ARTICLES

" The Secrets of Effective Networking" by Stephanie Ward

Networking is key in the nonprofit world, and this article give great tips on how to network effectively.

"Charities See Social Network Potential and Risk" by John Flesher

This article from Bloomberg Business Week talks about the fund-raising potential of social media web sites, especially facebook (through apps) and twitter. The author thinks it is important for non profits to explore these sites for fund raising opportunities even though fund raising is not yet their big domain. He also mentions some risks associated with this trend and gives a couple of concrete examples.

"Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations with Brochures" by Print Place

"Three Must-Do's for Nonprofit Brochures" by Nonprofit Marketing Guide.com

The above two articles offer tips on whether brochures are (or aren't) useful, what content should be included, how to address target audiencse and, most importantly, how to use brochures for fund raising purposes. 

"So You Want To Hold A Public Event" by John Hilboldt

This article posted by the Heritage Foundation, outlines the five basic questions you should ask when planning a successful event.

"Can State Think TanksUse Direct Mail Effectively"by Whitney Garlinghouse

In this article, Whitney Garlinghouse explores whether state think tanks should use direct mail. (Pg.6)

"Don’t Sell Direct Mail Short! It’s the Best Long-term Investment You can Make " by Kevin Gentry

Kevin Gentry, Vice President for Strategic Development at the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation, explains why direct mail is an important marketing tool: it is a cost-effective and efficient way to have large numbers of prospective donors self-identify as supporters of your cause, and it helps build and cultivate relationships with your supporters, in a systematic and strategic way.

"Understanding Corporate Philanthropy" by Mariana Parks

Reaching out to corporate America for financial support entails a thorough explanation of what an organization does as well as an effective demonstration of its work’s relevance. Mariana Parks of Microsoft cautions think tanks not to assume that corporations easily recognize the value of think tanks’ efforts in promoting a market-friendly policy environment, but that corporations should be made aware of their programs and activities.

"Hints from Liberté Chérie to Emerging Think Tanks" by Vincent Ginocchio

Vincent Ginocchio of Liberté Cherie offers advice on how think tanks can reach a wider audience through their outreach efforts.

"Market Research: Using Focus Groups and Opinion Polls to Hone Your Message " by Matthew Elliot

In this article, Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive of The Taxpayers’ Alliance (United Kingdom), discusses how institutes can effectively using market research and opinion polls to hone their organization’s message.

"Reaching a Tipping Point for Freedom" by Brad Lips

Atlas’s Brad Lips wrote this short essay about how the lessons of Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point resonate with the lessons Atlas imparts to new think tanks.

"The Personal Touch" by John M. Hood

In this essay, John Hood, president of the John Locke Institute, emphasizes the importance of personal contacts when trying to influence the policymaking process in a state legislature or local government.

"Five Tips for Doing Effective Interviews with Journalists" by Rich Tucker

Rick Tucker, manager of professional development and training for The Heritage Foundation’s Center for Media and Public Policy, shares important pointers for being effective in media interviews.

"Presenting Our Message" by William Conerly

William B. Conerly of the Cascade Policy Institute in Oregon delivered this presentation on public speaking at the State Policy Network’s 2003 Annual Meeting.

"The Ins and Outs of Writing Profiles" by Abny Santicola

Fundraising Success magazine has some tips for writing a compelling personal profile that will interest your audience.

"The Proposal Factory" by Dan Baum

A helpful collection of successful story pitches to help you hone a proposal for your next big story.

"The Way We Write is All Wrong" by Frank Dickerson

This articles summarizes the result of a recent computer analysis of fundraising language. It finds two major problems in current fundraising language.

"Six Communications Lessons in 12 Minutes" by John Kramer

At the 2007 Atlas-SPN Leadership Development Breakfast in Philadelphia, John E. Kramer of the Institute for Justice offered these six lessons on how to improve your institute’s marketing plans.

"Crafting a Message that Sticks: An Interview with Chip Heath" by Lenny T Mendonca and Matt Miller

This interview, published in the McKinsey Quarterly, answers the question, “Why do some ideas succeed while others fail?”

"Speaking in your Own Voice- How Podcasting can Help you Get your Message Out" by Micheal Quinn Sullivan

In this article, Micheal Quinn Sullivan of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility offers detailed advice and information on recording and marketing podcasts, and how this new media can expand your reach and influence.

"Utilizing New Technology to Communicate your Message" by Jerry Brito

This handout, developed by Jerry Brito of the Mercatus Center, explores how to use blogging, podcasts, RSS feeds, Google applications and other new technologies to communicate your organizations’ ideas to a wider audience.

"The Field Guide for Effective Communication" by Competitive Enterprise Institute

This manual from the Competitive Enterprise Institute and National Media Inc. outlines useful methods, strategies and practices for effectively communicating with the public, the media and policy leaders.

"Branding and Marketing Essentials for Think Tanks" by Jane Marshall

According to Jane Markell, president of JEM Marketing Associates, communicating who you are, what you do and why that might be important or interesting is what branding, messaging, and marketing are all about.

"90:10 Rule: Why Marketing Matters & Some Great Books to Help your Organization Market Effectively" by JEM Marketing Associates

Jane Markell, president of JEM Marketing Associates, offers important tips on effective marketing.

"Presenting our Message: How Policy Experts Can Increase the Effectiveness of their Speeches" by William B. Conerly

William B. Conerly of the Cascade Policy Institute in Oregon delivered this presentation on public speaking at the State Policy Network’s 2003 Annual Meeting.

"How to Look and Sound Great on TV" by Deroy Murdock

In this article, Atlas senior fellow, Deroy Murdock, shares the tips he uses when on TV.

"Guide to Reducing Fear and Loathing of the Media and Gaining Positive Coverage of your Issues" by Larry Hart

The title of this guide says it all, it offers tips on working with the media in your country in order to gain exposure, and get your ideas heard.

BOOKS *All summaries of books can be found here
"Marketing Insights from A to Z" by Philip Kotler
"Ogilvy on Advertising" by David Ogilvy
"Confessions of an Advertising Man" by David Ogilvy
"A Branded World" by Michael Levine
"The Tipping Point" by Malcom Gladwell
"Eat That Frog!" by Brian Tracy

RESOURCES
CEI Values Values-Based Communication Workshop
BrightTalk Webcasts

BrightTALK offers useful webcasts on topics of office management and marketing strategies.

DMA Marketing Blog

This blog is a go to resource on all things related to email marketing.