Ideas For The Change Revolution

In a world of competing products, organizations, and even non-profits, how can you cut through the clutter of a media-driven culture and get your voice heard? To make that happen, you need to face the challenge of real change. The media world is undergoing the most radical transformation in history, and if you're not ready for that change, you'll be talking to an audience that doesn't exist anymore. This edition of the newsletter (and my blog) is about that kind of change, and how it can impact your perception, your brand, and your income. Enjoy the read, and prepare yourself and your organization for the future. We haven't figured it all out yet, but it will definitely be interesting! ... read more

Reading the newspaper or listening to the TV news makes it hard not to wonder about the economy. Some say it’s getting stronger, while others protest it’s in a serious crisis. It takes up the majority of the presidential candidates speech time, and it’s pretty much 24/7 on the cable news channels. Whatever is going on, it’s important that non-profits understand the connections between the economy and giving. There’s little empirical data out there on the issue, but experience is a good teacher, and you need some tools to work with as your consider your strategy for the coming months. Here are my thoughts on the current economic situation and how it could impact your organization. I would encourage you to meet with your team and make sure they understand these important principles: ... read more

I once heard legendary film director John Huston say something to the effect, “Great movie directing should be invisible. If someone in the audience ever tells you how great a particular shot is, then you’ve failed, because you’ve distracted them from the story.” Huston knew great shooting was there to enhance the film story, never to call attention to itself. I feel the same way about branding. ... read more

I starting thinking the other day about my work as a media consultant for non-profit and religious organizations. At Cooke Pictures, we have some wonderful clients, who are genuinely attempting to do great things in the media, and we’re thrilled to be part of their team. But as I look over my career, I realize now that I’ve spent at least 35-40% of my time at many organizations negotiating the minefields of overly sensitive people. I’m talking about people who are insecure – people who get their feelings hurt at the drop of a hat, or think every suggestion or change in a project is a personal criticism of them or their past decisions. ... read more

I often make fun of what I call the “Christian media bubble.” For those non-believers in the audience, that simply means people who live inside Christian radio, publishing, TV, or music. For an earlier generation, people of faith actually interacted with the surrounding culture. But 30-40 years ago, when we noticed the Christian audience was a buying audience, we stopped preaching to the world, and started preaching to each other. As a result, ... read more

Phil Cooke Can Speak for Your Organization or Event

philcooke.com/schedule

Phil Cooke can speak at your organization or event on subjects ranging from personal, organizational, creative, media, and cultural change. As an international speaker and lecturer at colleges and universities, major conferences, and related events, he can affect your audience through an array of personal stories, insightful information and research, and most of all, encouragement and inspiration.

Contact Cheryl Cashman at 818-563-2125 today! ... read more