Eric’s 3-Part Content Strategy That Works Every Time

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

Content provided by Eric Ressler. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Eric Ressler or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

1M ago 31:41

MP3•Episode home

Nonprofit leaders know storytelling matters — but many are missing a critical opportunity to move hearts, shift narratives, and deepen support. In this episode, Eric and Jonathan pull back the curtain on why so much nonprofit content falls flat — and how a simple three-step framework can radically transform the way you communicate your mission.
➔ Why "naming the problem" is more powerful — and more complicated — than you think.
➔ The common trap organizations fall into when showcasing impact (and how to avoid it).
➔ How to frame your future vision in a way that rallies donors, staff, and community — even if your mission takes decades to fulfill.
➔ The surprising link between consistent storytelling and year-end fundraising success.
➔ Real-world examples from nonprofits scaling their credibility and influence through powerful, human-centered stories.
If your content feels scattered, stale, or disconnected from your bigger mission, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to rebuild trust, reignite engagement, and turn passive audiences into active believers.
Don’t just tell stories. Shape the future you’re fighting for. Tune in now.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Why “the problem” isn’t always one thing
[01:51] Intro to the 3-step content strategy: Problem, impact, vision
[02:39] Naming and framing the problem: It’s more powerful than you think
[05:10] Problem sets, not problems: How to tell different layers of the same story
[07:11] Scale matters: Matching problem scope to your audience
[08:09] Real-world example: How 35 Mile Foundation names the digital divide
[10:53] Step 2 – Share your impact: Why it’s essential (and how to go deeper)
[13:08] The “So what?” test: Making your impact stories hit harder
[16:22] Human + data: Layering emotional and statistical storytelling
[18:23] Why impact storytelling builds trust
[20:15] From anecdotes to narratives: Connecting the dots for your audience
[21:47] The results: Jonathan shares how this shifted fundraising outcomes
[24:15] Step 3 – Share your vision: Moving from vague statements to bold future casting
[25:42] Vision isn’t a promise—it’s a rallying cry
[28:09] Make it visceral: Help people imagine your world
[29:50] It’s not “the” vision—it’s visions, plural
[30:42] The takeaway: Beat the drum until you're bored

Listeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link.

*** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you!

We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at [email protected]

Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.

Chapters

1. Three-Step Content Strategy Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Step 1: Naming and Framing Problems (00:02:07)

3. Step 2: Sharing Impact Stories (00:10:36)

4. Impact Storytelling and Fundraising (00:22:29)

5. Step 3: Crafting Your Future Vision (00:24:15)

6. Key Takeaways and Conclusion (00:31:09)

52 episodes

#Business #Marketing #Eric Ressler #Non-Profit #Podcasting Education #Social Impact #Nonprofit #Social Enterprise #NGO #Brand #Messages