How and Why to Write a Thank-You Note

Being a Christian means more than wearing a cross and owning a Bible. The way you treat others is very important – especially someone that does something for you. As a minister, artist or business owner, showing appreciation is a classic way to rep Christ.

I personally am a text and email fanatic. It is the fastest way to get a hold of me. For many, it has become the most common mode of communication. But there are times when using the fashion pin and paper can be more personal and appropriate – when saying “thank you.”

Perhaps you have asked yourself: Do I have to send an old-fashioned thank-you note when someone gives me a gift? My answer is a resounding “yes.” It is not a bad idea. It’s easy to do and can go a long way.

The note doesn’t have to be long and drawn out on the fanciest paper you can find. Stay uncomplicated and personal. Mention the way they impacted you. For example, “thank you for visiting my office” or “thank you for buying my project.” If they gave you something, express how you will fit it into your life. “The book you gave me has been quite helpful.”

The important thing is to appear genuine and heartfelt. Sending a thank you note will make the giver feel good and appreciated. They are more likely to give unto you again and again. Don’t believe me? Watch how many times God will give unto you when you take time to say “thank you” to Him.”

Terrell L. McTyer
M/I Promotions
“Promoting the Industry of Ministry with Kingdom Excellence"
Office: 816-921-3633
Marketing@MIPromotions.com
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8 Church Communication Faux Pas

M/I Promotions can help your ministry in so many ways. We do marketing, eblasts, promotions, social media marketing, branding, design, virtual assistance, networking, business development, image development, web traffic generation, product sales, event marketing, digital music distribution, public relations, advertising, search and video engine optimization, and booking.

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SUMMARY: Effective church communication is more than preaching a sermon that inspires. It requires careful planning and consideration of your audience.

Here are eight common church-communications blunders to avoid.

1. “I don’t need a marketing plan.”
"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." --The Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland. Check out this tutorial for a step-by-step guide to developing or updating your church’s marketing plan.

2. “Ready. Fire! Aim.”
Getting your marketing steps out of order can be extremely costly. Just remember the three “M’s:” Message, Movement and Method. More importantly, remember the order to execute them.

Step 1: Message – What is the purpose and point of each of your communication efforts? Create a strong and compelling call to action in each.
Step 2: Movement – What do you want to happen because of your message? Be specific in terms of attendance, actions and feelings.
Step 3: Method – How will you connect the message with the movement?

If method comes first, you may wind up with something that looks amazing but does nothing for the cause. If the movement comes first, you get a bunch of people milling around with no sense of purpose or direction.

3. “The church down the road is doing it and it’s working great.”
However, every congregation is unique, so a “one-size-fits-all” approach is not the best. Many people go to other churches because they are looking for something different. So don’t copy other communications and ministries outright. Customize. It’s ok to repurpose another churches’ ideas or ministries, but add an original component that makes you stand out. Start by finding out the differing interests of your congregation and the other people you are trying to reach. Based on your findings, figure out the best communication methods to use.

4. “Everyone gets my message.”
Often the message gets lost because it’s either unclear or buried. Think of your call to action like the title to a classic song. Many times the title is conversational, prominently placed and repeated. Some people get away with breaking these rules. For instance, Bob Dylan can write a song nobody understands, yet people still think it is cool. Why? Because “cool” overshadows esoteric or “artsy” writing. It’s hard to pull off though, so as a rule, assume nobody “gets” your message. Next, rethink your content and test it on people who aren’t familiar with it.

5. “I went to seminary and want everyone to know it.”
People shouldn’t need a seminary degree to understand you – whether you are preaching, teaching or writing an article for the website. Unless your content comes with a translator, do not speak “churchy” language.

6. “People are dying to hear my opinion.”
Communication is a privilege, not a right. Many pastors get so used to their congregation listening to them every Sunday that they forget that the unchurched aren’t so eager to listen. People care about their own interests. Don’t assume people know, like or care about your message. Think about who is listening, and tailor your message accordingly. Make the message as clear and compelling as possible.

7. “My message is always interesting.”
I see a lot of church communication that is both good and original. However, the good parts aren’t original, and the original parts aren’t good. Content that isn’t compelling or interesting isn’t likely to be read or heard.

8. “It’s too expensive to do it right.”
If your marketing material looks cheap, it will most likely repel people and do the opposite of what you intended. As much as we like to provide inexpensive marketing methods, we also like to promote wise decisions. Know when you can skimp and when you need to make the investment in especially important communications efforts.

