There's No Clear Map Right Now

Lately, the stories I’m hearing from advancement teams sound very similar—and not in a good way.

Here’s what keeps coming up:

• Lots of transitions.
• The work is changing, but the rules haven’t caught up.
• We’re all trying to figure out what comes next.

The recent passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill (the new federal package that froze matching-grant dollars) only adds to the uncertainty. It’s a stark reminder that the systems we’ve relied on—for funding, for progress, for peace of mind—are shifting under our feet.

That’s why I’m launching a new podcast series next month—not to give perfect answers, but to help our profession ask better questions.

Coming Soon: Advancement Amplified, Season 2

After the first Pulse Check mini-series with Enrollify (March–April) that explored AI for advancement, I’m back with a second series focused on Marketing & Communications for advancement.

Here’s the work-in-progress episode outline:

1. From Order-Takers to Strategic Partners​
   Unpacks the evolution from a reactive production team to a proactive strategic partner. What does it take to earn trust, influence decisions, and drive measurable outcomes across the Advancement ecosystem?
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2. Organizing & Staffing for Impact​
   Dives into what it takes to build the right team—and structure it to scale. It addresses the real constraints many Advancement MarCom teams face and how leaders are overcoming them.
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3. Mastering the Matrix: Collaborating Across Advancement​
   Explore how MarCom becomes a connective, strategic hub across the division—without formal authority.
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4. Creative Meets Campaign: Driving the Narrative from Within​
   Focuses on how internal teams can shape and execute compelling, brand-aligned creative for major campaigns and initiatives. This episode celebrates creativity as a strategic lever—not just aesthetics.
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5. The New Playbook: Building a Modern Advancement MarCom Org​
   A look at strategically evolved, future-ready MarCom teams: new metrics, thoughtful AI use, agile culture, and where the function should sit in the next few years.

Help Me Pick a Name

Here are a handful being considered:

• Advancement Amplified: Rethinking IA MarCom
• Advancement Amplified: Rewriting IA MarCom
• Advancement Amplified: Evolving IA MarCom
• Advancement Amplified: The IA MarComm Shift
• Advancement Amplified: The Future of IA MarCom

Have a favorite—or one you don’t like? Hit reply and let me know!

Want to Shape the Series?

I’d love your help with two things:

1. What should we talk about?​
   What specific topics or challenges do you want to hear about? No mountain too big; no molehill too small.
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2. Who should we interview?​
   Know someone who would make a great guest? Let's connect. Feel free to suggest who and include a sentence or two about what makes their perspective helpful or unique.

Thanks for Being Here

These episodes only work if they reflect the real world. Your ideas will help make this series better—for all of us doing the work.

Thank you for helping my next move matter.

Dan

Whenever you're ready, here are 4 ways I can help:

🎯 1:1 Consultation: Book a paid 45-minute session to tap into 20 years of high-impact experience. We'll tackle your most pressing strategic challenge, and you'll walk away with clarity and an action plan.

🎤 Speaking & Workshops: Looking for a speaker, podcast guest, or workshop leader to inspire your audience or team? Schedule a free discovery call to explore how I can bring fresh ideas to your organization.

🔍 Strategic Assessment: Invest in an evaluation of your team, brand, or campaign—with data-backed insights and strategic recommendations to optimize your efforts and drive results. Learn more about my services.​

📣 Audience Partnership: Get your product, platform, or service in front of an engaged audience of marketing and advancement leaders. Email me to discuss sponsorship opportunities: dan@djgmarketingllc.com​