/podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mac-donald/
https://www.facebook.com/JustBeCauseConsulting
https://www.instagram.com/just.because.consulting/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Can you believe it? We've hit a major milestone – 300 episodes of the Digital Marketing Therapy Podcast! To celebrate this incredible journey, I'm taking you on a whirlwind tour of our top 15 episodes, packed with actionable insights and strategies to elevate your nonprofit's digital marketing game.

From crafting compelling year-end emails to leveraging AI for content creation, we're covering a diverse range of topics that have resonated most with our listeners. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting out, there's something here for everyone.

Practical Tips and Strategies
As we reflect on these top episodes, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible guests, loyal listeners, and the wealth of knowledge we've shared together. This journey has been about more than just digital marketing – it's about building a community of passionate nonprofit professionals dedicated to making a difference.

Looking Ahead
We're not stopping at 300! I'm excited to continue bringing you fresh insights, practical strategies, and inspiring stories to help your nonprofit thrive in the digital landscape. If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on future episodes.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey. Here's to the next 300 episodes of Digital Marketing Therapy!

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
#15 – EP 201 [03:34] | How to Market Your Monthly Giving Program
#14 – EP 194 [05:52] | 7 Ways to Maximize Calls to Action on Your Website
#13 – EP 132 [09:28] | Mastering Local SEO with Wendall Jordan
#12 – EP 58 [13:45] | My Dad and Business Part II : Innovation
#11 – EP 76 [16:23] | Taking an In Person Event on Line with United Way
#10 – EP 24 [20:10] | Sales Funnels with Cody Burch
#9 – EP 200 [24:33] | How to Increase the Annual Value of Monthly Donors with Patrick Kirby
#8 – EP 273 [28:07] | Crafting the Perfect Year End Emails with Vanessa Chase Lockshin
#7 -EP 205 [34:03] | Using AI to Create Content with Scott Bywater
#6 – EP 196 [38:10] | 6 Ways Your Website May be Hurting Your Organization with Dani MacGregor
#5 – EP 196 [40:44] | Time to Jump Into LinkedIn
#4 – EP 128 [43:10] | Creating Campaigns with Stories with Vanessa Chase Lockshin
#3 – EP 219 [45:45] | Leveraging Social Media for Better Connections with Amanda Kohal
#2 – EP 251 [49:15] | Coming up with Content Ideas for Short Form Video
#1 – Ep 236 [53:25] | Minimizing Your Limiting Beliefs with Tracy Pleschourt

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

As your nonprofit grows, the question of how to manage your marketing efforts becomes increasingly crucial. Should you hire a contractor, bring marketing in-house, or maintain a mix of both? In this episode, we explore the intricacies of building and expanding your marketing team, offering insights on when and how to make these pivotal decisions.

Our guest, Kasper Sierslev, brings a wealth of experience from both agency and in-house perspectives. As a visionary thought leader in marketing operations, Casper shares valuable strategies for nonprofits at various stages of growth.

Key Insights on Marketing Team Development
- The importance of balancing in-house expertise with external perspectives
- How to determine which marketing functions to bring in-house first
- Strategies for effective collaboration between internal teams and external agencies
- The value of documenting processes and creating annual marketing plans

Building Your Marketing Dream Team
Casper suggests starting with a small, versatile team:

- A digital graphic designer for visual content creation
- A copywriter to maintain consistent messaging and brand voice

This foundation allows you to handle day-to-day marketing tasks while still leveraging external expertise for specialized projects or campaigns.

Maximizing Agency Partnerships
When working with external agencies, Casper recommends:

- Clearly defining project scope and expectations
- Fostering transparent communication and collaboration
- Utilizing agencies for their unique insights and industry trends
- Balancing agency work with in-house capabilities for cost-effectiveness

Streamlining Your Marketing Operations
To create more time for creative work, Casper emphasizes the importance of:

- Mapping out processes and creating playbooks
- Batching content creation for efficiency
- Regularly reviewing and refining your marketing strategies

By implementing these strategies, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your marketing team's structure and capabilities, ultimately driving more effective campaigns and better results for your nonprofit.

Want to skip ahead? Here are key takeaways:
07:12 Building Your Initial Marketing Team Start with a digital graphic designer and copywriter as your foundation for handling day-to-day marketing tasks.

15:38 Balancing In-House and External Resources Learn how to effectively collaborate with agencies while maintaining control over your marketing strategy.

23:05 Streamlining Marketing Operations Discover techniques for creating efficient processes that free up time for creative work and strategic thinking.

29:47 Embracing Creative Ideas Understand the power of innovative thinking in marketing and how to prioritize creativity in your campaigns.

Kasper Sierslev
Kasper Sierslev is not just a marketer; he's a visionary thought leader dedicated to transforming in-house marketing and creative collaboration. Kasper's journey is a testament to his commitment to sharing knowledge and nurturing creativity, not solely for client acquisition, but for the elevation of the entire industry.

As the founder of a company that helps brands establish and fortify in-house competencies, Kasper brings a wealth of experience. His extensive background encompasses pivotal roles in respected brand agencies, as well as steering his own startup and overseeing global campaigns for one of the world's largest shipping companies. This multifaceted experience equips him with a unique perspective, allowing him to effortlessly bridge the gap between diverse industry landscapes.

Kasper's passion for in-house marketing is palpable, evident in his best-selling book, “Moving In-House. (https://moving-in-house.com/the-book)”

Learn more at https://zite.agency
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaspersierslev/
https://www.instagram.com/cphillustrated/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours