Stop one-sizing audiences

I recently re-listened to two of my favorite albums, The Clash’s sneering, punk-powered ‘London Calling’ and Steely Dan’s jazz-infused, technically flawless ‘Aja.’

Both routinely make lists of the best albums of all time.

That’s where the similarities end. While they were released just a couple years apart, the albums couldn’t be more different. Staccato blasts vs. cool piano vibes. Angry lyrics vs. subtle lines.

It got me thinking about audiences.

In the nonprofit communications world, we often think we have one or two audiences when in fact there are many more. Each one requires a slightly different approach – one size may fit some, but not all. Different platforms. Tweaked messaging. In some cases, different timing.

It helps everyone on your team to do this type of thinking at a strategic level, not at a reactive or tactical one. Determine how each audience wants to receive your messaging and stick to the plan until it warrants tweaking.

I am not sure how many of us are in the Venn diagram overlap of Clash and Steely Dan fans. The point is we exist. There is no single audience for Music with a capital M. The same is true for your organization. Make sure you identify your audiences, then figure out how to reach them.