Marketing is frequently seen as a four-letter word when used in a conversation about ministry. But isn’t marketing all about storytelling? And if your ministry is about serving people, shouldn’t telling the story be completely natural? Here is the bottom line of why I talk about marketing:
The people who need what you offer aren’t thinking about you.
That may sound harsh – but it’s true. In the early days of That You May Know Ministries I had a conversation with an incredibly talented actor named Chuck Neighbors. Chuck founded and runs Master’s Image Productions. He’s been traveling and acting 10 years longer than I have (since 1984). At the time, I had the naïve belief that once people heard about what I do, then my phone would be ringing off the hook. (You can stop laughing now.) Chuck humbly, but clearly said, “If you want to keep working, you’ll never stop marketing.” I didn’t like hearing it – and I’m not sure I believe him – but I have come to know the undeniable truth of that statement.
With Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, YouTube, etc. “marketing” has changed drastically since I started TYMK in 1996. I’m still learning about what to do and not do. Hopefully this information will be helpful to lots of people, but I primarily want to help people who are just starting in ministry, have a small ministry, or are simply searching for better ways to let people know how their church is serving their community.
I am certainly no expert. But as I learn – I’ll share. Hopefully we will all get a little better at telling the story.
What have you learned about marketing that you could share with the rest of us?
Hey can I use this in my marketing campaign?
You better! Thanks for encouraging me throughout the years…and many others I’m sure. It’s been too long, Chuck. Let me know the next time you’re up near Seattle and the coffee is on me!