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Non-profit storytelling that raises money & awareness

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Fresh Idea: Start an Inspiration Folder

Fresh Ideas

Fresh Idea: Start an Inspiration Folder

This month’s fresh idea is inspired by a tool that I lean on whenever I’m in a work rut. That tool is what I call my “Inspiration Folder.”

What is an “Inspiration Folder?” It’s a physical or digital place where you collect things that are relevant to your work that inspire you.

My Inspiration Folder is actually an Evernote notebook. I like to use Evernote to collect my inspiration pieces because 1) it’s easily searchable and 2) there is a web clipper extension for Chrome that allows me to easily save anything as I’m searching the web. Basically, Evernote is amazing for capturing digital bits and bobs.

What’s currently in my Inspiration Folder?

  • Copy. So much copy! Anytime I see words, phrases or paragraphs that are well written and inspiring, I add them to my file.
  • Website page design that I find inspiring
  • Emails that I love (I also have a special folder in my inbox for these)
  • Favorite quotes
  • Passages from books
  • Social media posts that I love
  • Miscellaneous notes that I make as I see interesting things

The benefit of having an Inspiration Folder is that you’ll have a place to go that is full of things that can inspire your work. It’s also a great starting place for a creative brainstorm.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Do you have an Inspiration Folder or plan to start one? What things do you plan to put in your folder?


About Vanessa Chase Lockshin

My name is Vanessa Chase Lockshin, and I want to empower you to tell your story. In my personal life, finding ways to tell my stories has been a transformational practice. In my fundraising life, I’ve helped hundreds of organizations tell their stories to engage and inspire their donors. To date, my work has helped non-profits raise over $10 million.

Comments

  1. Cecilia says

    This is really great – I’ve been hoping for a better system than just emailing myself links to articles and sites. Just set up an evernote account.