Are you feeling overwhelmed by the buzz around AI and wondering how it fits into your nonprofit's digital strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Arti Anand, an AI automation expert, to demystify the role of artificial intelligence in personalizing donor engagement and streamlining operations.

Embracing AI Without Losing the Human Touch
- How AI can enhance, not replace, genuine connections with donors
- Strategies for maintaining authenticity while leveraging automation
- The importance of transparency when implementing AI tools

Practical Applications for Nonprofits
- Using AI for efficient proposal generation and follow-ups
- Implementing AI voice agents for improved donor communication
- Leveraging ChatGPT for problem-solving and strategic planning

Overcoming Implementation Challenges
- Start small and iterate your AI strategy
- Train AI tools effectively using your organization's unique data
- Balance automation with human oversight for optimal results

Addressing Common Concerns
- Maintaining personalization in automated communications
- Ensuring AI aligns with your nonprofit's values and mission
- Communicating the benefits of AI to donors and stakeholders

Whether you're AI-curious or skeptical, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape of nonprofit technology. Discover how embracing AI can free up your team to focus on what matters most – making a meaningful impact in your community.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways:
03:31 AI as a Tool for Personal and Business Growth It is important to identify what brings joy and generates income, then using AI and automation to handle necessary tasks that don't fall into those categories. This approach allows for better time management and increased productivity.

11:05 Balancing Automation and Personalization There are concerns about AI and automation leading to depersonalization. Start with what works manually, then automate 80% of it. This approach saves time and increases productivity while still maintaining quality through human supervision. Pay attention to the iterative nature of implementing AI solutions in business.

18:20 Understanding AI Agents and Their Applications There are different types of automations, including linear, AI-powered, and AI agents. AI agents can be used in businesses, such as replacing receptionists for appointment booking. It's important to have proper training and data input for effective AI implementation.

24:26 Transparency and Practical Implementation of AI Transparency is so important when using AI in organizations. Communicate the use of AI to stakeholders, emphasizing its benefits. Attach AI implementation to specific outcomes that solve pain points for users.

28:10 Getting Started with AI in Business Start by describing the problem and desired outcome to ChatGPT, then consulting with multiple vendors. The importance of asking the right questions and starting with a proof of concept is important.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge on harnessing AI to enhance your nonprofit's efficiency and donor engagement. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to digital strategy and fundraising.

Resources
Follow Aarti on Insta and DM her FC-Pod to receive her playbook to adopt AI.

Aarti Anand
After years of building SaaS products, Aarti saw businesses wasting time on outdated, manual prospecting and thought, “This is broken.” With AI on the rise, she knew the answer wasn't more outreach—it was smarter automation.

Now, Aarti is on a mission to help businesses ditch the grind and scale faster. No more chasing leads that go nowhere—just an AI-driven system that works while you sleep.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartianand82/
https://www.instagram.com/aartianand82/

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 for innovative ways to boost your nonprofit's revenue and expand your reach? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked strategy of affiliate marketing and how it can benefit mission-driven organizations. I sit down with Aya Hesham, CEO of Vivian Agency, to uncover the potential of strategic partnerships that align with your cause and resonate with your audience.

Demystifying Affiliate Marketing for Nonprofits
Aya breaks down the concept of affiliate marketing and explains why it's a powerful tool for nonprofits:
- Creating mutually beneficial partnerships with aligned businesses
- Generating additional revenue streams without compromising your mission
- Offering supporters new ways to contribute to your cause

Finding the Right Partners
Discover practical strategies for identifying and approaching potential affiliate partners:
- Analyzing your audience to determine relevant products and services
- Leveraging affiliate networks to streamline the process
- Ensuring partners align with your organization's values and mission

Implementing Affiliate Marketing with Authenticity
Learn how to integrate affiliate partnerships into your nonprofit's communication strategy:
- Crafting genuine stories around recommended products
- Balancing promotional content with your core messaging
- Testing and refining your approach to maximize engagement

Overcoming Common Concerns
We address potential hesitations about affiliate marketing in the nonprofit sector:
- Maintaining ethical standards and transparency
- Focusing on value-add for your audience rather than “pushing” products
- Viewing partnerships as an extension of your mission, not just a revenue source

Whether you're a small grassroots organization or an established nonprofit, this conversation offers fresh insights on diversifying your income streams while providing additional value to your supporters. Don't miss this opportunity to explore a strategy that could transform your approach to partnerships and sustainability.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
05:23 Identifying Relevant Affiliate Opportunities Learn how to research and select partners that align with your cause and resonate with your audience.

