70. Why Bravery & Nuance Matter: Our Marketing & Fundraising Mindset Defines the Donors We Attract with Simone Seol

My guest on this episode of What the Fundraising is challenging all of us to throw out self-limiting beliefs in favor of playfulness and transparency. Simone Seol, a coach, and host of The Joyful Marketing Podcast, shows us what it can look like to step away from self-doubt, fear of rejection, and perfectionism. “How we get to show up is our decision,” she says. “You get what you think you deserve and you call in who you speak to.”  This is such a powerful message for nonprofits whose goal is to cultivate long-term, trust-based relationships with donors! We can push back on old narratives not based on current realities. And that constant drive fundraisers feel to do good and be seen as good? Simone believes the harder we work to be sainted martyrs the farther we get from authentic, resilient connection with our partners – whether in business, philanthropy, or life.  Simone is an evangelist for truth and vulnerability – which shines through in her work with life coaches and her lively Instagram posts. Her own candor gives us all permission to dig deeper in service of universal stories and nuance. It’s through humanity-centered narratives and shared experience, she says, that we transcend “no” to live instead in a powerful place of connection and joy. This inspiring conversation is sure to open you up to new ways of thinking.  Episode Highlights: (02:15) Simone shares her background, as the overview of her work and history in the nonprofit sector (04:00) About stepping into higher levels of giving, receiving, and becoming (05:55) Goals, fears, and a commitment to upgrading our internal operating systems (08:13) How a siloed approach to marketing reinforces self-limiting beliefs and cringe-y tactics. (09:33) The pillars of humanity-centered marketing  (10:41) Thinking about fundraising in a more holistic way  (12:36) Flipping the paradigm when it comes to “no.”  (15:07) Simone offers up a mantra and play and fun. (16:11) What happens when we adopt a more playful and integrated approach? (19:10) A look at the fear around getting authenticity wrong. (21:1) The bumps and bruises are part of any journey to alignment!  (25:41) Somatic legacies live on in our bodies and shape our deepest ways of being. (27:49) The more we resist risk, the harder it becomes.  (29:21) Normalizing the ebb and flow of life. (33:15) A closer look at self-fulfilling prophesies in fundraising. (37:26) Persuasion & nuance (38:55) Real relationships are built on honesty and trust – not hype.  (43:30) Learn more about Simone and her work.  Many thanks to our sponsor Cosmic,  the social impact creativity agency that delivers compelling stories, builds brand awareness, and inspires action. The team at Cosmic knows how to leverage clarity to catalyze real-world change.