Dear Dreamers and Doers,

It’s almost Independence Day. Ready for fireworks? We’re looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July and some down-home democracy around the BBQ, but we’ve also gotta get a little work done to keep the country running. So welcome back to our journey through DRMTM’s ten Bold Brand truths. We’ve reached #6, and it’s a doozy:

Be Human.

Sounds simple, right? Yet in the world of arts and culture branding, we often forget this fundamental truth. We get caught up in lofty mission statements, impressive statistics, and polished presentations. But here’s the kicker: your audience isn’t looking for perfection – they’re looking for connection.

Why does being human matter so much in brand communications? Let’s break it down:

1. Warmth wins hearts: When you’re warm and approachable in your messaging, you’re inviting your audience into a relationship, not just a transaction.

2. Vulnerability builds trust: By showing your organization’s challenges and growth, you create authenticity that resonates deeply with your community.

3. Empathy creates belonging: Understanding and reflecting the emotions of your audience makes them feel seen and valued.

Remember, folks: it’s not about us, it’s about them. Our job in arts and culture isn’t to put ourselves on a pedestal – it’s to be a mirror reflecting the needs, hopes, and experiences of our communities. We’re not just showcasing art; we’re nurturing the human spirit.

Let’s talk about the magic that happens when arts organizations embrace their humanity:

• Education becomes inspiration: Instead of lecturing, we’re sharing discoveries together.
• Performances become experiences: We’re not just putting on a show; we’re creating shared moments of awe.
• Exhibitions become conversations: Art isn’t just for viewing; it’s for sparking dialogue and understanding.

And let’s not forget the healing power of art. In times of joy or sorrow, triumph or tragedy, art gives voice to the inexpressible. By being human in our approach, we make that healing power more accessible to all.

Remember, being human isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being real. It’s about showing up authentically, warts and all, and saying, “Hey, we’re on this creative journey together.”

So let’s ditch what’s not genuine. Let’s be warm, vulnerable, and empathetic. Let’s reflect the beauty, complexity, and messiness of the human experience in everything we do. After all, isn’t that what art is all about?

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive deeper into practical ways to assess and improve your organization’s human touch. We’ve got some insightful questions coming your way that will help you gauge how well you’re connecting with your audience on a human level.

Struggling to find your human voice? Drop us a line at hello@thedrmtm.com. We promise a real, live human will respond – no chatbots here!

Here’s to Keepin’ It Real,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

P.S. Did this make you feel things? Good! That means we’re doing our job. Share your thoughts with us – we’re all ears (and hearts).

Dear Dreamers and Doers,

It’s June already. That means it’s time to drop the next number in our 2024 series about DRMTM’s ten Bold Brand truths. These insights are brought to you courtesy of our signature workshops, and you can catch previous articles on our website under thoughts. Let’s go.

Here’s #5 on the list of creating a bold arts and culture brand: Talk like a real person, not a robot.

Messaging is the most honest, human part of your brand. It must be compelling, inspiring, informative, persuasive, meaningful and memorable. Oh yeah – and simple to understand. So we all need to agree on something here: let’s quit it with the jargon, acronyms and insider language.

If you currently use any of these words, terms or tools in your primary messaging, STOP and BACK AWAY:

The words “IMPACT, INNOVATIVE and TRANSFORMATIVE”

• We love big, bold words. But these three here are overused and losing their luster. Is that new urban dance program really innovative? If yes, then be sure to describe how. But most organizations throw these words around with nothing to back them up. Be sure to pull one of these big guys into a headline when you have something incredible to say.

CHARTS AND GRAPHS

• Don’t get us wrong — these visual aids are awesome. Just be sure to use them sparingly and in the right way to support your information, not detract from it. Charts and graphs can add clutter and confusion when used in narratives solely to break up content or provide visual interest. Let other brand design elements highlight key information.

TECHNICAL DATA

• We see so many organizations lift program data and financial information right out of their grant reports and use it in primary messaging to show impact. This is a short-cut way to write and your mission deserves more. Your messaging should be warm, captivating and human to tell a success story, not read like an outcomes report to your funder.

INDUSTRY JARGON

• The FATA is offering CPE credits on Art and ACEs for ATCB certification and credentialing. We think you get it.

MEANINGLESS LANGUAGE

• “Leading with our bold vision to inspire and connect humanity through the Puget Sound Sound, we at The PS Orchestra and Social Center, Inc. are vital influencers and conveners, emblemizing our values of being exceptional, innovative, diverse and inclusive, and authentic. IDEAS—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Strategies—is a comprehensive transformation process, guided by our vision and values, to assess and improve all aspects of our operations, concerts, and programs, and to spur sustainable change.” Again, we think you get it.

Avoid unnecessary eyerolling, awkward silences and, at worst, total loss of interest. The homework here is easy! 

• Take this check list and start revising. Go through your most community-focused messaging, collateral and web pages to determine where you can make instant improvements using our anti-jargon insights.

Stuck on a messaging treadmill of innovative transformation and can’t get off? Email hello@thedrmtm.com and we’ll help you fix a few problems for free in just half an hour.

Here’s to Keepin’ It Real,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

Dear Dreamers and Doers,

Another month, another truth! Thanks for following along with our 2024 series revealing DRMTM’s ten Bold Brand truths from our signature workshops. You can catch previous articles on our website under Thoughts.

What’s #4 on the list for creating a bold arts and culture brand?

What makes you different makes you desirable.

We are a people in pursuit of the exceptional. We want the shiny new thing, the stand-out style, and often wacky but definitely-different-version of the ordinary thing. That’s why we love scrolling through 4,000 Met Gala photos to view what is the most creative, compelling or off-putting designs one can wear. The sky’s the limit, but for heaven’s sake DON’T BE BORING. Don’t offer us the same. And we’ll adore you for it.

Human nature craves something special, unique. But special and unique are also incredibly subjective and personal to each one of us. Arts and culture organizations can labor under the burden to constantly shift, entertain and captivate — only to miss the mark at the most fundamental level of your brand and stray from what makes you “you.” So how do you show your community how special, unique and different you are from the organization down the road?

In branding, this is differentiation. Let’s break it down by the DRMTM definition.

• Differentiation isn’t just one thing — it is found in all the ways you set yourself apart in meeting your mission. It’s about character, distinction and delivery. Difference should be rooted in higher purpose, brand culture, and an authentic connection with community.
• Difference doesn’t have to be BIG; it has to be REAL. Trends hold us for a moment, but authentic, memorable brands last forever.
• Difference can’t sacrifice consistency. Reliability builds trust in who we are and what we offer.

How do you know what makes you different and desirable? Do Our Differentiation Check-Up.

• Go straight to your core values and take a good look. Do they sound like everyone else? Could they belong to the bank down the street? Do they use standard, overused words like quality, excellence and innovation? If so, you need a messaging makeover. Your core values should reveal the heart of who you are. This is your difference.
• Your difference is not in what you do – it’s why and how you do it differently. What is the approach you take? The beliefs behind it? Your method or process for creating and sharing? That’s what sets your theatre, museum or performing arts center apart from the one across town.
• Go back to research. Ask your community what makes you different. What is the ONE THING people should know about your organization? The answers usually reveal your most unique differentiators. If they can’t tell you what makes you different from any other organization doing what you do, you have work to do. 

Are you feeling desirable or dull as a dish rag? Email hello@thedrmtm.com to talk about differentiation over zoom and coffee.

Here’s to Being Desired,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

Dear Dreamers and Doers,

Happy Spring! Thanks for following along with our 2024 series, as each month we reveal one of DRMTM’s ten Bold Brand truths from our signature workshops. If you apply these tried-and-true principles, you will build a brand capable of increasing your organizational capacity in every way.

What’s #3 on the list for creating a bold arts and culture brand? It’s no secret – successful brands make emotional connections.

We like to think it’s our ability to reason that guides our judgement on how we spend our time and money, but alas, we are only human. We are ultimately ruled by emotion, and we make emotional decisions big and small. Are Girl Scout cookies really that good? Yes, yes they are when they are sprinkled with Girl Power and little Suzy asks you to support Troop 402 with those big brown eyes asking you, personally, to help her win the patch for most boxes sold. How can you not?

There must be millions of books, articles and blogs about the power of emotion in selling — whether it’s an item or an idea. Business thrives on understanding the psychology of consumer decision-making and spending trends. Smart nonprofits and cultural organizations focus on this, too. Knowing what is driving community and audience support of your cause is vital to growth and sustainability.

Just ask yourself what motivated the last five purchases you made. How much did need and reason drive your decision, and how much was about want, appeal, or mood and lifestyle enhancement?

In branding, it comes back to this: How does the cultural experience you provide make people feel?

Sure, folks will use the reasonable part of their brains to determine if your mission is effective and your finances sustainable before they hand over their big donor gift. But to passionately support you, they must feel a deep emotion in their hearts. Sometimes that emotion is attached to history, a program, or a person. Whatever the reason, it’s your job to know why people feel the way they do and keep them feeling great every time they encounter your brand.

 Our Tips: Go ahead. Just ask. “How you feeling?”

• Back to research! Ask how an exhibit, performance, event, or program made an audience member feel in three or four adjectives. These words tell you everything!
• Find out how your current visual brand (logo, colors, style) hits people emotionally. How do they feel when they view it?
• Are you telling great stories that make emotions soar? Ask why people care about your mission.

Struggling to make that emotional connection? Email hello@thedrmtm.com to talk about it with a free conversation over coffee.

Here’s to Leading With Emotion,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

Dear Dreamers and Doers,

THANK YOU for the awesome response to last month’s #1 Brand Truth, Connect the community to your CAUSE, not your programs. Many of you wrote back to let us know that one really hit home and prompted plans to refocus your message. Dream. Come. True.

If you’re new to this series, we’re presenting DRMTM’s ten Bold Brand truths as discussed in our signature workshops. This list is based on years of learning people’s habits about giving their time and money. These truths not only build your brand but build CAPACITY.

What’s the #2 tried and true truth of a bold arts and culture brand?Your brand is not about you – it’s about THEM.

Yup. That’s right. As much as your brand is built to capture your raison d’être, your real reason for existing is for your community. So everything we as nonprofit cultural organizations do is for and about them. At least that’s the way it should be. We live to serve.

And guess what. You are what THEY think you are. It doesn’t matter how clever we craft the look and copy, how much we post on social, or how many impressions we gain from media —  if our mission and message don’t resonate, we create a communications wasteland of lost opportunity. Our friend Brian Sooy, in his book Raise Your Voice – A Cause Manifesto, says “your cause truly becomes meaningful when your audience says it does, and not a moment earlier.” So we may love our really sick logo, but if it doesn’t connect with them, we’re caput.

Here’s your word to remember: RELEVANCE. It’s why great brands speak the language of their people and give them what they need. Attaining relevance in the minds and hearts of an audience is the greatest sign of a brand aligned with its purpose and community.

So, how do you know your brand is truly relevant? Our Tips:

• Only in-depth research can tell us what is in the minds and hearts of our audiences — and our relevance there. So get ready to research.
• Understanding your external perception begins with internal research. Start there and ask: “How do the people inside my organization perceive our brand?” 
• Then you have to ask people outside your organization how they perceive your brand. The magic of this research allows you to compare internal perceptions against external perceptions to identify gaps in alignment. 
• The gaps tell you where things are off, and where to get to work.

And guess what else. DRMTM can guide this research and take you through an in-depth Relevancy Evaluation. Email hello@thedrmtm.com to get your free consultation on the calendar!

20% OFF FOR OUR READERS! Mention code SILVER LINING to get your discount on a DRMTM Relevancy Evaluation.

Here’s to a Bold, Relevant Raison d’ê​tre,

Surale + Laura + Cheryl

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