Raffi DerSimonian's guest appearances

Raffi DerSimonian

The PR Maven Podcast

Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell

Gary Arndt

Drew McLellan

Antoine Martel

Lee Goldberg

Michael Smart

Lisa Steele

John Lee Dumas

William Arruda

Matthew Murphy

Michael Katz

Angela Ferrari

Rich Brooks

AJ Wilcox

Molly McPherson

Becky Robinson

OwlTail

Support for this show is brought to you by our friends at Bloomerang. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like First Tee of Greater Akron, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit bloomerang.com/nonprofit-nation .You only have five seconds to captivate your audience. Video can help you stand out against the myriad of peers and competing messages. And best of all, 57% of people who watch nonprofit videos go on to make a donation (Source: Google). So - how can small nonprofits use video to compel audiences to take action? How can video help build and cement emotional connections and increase donor engagement?  My guest today is Raffi DerSimonian. Raffi is a firm believer in the emotive power of visual storytelling, and has developed a range of strategies throughout his career to help organizations and institutions tell their unique story. He’s worked with some incredible organizations, including HBS, Clark University, Trinity College, Lafayette, Muhlenberg, Tufts, Seven Hills Foundation, Worcester State University, Maine College of Art &amp; Design and others.In this episode, we will explore the art of visual storytelling as it relates to creating emotional connections and driving measurable engagement.  Check out Raffi's free Nonprofit Video Resource Guide as you create and market your videos. Connect with Raffi:Website: http://www.eridesign.comWebsite: https://www.eridesignstudio.com/insights/Nonprofit Video Resource GuideAbout Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast:Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, Julia Campbell (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place. She wrote her book, Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements. Julia’s online courses, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacampbell/ 

Support for this show is brought to you by our friends at <a href="https://www.bloomerang.com/nonprofit-nation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bloomerang</a>. Bloomerang offers donor management and online fundraising software that helps small to medium nonprofits, like <a href="https://www.bloomerang.com/nonprofit-nation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">First Tee of Greater Akron</a>, a nonprofit that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. After just one year with Bloomerang they doubled their unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds. To listen to the full interview with First Tee of Greater Akron visit <a href="https://www.bloomerang.com/nonprofit-nation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bloomerang.com/nonprofit-nation</a> . You only have five seconds to captivate your audience. Video can help you stand out against the myriad of peers and competing messages. And best of all, 57% of people who watch nonprofit videos go on to make a donation (Source: Google).  So - how can small nonprofits use video to compel audiences to take action? How can video help build and cement emotional connections and increase donor engagement?  My guest today is Raffi DerSimonian. Raffi is a firm believer in the emotive power of visual storytelling, and has developed a range of strategies throughout his career to help organizations and institutions tell their unique story. He’s worked with some incredible organizations, including HBS, Clark University, Trinity College, Lafayette, Muhlenberg, Tufts, Seven Hills Foundation, Worcester State University, Maine College of Art &amp; Design and others. In this episode, we will explore the art of visual storytelling as it relates to creating emotional connections and driving measurable engagement.  Check out Raffi's free <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1famW1BZIp4ONLn_8_FaBrO6ljkc3CuBe/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nonprofit Video Resource Guide</a> as you create and market your videos. Connect with Raffi:<ul><li>Website: <a href="http://www.eridesign.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.eridesign.com</a></li><li>Website: <a href="https://www.eridesignstudio.com/insights/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.eridesignstudio.com/insights/</a></li><li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1famW1BZIp4ONLn_8_FaBrO6ljkc3CuBe/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nonprofit Video Resource Guide</a></li></ul>About Julia Campbell, the host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast: Named as a top thought leader by Forbes and BizTech Magazine, <a href="http://www.jcsocialmarketing.com/blog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julia Campbell</a> (she/hers) is an author, coach, and speaker on a mission to make the digital world a better place. She wrote her book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1938077792/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Storytelling in the Digital Age: A Guide for Nonprofits</a>, as a roadmap for social change agents who want to build movements using engaging digital storytelling techniques. Her second book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Build-Mobilize-Social-Community-Nonprofit-ebook/dp/B084M7PPGD/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&amp;keywords=social+media+90+days&amp;qid=1587911024&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit</a>, was published in 2020 as a call-to-arms for mission-driven organizations to use the power of social media to build movements. Julia’s <a href="https://online-success-for-nonprofits.teachable.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online courses</a>, webinars, and keynote talks have helped hundreds of nonprofits make the shift to digital thinking and how to do effective marketing in the digital age. Connect with me on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacampbell/%20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacampbell/ </a>

How to Drive Donor Engagement Using Video with Raffi DerSimonian

In this episode, Raffi DerSimonian talks about his career doing public relations and marketing in the arts. As a Waterville native, Raffi talks about the renaissance going on in the city from arts to dining. Music has always been a passion of Raffi’s. He describes his musical career and helping found Waterville Rocks. In addition to doing public relations and marketing in the arts, Raffi is experienced in promoting higher education. Raffi and Nancy discuss how COVID-19 has impacted higher education as well as communicating during a crisis. 3:00 – Raffi describes the importance of a handwritten note. 7:05 – Raffi explains how COVID-19 has forced higher education to adjust very quickly and rethink its curriculum. 11:40 – Raffi shares how video can be used to drive measurable engagement in public relations and marketing. 18:29 – As a Waterville native and co-founder of Waterville Rocks, Raffi talks about the city’s renaissance. 23:37 – Raffi explains how Waterville Rocks was founded. 24:19 – Raffi describes how music has been an important part of his life. 29:00 – Raffi talks about his career marketing the arts. 32:09 – Raffi shares his advice for schools and colleges when promoting themselves. 36:28 – Raffi provides some times for communicating during a crisis. 39:31 – Raffi recommends a book.   Quote “Video is a medium that gets me really excited personally. Over the years throughout my career, I've come to understand the emotive power of visual storytelling as a way to drive engagement. I think video is an amazing medium because it has the ability to pull us in by our imaginations, sometimes resulting in a physiological response like goosebumps, joy or sorrow.” – Raffi DerSimonian, principal at the RDS Group   Links: Maine Media Workshops + College:  https://www.mainemedia.edu/?gclid=CjwKCAjw3MSHBhB3EiwAxcaEu9jszQNZ3GwTwgTgAkw_kvOaRMhR2PBWusjee09oR_41wxnQPyeziRoC5EUQAvD_BwE Colby College: https://www.colby.edu/ Thomas College: https://www.thomas.edu/ Waterville Opera House: https://www.watervillecreates.org/operahouse/home/ Paul J. Schupf Art Center:  https://www.watervillecreates.org/paul-j-schupf-art-center-community-capital-campaign/ Colby College Museum of Art: https://www.colby.edu/museum/ Waterville Creates: https://www.watervillecreates.org/ Silver Street Tavern: https://www.silverstreettavern.com/ OPA: https://opawaterville.com/ The Last Unicorn: https://www.thelastuni.com/ Waterville Rocks: https://www.watervillecreates.org/waterville-rocks/ Maine Academy of Modern Music: https://www.maineacademyofmodernmusic.org/ Providence Performing Arts Center: https://www.ppacri.org/ Ikigai by Héctor García:  https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722    Listen to Karl Strand’s PR Maven® Podcast episode to learn more about Sugarloaf.  Listen to Bill Green’s PR Maven® Podcast episode.  Listen to Steve McCausland’s PR Maven® Podcast episode to learn more about media training and crisis communications.  Listen to Jordan Rowan and Jesse Souza’s PR Maven® Podcast episode to learn more about Front &amp; Main.  Listen to Jim Dinkle’s PR Maven® Podcast episode to learn more about FirstPark. Listen to Nancy’s solocast,  How to use a message map to build your brand, to learn more about message mapping or sign up for her Message Mapping Mastery online course.   Activate  the PR Maven® Flash Briefing on your Alexa Device.  Join the PR Maven® Facebook group page.    About the guest:     With over 20 years’ experience in results-oriented public relations, marketing, and communications, Raffi DerSimonian has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between institutional marketing, communications, advancement, and the arts. His experience includes leading new brand launches, developing marketing strategies, and planning advancement campaigns for a diverse range of institutions and organizations. Via RDS Group, Raffi works in highly collaborative settings, which allows him to effectively navigate a range of complex and large-scale initiatives. A proud Waterville native and double alum of Clark University, Raffi enjoys outdoor adventure and live music. He is also involved in Portland, Maine’s thriving cultural arts scene and has served on various community arts councils and boards in and around New England including Habitat For Humanity of Greater Providence, Worcester Arts Council, Creative Portland, Maine Academy of Modern Music, Yellow Tulip Project, Fork Food Lab, Portland Downtown, Armenian Cultural Association of Maine, Portland Bach Experience, and Maine Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.   Looking to connect:           Email: raffi@dersimonian.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffi-dersimonian-5099233/ Website: www.dersimonian.com

In this episode, Raffi DerSimonian talks about his career doing public relations and marketing in the arts. As a Waterville native, Raffi talks about the renaissance going on in the city from arts to dining. Music has always been a passion of Raffi’s. He describes his musical career and helping found Waterville Rocks. In addition to doing public relations and marketing in the arts, Raffi is experienced in promoting higher education. Raffi and Nancy discuss how COVID-19 has impacted higher education as well as communicating during a crisis. 3:00 – Raffi describes the importance of a handwritten note. 7:05 – Raffi explains how COVID-19 has forced higher education to adjust very quickly and rethink its curriculum. 11:40 – Raffi shares how video can be used to drive measurable engagement in public relations and marketing. 18:29 – As a Waterville native and co-founder of Waterville Rocks, Raffi talks about the city’s renaissance. 23:37 – Raffi explains how Waterville Rocks was founded. 24:19 – Raffi describes how music has been an important part of his life. 29:00 – Raffi talks about his career marketing the arts. 32:09 – Raffi shares his advice for schools and colleges when promoting themselves. 36:28 – Raffi provides some times for communicating during a crisis. 39:31 – Raffi recommends a book. Quote “Video is a medium that gets me really excited personally. Over the years throughout my career, I've come to understand the emotive power of visual storytelling as a way to drive engagement. I think video is an amazing medium because it has the ability to pull us in by our imaginations, sometimes resulting in a physiological response like goosebumps, joy or sorrow.” – Raffi DerSimonian, principal at the RDS Group Links: Maine Media Workshops + College: <a href="https://www.mainemedia.edu/?gclid=CjwKCAjw3MSHBhB3EiwAxcaEu9jszQNZ3GwTwgTgAkw_kvOaRMhR2PBWusjee09oR_41wxnQPyeziRoC5EUQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.mainemedia.edu/?gclid=CjwKCAjw3MSHBhB3EiwAxcaEu9jszQNZ3GwTwgTgAkw_kvOaRMhR2PBWusjee09oR_41wxnQPyeziRoC5EUQAvD_BwE</a> Colby College: <a href="https://www.colby.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.colby.edu/</a> Thomas College: <a href="https://www.thomas.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thomas.edu/</a> Waterville Opera House: <a href="https://www.watervillecreates.org/operahouse/home/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.watervillecreates.org/operahouse/home/</a> Paul J. Schupf Art Center: <a href="https://www.watervillecreates.org/paul-j-schupf-art-center-community-capital-campaign/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.watervillecreates.org/paul-j-schupf-art-center-community-capital-campaign/</a> Colby College Museum of Art: <a href="https://www.colby.edu/museum/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.colby.edu/museum/</a> Waterville Creates: <a href="https://www.watervillecreates.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.watervillecreates.org/</a> Silver Street Tavern: <a href="https://www.silverstreettavern.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.silverstreettavern.com/</a> OPA: <a href="https://opawaterville.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://opawaterville.com/</a> The Last Unicorn: <a href="https://www.thelastuni.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thelastuni.com/</a> Waterville Rocks: <a href="https://www.watervillecreates.org/waterville-rocks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.watervillecreates.org/waterville-rocks/</a> Maine Academy of Modern Music: <a href="https://www.maineacademyofmodernmusic.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.maineacademyofmodernmusic.org/</a> Providence Performing Arts Center: <a href="https://www.ppacri.