12:47 Crafting Authentic Promotional Content Discover strategies for sharing affiliate offers in a way that feels genuine and adds value to your community.

19:36 Integrating Affiliate Marketing into Your Strategy Explore practical tips for incorporating affiliate partnerships into your existing communication channels and content plan.

26:15 Scaling Your Affiliate Program Understand the time investment required and how to grow your affiliate marketing efforts sustainably.

Aya Hesham
Turning Partnerships into profit, Aya helps brands scale their revenue and visibility through strategic Affiliate & Influencer partnerships. As the CEO of Vivian Agency, she leads a team of top specialists dedicated to building communities for brands by connecting ambassadors and their audiences to the products they love.

Learn more at VivianAgency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivianagency/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-elrahman-saad-799638213/

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 connect with major donors and secure those game-changing gifts for your nonprofit? In this episode, I sit down with Ellen Christine Ruiters, a nonprofit leadership and fundraising consultant who has helped great causes raise over a billion dollars globally. Ellen shares her insights on building authentic relationships with high-net-worth donors and creating a strategic approach to major gift fundraising.

Shifting the Mindset: From Asking to Partnering
Ellen emphasizes the importance of viewing major donors as strategic partners rather than simply sources of funding. We explore:
- Why today's donors want to be heard, understood, and involved in problem-solving
- The power of engagement design in creating meaningful donor experiences
- How to balance donor input with maintaining your organization's mission and direction

Practical Strategies for Cultivating Major Gifts
Discover actionable advice for nurturing relationships with potential major donors:
- How to identify and engage with donors who are ready to increase their giving
- The art of asking thoughtful questions and truly listening to donor motivations
- Creating personalized stewardship plans that respect donors' preferences

Leveraging Donor Insights for Organizational Growth
Ellen shares a brilliant strategy for involving donors in your nonprofit's development:
- How to conduct donor interviews that provide valuable feedback and insights
- Using donor input to shape your organization's growth strategy
- Turning engaged supporters into potential board members and major gift donors

Whether you're new to major gift fundraising or looking to refine your approach, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you build stronger, more authentic relationships with your top supporters.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
06:28 Crafting Effective Donor Conversations Learn how to ask the right questions and truly listen to donor motivations, creating a foundation for meaningful partnerships.

19:38 Personalizing Donor Engagement Discover strategies for tailoring your approach to each donor's preferences and communication style.

30:47 Turning Donor Feedback into Action Explore Ellen's powerful technique for using donor insights to shape your organization's growth strategy and cultivate deeper commitment.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your approach to major gift fundraising and create lasting partnerships with your most impactful supporters.

Resources
One:One and Team coaching. Join my MasterMind Group. Listeners can have FREE access to my course. The Thriving Nonprofit Leader: https://theideallife.com/the-thriving-nonprofit-leader/

Ellen Christine Ruiters
Ellen Christine understands the challenges of nonprofit leadership because she’s been there. A nonprofit founder turned leadership and fundraising consultant, she has helped great causes raise over $1 billion globally.

Through culture-building, high-net-worth donor strategies, and impactful storytelling, Ellen empowers nonprofits and their leaders to thrive.

Her program, The Thriving Nonprofit Leader, helps organizations and their teams rediscover joy in their work while attracting more high-impact donors.

Learn more at TheThrivingNonprofitLeader.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-christine-ruiters/

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 cut through the noise and truly connect with your donors? In this episode, I sit down with Jake Sucoff, founder and CEO of Patient Procure, to explore the art of crafting compelling impact stories that resonate with your audience.

Jake shares his passion for helping organizations translate their mission into powerful narratives that inspire action. We discuss:

The Power of Personal Stories
- Why leading with individual stories is more effective than overwhelming statistics
- How to identify and develop your organization's core impact narratives
- Strategies for tailoring your message to different stakeholder groups

Creating a Holistic Impact Strategy
- Integrating your impact stories across all communication channels
- Balancing detailed information with concise, engaging content
- Tips for repurposing content to maximize your storytelling efforts

Overcoming Common Pitfalls
- Why under-communicating is often a bigger risk than over-communicating
- How to simplify your message without losing its power
- The importance of staying human-focused in a world of algorithms

Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit marketer or just starting to develop your impact strategy, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you share your mission more effectively and connect with the hearts of your supporters.

Wanna Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways:
06:46 Crafting Relatable Impact Stories It's important to create stories that are universally relatable and tailor them to specific audiences. The power of personal narratives over statistics in conveying impact and emotional connection is crucial.

15:23 Simplifying Impact Communication for Nonprofit Leaders Focus on the core mission and impact rather than getting overwhelmed by marketing technicalities. Simplify the message and get back to the fundamental “why” of the organization.

26:51 Human-Centric Approach to Impact Storytelling Focus on human connection in storytelling, rather than getting caught up in metrics or algorithms. Speak directly to their audience and prioritize quality over quantity.

Jake Sucoff
Jake is an entrepreneur, marketer, and 4 time best man. He's the founder and CEO of Patient Procure, a marketing agency that specializes in helping medical practices book their ideal patients and keep them coming back. PatPro leverages exceptional content, storytelling, and technology to create reliable patient funnels so practitioners can focus on what they do best- caring for patients.

Jake's career spans 15 years of building and launching products across diverse markets – including B2B SaaS, enterprise healthcare, a startup incubator and loyalty rewards hardware. He's spent these years working directly with C-suite executives, pitching in high-pressure environments, and using data to influence decisions.

Jake's real passion is his family, friends and music. He's constantly tinkering with automation and AI these days so he can spend less time in the office and more time with the people he loves.

Learn more at heyjakey.com
www.patientprocure.com
https://www.instagram.com/jakesucoff/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsucoff/

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 making the most of your nonprofit's public relations efforts? In this episode, I sit down with Aquila Mendez, founder of Haute in Texas PR and marketing agency, to explore how organizations can maximize their PR strategies and create lasting impact.

The Evolution of Public Relations
- How PR has become more integrated with marketing
- The importance of building relationships with media outlets
- Strategies for crafting compelling, newsworthy stories

Maximizing Your PR Efforts
- Repurposing press releases across multiple channels
- Creating a crisis communication plan before you need it
- Leveraging thought leadership to build credibility

Crafting Effective Pitches
- Focusing on superlatives and data points
- Using clear, jargon-free language
- Highlighting the true impact on your community

Building Strong Agency Partnerships
- What to look for when hiring a PR agency
- Questions to ask potential partners
- The importance of trust and alignment in agency relationships

Whether you're just starting to explore PR or looking to refine your existing strategy, this episode provides valuable insights to help your nonprofit amplify its message and reach new audiences.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an industry expert and take your organization's storytelling to the next level. Tune in now and discover how to harness the power of public relations for your cause.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Key Takeaways:
04:09 The Changing Landscape of PR Public relations has evolved to work more closely with marketing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and relationship-building.
11:49 Crafting Effective Press Releases Learn strategies for creating press releases that resonate with media outlets, including the importance of being prepared with supporting materials.
19:38 Pitching Media Successfully Discover the key elements of an effective media pitch, including focusing on superlatives, data points, and clear, jargon-free language.
28:25 Choosing the Right PR Partner What to look for when hiring a PR agency, including understanding their philosophy and approach to measuring ROI.

Aquila Mendez Valdez
Aquila is the Founder of Haute in Texas, an award-winning PR and Marketing agency. She’s been asked to speak to audiences across the US, Europe and Asia, and has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek and The Telegraph, in addition to numerous TV appearances and podcasts. Her blog collaborations and client roster feature some of the world’s biggest brands, including Vogue, Prada, Lincoln, Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott, Orangetheory. She is also the founder of Haute in Network Agencies, a franchise model to help other women own their own agencies, and was named a San Antonio Biz Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.

Learn more at hitpr.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

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