Story isn't something you add at the end of your marketing process. It's the structure that makes your message work in the first place.

In Episode 4, Dan Portnoy breaks down what story actually is at its most fundamental level — not long-form content, not guilt-trip videos with soft music — but a three-part structure that your audience's brain is already wired to follow: Want → Obstacle → Change.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why most marketing fails (it's skipping one of the three story elements)
• How your brain processes narrative differently than information — and why that matters for every campaign you run
• The difference between alignment (your North Star) and amplification (your story) — and why you need both
• The three-question test you can run on any post, pitch, email, or campaign to find out if it's actually ready
• Why nonprofits especially need to understand the exchange happening in every donor relationship

If you can answer all three questions clearly, you have the architecture for a story. If you can't, the piece isn't done yet.

The Three-Question Test:

1. What does my audience want? (Not what you want to tell them)
2. What's in the way? (The real obstacle — fear, confusion, bad past experience)
3. What changes if they engage with you? (A shift, not a feature list)

Resources mentioned:

• Story frameworks on the Portnoy Media Lab YouTube channel
• The Nonprofit Narrative by Dan Portnoy
• Questions or stuck? Email Dan: dan@portnoymedia.com
  

www.PortnoyMedia.com

www.DanPortnoy.com

Key Ideas

Most marketing advice conflicts because it’s designed to sell products, not solve your problem

Strategy defines the goal; tactics support it—not the other way around

Algorithms change constantly; your story is the only stable asset

There are no shortcuts—momentum comes from sustained effort

Constantly switching tactics creates opportunity cost, morale loss, and confusion

Practical Takeaways

Define a clear outcome before choosing platforms or tactics

Commit to one direction for at least 90 days (six months is better)

Treat your brand as the mentor, not the hero

Focus on relationship-building, not follower counts

Consistency beats cleverness

Referenced Resources

Storytelling training (linked in-video)

Fix Your Funnel Fast – Leak Funnel Tool ($17)

Available at: https://portnoymedia.com/resources

www.PortnoyMedia.com

www.DanPortnoy.com

Episode Notes:

• This is Episode 1 of the Portnoy Media Lab Podcast
• New episodes explore clarity, systems, and creative work that actually moves the needle
• Resources and tools mentioned are available at danportnoy.com/resources
• Blog posts publish Tuesdays; personal reflections on Substack publish Thursdays

www.PortnoyMedia.com

www.DanPortnoy.com

• Introduction: Reflecting on last week's episode and transitioning to the present.
• Assessing Your Current Position:
  • Checking in with yourself and your morale.
  • Identifying areas of dissatisfaction and improvement.
  • Aligning with mission statements and values.
  • Gathering feedback from colleagues.
• Celebrating Small Wins:
  • Recognizing everyday achievements to build morale.
  • Encouraging teams to acknowledge progress.
• Identifying Current Challenges:
  • Understanding obstacles and external factors.
  • Controlling what can be managed now.
• Staying Present:
  • Avoiding the rush to future goals.
  • Evaluating systems and ensuring they align with goals.
• Closing Thoughts:
  • Encouragement to be kind to oneself.
  • A preview of next week's focus: planning for the future.
  • Call to action: subscribe, like, and leave a review.

www.PortnoyMedia.com

www.DanPortnoy.com

Welcome to the Nonprofit Narrative Podcast, where we discuss marketing, storytelling, and systems to help your business or nonprofit thrive. In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of taking your time with strategic planning.
• How to reflect on the past year and set meaningful goals for the future.
• Conducting a business audit to analyze key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Insights from the Ink + Volt planner to structure your planning process.
• An introduction to the Portnoy Media 1-Day Intensive, a transformative day to solve key challenges.
• The Portnoy Media Video Pitch Deck, showcasing how video storytelling can amplify your mission.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Portnoy Media Website - https://www.portnoymedia.com
• Ink + Volt Planning Resources: https://inkandvolt.com/pages/yearly-planning-worksheets
• Portnoy Media 1-Day Intensive: https://www.portnoymedia.com/store/p/the-action-blueprint
• Video Pitch Deck: https://www.portnoymedia.com/blog/sjxgb9wgj89jph99yurluwc6fkoxel

www.PortnoyMedia.com

www.DanPortnoy.com

Join me on the latest episode of the Nonprofit Narrative Podcast as I chat with my brother, Ryan Portnoy, a design wizard who helps small nonprofits tell their stories through stunning design. We dive deep into the world of nonprofit design, sharing insights on how great design can enhance storytelling and drive engagement.

👉 Episode Highlights:

• Ryan’s journey and expertise in nonprofit design
• The importance of design in storytelling
• Practical tips for nonprofits to improve their visual communication
• The concept of a website "realignment" vs. redesign

🔗 Check out the full episode now

Don't forget to visit Ryan’s website at thegoodstory.com for more on his amazing work!

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more insights on nonprofit storytelling and strategy!

#NonprofitPodcast #NonprofitDesign #Storytelling #PodcastEpisode #DesignTips #NonprofitMarketing

www.PortnoyMedia.com

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