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ppacri.org/</a> Ikigai by Héctor García: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722</a> <a href="https://www.marshallpr.com/podcast/episode-104-how-to-grow-an-already-established-brand-with-karl-strand-general-manager-at-sugarloaf/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Listen to Karl Strand’s PR Maven® Podcast episode to learn more about Sugarloaf.</a> <a href="https://www.marshallpr.com/podcast/episode-10-bill-green-reporter-anchor-and-executive-producer-at-news-center-maine/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Listen to Bill Green’s PR Maven® Podcast episode.</a> <a href="https://www.marshallpr.com/podcast/episode-118-how-to-communicate-during-a-crisis-with-steve-mccausland-communications-specialist-at-marshall-communications/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Listen to Steve McCausland’s PR Maven® Podcast episode to learn more about media training and crisis communications.</a> <a href="https://www.marshallpr.com/podcast/episode-142-growing-a-network-through-local-food-with-jordan-rowan-and-jesse-souza-from-front-main/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Listen to Jordan Rowan and Jesse Souza’s PR Maven® Podcast episode to learn more about Front &amp; Main.</a> <a href="https://www.marshallpr.com/podcast/episode-75-how-listening-and-networking-can-improve-economic-development-with-jim-dinkle-executive-director-of-kennebec-regional-development-authority-firstpark/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Listen to Jim Dinkle’s PR Maven® Podcast episode to learn more about FirstPark.</a> Listen to Nancy’s solocast, <a href="https://www.marshallpr.com/podcast/episode-82-how-to-use-a-message-map-to-build-your-brand/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> How to use a message map to build your brand</a>, to learn more about message mapping or sign up for her <a href="https://prmaven.com/message-course/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Message Mapping Mastery online course</a>. Activate <a href="https://prmaven.com/how-to-activate-the-pr-maven-podcast-flash-briefing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> the PR Maven® Flash Briefing</a> on your Alexa Device.  Join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/238596473670157/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the PR Maven® Facebook group</a> page.  About the guest:     With over 20 years’ experience in results-oriented public relations, marketing, and communications, Raffi DerSimonian has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between institutional marketing, communications, advancement, and the arts. His experience includes leading new brand launches, developing marketing strategies, and planning advancement campaigns for a diverse range of institutions and organizations. Via RDS Group, Raffi works in highly collaborative settings, which allows him to effectively navigate a range of complex and large-scale initiatives. A proud Waterville native and double alum of Clark University, Raffi enjoys outdoor adventure and live music. He is also involved in Portland, Maine’s thriving cultural arts scene and has served on various community arts councils and boards in and around New England including Habitat For Humanity of Greater Providence, Worcester Arts Council, Creative Portland, Maine Academy of Modern Music, Yellow Tulip Project, Fork Food Lab, Portland Downtown, Armenian Cultural Association of Maine, Portland Bach Experience, and Maine Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Looking to connect:           Email: <a href="mailto:raffi@dersimonian.com">raffi@dersimonian.com</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffi-dersimonian-5099233/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffi-dersimonian-5099233/</a> Website: <a href="http://www.dersimonian.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.dersimonian.com</a>

Episode 146: Public relations and marketing in the arts, with Raffi DerSimonian, principal at the RDS Group