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An M/I Moment with Apostle Dr. Monique McMiller of New U Ministries

New U Ministries specializes in healing and teaching but we are a birthed out five fold ministry through the Holy Spirit and ordained by Jesus Christ.

I was called out, set apart back in 2003 in the middle of all I had going on in my life. Jesus snatch me away and told me through all my pain He (Jesus) wanted me to come and work for him to save the lost and lives of people. He told me that if I didn't die for him I would die without him. That just wasn't option to be without Jesus. I had tried other things and Jesus Christ is the only God I know that save my soul from the deep places of Hell.

New U Ministries is a voice for the end time movement of Jesus Christ. It is empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach what some may say are the unreachable. We believe that all are called for a purpose and a reason. We believe through the right teaching of the Holy Spirit you can do all things! We believe in prosper living on earth!

We will continue to be a voice in the earth to heal the sick, comfort the broken hearted, and take the gospel into all nations. We will continue to provide teaching of the Holy Spirit and encourage people to be set free in the Kingdom of God.

If someone wrote biography about me, it would be titled, “The Mirror Image.” On a side note, I love to shop for cosmetics!

Contact Information: www. apostlemcmiller.com

Should Christian Music Artists Have a Rider?

Let’s start by revealing what a rider really is. In short, a rider is a lofty list of demands a music artist expects. Exaggerated example: “If you want me to sing at your church, I need a stack of gold trimmed white towels, green tea from the hidden tribes of the Himalayas, and skinless green apples freshly picked from an exclusive orchard in Maine.”

Secular music artists are infamous for ridiculous and outrageous riders. Is it okay for Christian music artists to expect royal and privileged treatment? Some people believe no one should get special services. As an up and coming artist, getting gigs is hard enough. If you present yourself as difficult to work with and needy, you are less likely to get asked back. Remember your rider can serve as a reputation setter.

Here are a couple of tips to remember about riders:
• Riders need to be reasonable.
• Moderate food and drink preferences are not so bad.
• To avoid any surprises, include your rider in the initial performance agreement.

The accommodations for a Christian artist can be below meek at times. Sometimes no matter what you include in your rider, everyone has a different way of treating their guests. As a Christian, always be grateful and appreciative. There is nothing wrong with wanting the best – you are a kid of the King! But never lose sight of your real purpose. It’s not about you, its all about Christ and repping Him to the fullest.

Terrell L. McTyer
M/I Promotions
“Promoting the Industry of Ministry with Kingdom Excellence"
Promotions for Christian Music Artists
Office: 816-921-3633
Marketing@MIPromotions.com
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Grab God and Go: Christian Music Artist Promotional Tour

Putting together a promotional tour as a Christian music artist can be a lot of hard work and time. For M/I Promotions, the techniques and processes are second nature. Therefore, we thought to let you in on a few of our secrets.

So your booking agent has worked hard to fill your whole summer with ministry opportunities. Yes, it is great to get out of the city but there is a laundry list of tasks to take care of to maximize your marketing push.

Be sure to have all of your CD and promotional materials are professionally packaged. They can be sent to college radio and commercial radio stations in the cities and towns on your tour schedule in advanced. Have a professionally written press release will help industry leaders notice you.

Follow-up calls should be made to Music Directors and DJs to make sure the CD is getting airplay. Otherwise, expect your music to stay in a stack on their desks. Also, send your CD and promotional materials to local music press and follow-up calls should be made to editors to cover your performance.

Contact local events websites to distribute show dates, location and time through their email lists at least three weeks in advance.

Promote your show on your Internet chatrooms, clubs, social media networks, and message boards to get the word out about your upcoming performance. Contacts the media to schedule interviews with press or radio before your performance.

Above all, pray and consecrate yourself. Get a position to really hear what God’s purpose and plan is for the tour. Ask Him to open the doors of the right venues. Ask Him to soften the hearts of program directors towards your radio play. Ask Him to inspire the press to share your story. Stay integral when communicating virtually. Grab God and represent Him well. Make this promotional campaign more about Him and less about you.

Terrell L. McTyer
M/I Promotions
“Promoting the Industry of Ministry with Kingdom Excellence"
Promotions for Christian Music Artists
Office: 816-921-3633
Marketing@MIPromotions.com
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