After a while, you may start to sound like a broken record when marketing your events, products, and services.  It is easy to get stuck in a rut when you are writing, designing, planning, or directing your marketing.  Don’t let a lot of the same thing keep you from trying to connect with your audience.  Instead of saying and doing the same old thing, use these tips to shake up your brand perspective while staying true to your brand.

Ask Questions – Get feedback from donors, customers, and your target audience.  How do you start? Create a survey to distribute on social media.  Host a focus group to get ideas from your target audience.  Take someone out to lunch and ask them what they think.

Identify Your Purpose – You’re not just trying to sell stuff or bring in donors – you’re doing what you do for a reason.  Remember to keep your purpose at the core of everything, but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.

Solve Problems – Sometimes simply changing your perspective makes creating and marketing yourself easier.  Ask yourself how your brand is able to solve problems for your target audience.   What will you do for your customer and how do you do it better than your competitors?

Show Who You Are – Stop telling people what you do and start showing it everywhere!  Your mailings, brochures, website, and social media are great places to start.  Get involved in your community through community events, chambers of commerce, and business groups.

Be Human – Quit talking like a robot!  Stop saying things that have no meaning just because they sound good.  For example “Providing Quality Solutions” means nothing, however  “Helping Businesses and Nonprofits Grow” means everything.  Be clear, concise, and most importantly have fun!  If you’re not enjoying yourself, how can you inspire others?

Don’t be afraid to be different!  Just because you have done something the same way for years, doesn’t mean it is still relevant now.

Grow.  Change. Adapt. Stand Out.