Dear Dreamers and Doers,

Let’s get down to it. 

When our team is on the road teaching, we start every session with our ten brand truths. They come from decades of learning how people respond to appeals for their time and money. Your brand, if done well, is undeniable in its power to build capacity across every aspect of your organization.

What’s the #1 tried and true truth of a bold arts and culture brand? Connect the community to your CAUSE, not your programs.

Whaaaa???

Causes connect people to ideals in which they believe or want to belong. The cultural arts connect us to what it means to be human. Your people don’t show up for a program, they come for an experience. They show up to FEEL.

Leading your message with programs and activities can be an endless advertising trap. Lots of organizations offer exhibits and performances. Why should people attend with you?

Your cause tells people why you exist, what you believe in, and how you want to touch the world. Your mission, vision and core values should be packed with purpose, sharing WHY you do this work, which is where it gets meaningful, or ahem, meaningfeel. Your cause creates the critical emotional connection needed for one to identify with YOU for their cultural experiences over another organization.

Programs are important. We’re not dismissing them. But they are secondary to your brand message. Programs can rapidly change. Your mission does not.

So, how do you stop struggling over your message and craft your cause? Our Tips:

• Impart your higher purpose: ask yourself what you really do without mentioning your programs and describe how you do it differently. Hint: It’s not ticket sales, galas, giving tours or offering performances. It’s creating transcendent experiences, forming community, connecting and healing through art, or carving space where people belong.
• Go right now and check your homepage. Is your first message about what’s happening this weekend or is it an invitation into your cultural community?
• Ask your audiences what they believe is your higher purpose. Why do they care about you? Is there a loyalty bond? Why?

Questioning your brand? We’re here to help. Email hello@thedrmtm.com to get your free consultation on the calendar! We promise it’s fun and painless.

20% OFF FOR OUR READERS! Ask about our Bold Brand Assessment if you want to know where your brand currently stands.

Here’s to being a Bold Brand Rebel With A Cause,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

Dear Dreamers and Doers,

​“Branding is a tool of the empire.” 

That’s what we heard recently in a fascinating conversation with an organization devoted to art, nature and mindfulness. It’s quite a quote, and one we don’t necessarily disagree with. Actually, we would say this is the point of view from which most people first come to know branding – as a cog in the wheel of the big commercial propaganda machine.  And for those of us who communicate on behalf of nonprofit services or arts and culture organizations, the Empire Method of marketing does not represent our truths or values in what we provide or how we speak to our communities.

This quote, entirely, captures why DRMTM came into existence: to turn this idea on its head and teach arts and culture organizations how to understand the power of branding to share their mission and build relationships, not sell tickets or fill up program rosters. If you offer a compelling community experience people want and need, the rest follows.

Throughout 2024, our emails to you will reveal DRMTM’s Truth of a Bold Relevant Brand. We’re breaking down the tried-and-true points from our intensive workshop that teach you how to communicate your value and purpose and build a loyal following. So take notes. You will find some great capacity-building ideas and language to carry into your main messaging and grant writing work.

You don’t want to miss this series! Our first installment is coming February 20th.

And remember, DRMTM is always available to answer your questions with a free Happy Half-Hour consultation. Email ​hello@thedrmtm.com​ to get your HHH on the calendar! Don’t forget to ask about our Bold Brand Assessment.

Here’s to walking with some Darth Vader swagger as your theme song plays,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl