Storytelling is a hot buzzword in fundraising and donor relations in the higher education/non-profit world, but what if you don't self-identify as a storyteller? Or what if you do, but you don't know where to start at your institution? Here's the good news: journalists have been doing this for decades, and in this session, you'll get a peek inside that world. Learn how your team can create compelling content with proven reporters’ techniques — from where to find good stories to how to tell them well and where to share them. We'll delve into what makes a good story, and why those stories can and should fit into all of your Advancement work — from the ask to the thank-you. Learn how to bring storytelling into your everyday, whether you’ve got a massive communications team, or you’re a one-person show. If you're in mar-comms learn how to turn so-called "boring institutional stories" to life, and if you're in development, learn how to suss out story ideas amongst your donor and prospects and pitch to your mar-comms colleagues. I'll share real-time examples of how we "got the story" in both written pieces and video.

Session keywords: small shops, storytelling, communications, stewardship, donors, fundraising