by Lynn Sanders | May 21, 2025 | DMM Blog, Personal Stories
If you want to be efficient, it makes sense to take advantage of AI tools.
BUT – (and I say this in my own voice) — we still need to be able to guide, modify any AI tool, to fit into OUR voice.
True confession — while I adore my friend Chat GPT — I’m still in control of what gets on the page. And YOU have that same ability.
After all, there is only one YOU! So make sure your content sounds just like you.
I admit to using my wonderful assistant here, Chat GPT, to help me write this blog. I’ve named her “Rozzie,” after my mom’s nickname. But I’m also adding my own voice — and making sure that everything sounds like me. Can you tell?
In a world overflowing with content—emails, social posts, blogs, pitches—if you do what everyone does, it’s easy to blend into the noise. Your emails, posts and articles will sound like everyone else. People will notice that your words may not sound like you!
But if you want to build genuine connection, credibility, and trust, here’s the truth:
🎯 You must stay true to your voice.
Whether you’re writing an email, crafting a blog, posting on social, or recording a video—your unique voice is the thing that sets you apart.
It’s not just about clever copy or polished visuals.
It’s about authenticity. Tone. Presence.
It’s about making your audience feel like you’re speaking to them—not just at them.
A Personal Lesson in Connection
Recently, I posted a job on Upwork, searching for a seasoned expert to help promote a book to best-seller status. I was startled when I read some of the responses.
And do you know what several of the responses started with?
“Hi there!”
“Hey there!”
And “Hi!”
Not my name.
Not even a personal reference.
Can you sense my frustration?
Here I am, pouring thought and intention into a detailed job post—
And what I get in return feels templated, transactional, and… generic.
❌ That’s not how connection happens.
✅ That’s how you get passed over.
Why Personalization Isn’t Optional
Taking a few extra seconds to say someone’s name, refer to their work, or reflect their values shows you care.
It’s not just polite—it’s strategic. Because people buy from people they trust. And trust begins with realness. The words must sound like “YOU!”
Your voice matters. Your message matters.
And how you deliver it? That matters most.
Want to Get Better at Storytelling—The Real Way?
If you want to craft, tell, and share your story in a way that leads to real results—increased influence, deeper engagement, and aligned opportunities, I invite you to check out my self-paced program:
🎓 Craft Your Story for Success
You’ll get:
✅ A full video training on how to shape and share your signature story with templates and materials
✅ A bonus video program on how to network the right way
✅ PLUS an “Ask Me Anything” 1-hour session to get personal feedback
(NOTE: You’ll need to opt in as a “learner” on The Great Discovery platform as a customer.)
👉 CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE COURSE
Or visit the “Programs” page at DifferenceMakersMedia.com
Final Thought
Talking to you from the heart during our time in California.
Because another “Hi there” just gets lost in the inbox.
But your true voice?
That’s what people remember.
#AuthenticStorytelling #CraftYourMessage #PurposeDrivenMarketing #DifferenceMakers #PersonalBranding #StoryCoach #LynnSanders #SpeakWithImpact
by Lynn Sanders | Apr 24, 2025 | Personal Stories
Growing up, I had plenty of lessons in the power of words.
My dad was a psychiatrist who raised my awareness about the power of the inner mind. I’ll never forget when he practiced hypnosis on me so I could think clearly before a math test. (It worked!)
My mom taught both Hebrew School and Sunday School, and gave us four kids unconditional love and a deep appreciation of a key teaching in Judaism — “tikkun olam.” It’s a commandment to “heal the world.”
As I reflect back, I’m award that above all else, we lived by a set of values.
Kindness. Respect. Justice.
If someone felt upset in the family, each of us was equally able to call a family meeting. We’d sit around the kitchen table, discussing concerns, and together, we’d come to a solution. We kids knew when we misbehaved, so we said our apologies. Likewise, if we were mad at a parent, we had the right to call a family meeting. We learned the importance of getting along.
Now, though my parents are now gone, my siblings and I are still close. We hold Zoom family meetings every Sunday morning, just to stay in touch.
What values are important to you? If family is important, can you make time for them?
In a world that’s increasingly divided by disrespect, what can you do to speak up for justice?
In spite of the upheaval around us, how can we exemplify the values of integrity, compassion, and unity?
Those values have never been more vital. When we toss away those guiding principles that anchor our humanity, we’re breaking apart the connections we need to one another.
When we live with values, they can change communities. They can change lives. And most of all, they can change the world.
Now, more than ever, we need every voice—your voice—to speak up and stand up. For justice. For equity. For love. While we’re witnessing a shocking disregard for kindness, empathy and justice, we must not take the easy route. Don’t retreat into silence. I ask you to be courageous. To live by decency.
I believe it’s not always the loudest voice that makes the difference. Instead, it’s the consistent one. The one that’s based in truth, humility and heart-centered love for humankind.
A Living Example of Unity in Action
Let me tell you a story of unity. It’s a powerful example of values in motion, based on an interfaith friendship that blossomed into action at the Texas border.
Four years ago, friends from three very different religious communities—my rabbi Bruce Elder from Congregation Hakafa, Reverend Jeff Braun from the Winnetka Congregational Church, and Asif Masood, from the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove—came together with one shared purpose: to serve.
United by compassion, they volunteered with members from their respective groups to bring meals and human connection to immigrants. These were families fleeing hardship, seeking safety and hope—people often met with skepticism or silence. But this trio of faith leaders and their flock brought something different: kindness, unity, and dignity. Those values are more needed than ever today!
Their collaboration wasn’t just about providing food. It was about feeding the spirit of humanity. As they worked side-by-side, their differences faded into the background. What remained was a bond formed through service—a friendship sealed by shared values and a desire to help those in need.
That story reminds us that when we step outside our comfort zones to serve a greater good, walls come down. Hearts open. And bridges are built—not just between faiths, but between souls.
The Call to Speak and Serve
We are all needed.
Let’s not underestimate the ripple effect of kindness. Let’s not wait for “someone else” to stand up for what is right.
Because compassion is contagious.
Integrity is inspiring.
And values are the seeds of lasting change.
Together, let’s be bold enough to care. To be courageous enough to act.
And to be committed enough to build a world where justice and kindness walk hand in hand.
Make a difference with your stories.
Visit: https://DIfferenceMakersMedia.com.
#yourstorymatters #MakeADifference #BeTheOne
by Lynn Sanders | Mar 23, 2025 | Personal Stories
Have you ever had a moment where life stopped you in your tracks and whispered, “This is it. It’s time”?
For me, that moment came like a thunderbolt — the day my mom passed away suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 73.
She was vibrant. A loving, kind, compassionate soul. My dearest friend, filled with wisdom and dreams of her own.
And just like that… she was gone.
In the days and weeks that followed, grief washed over me like waves. But beneath the sorrow was something deeper, something louder — a calling.
It was the realization that our time on earth is limited. That tomorrow is never promised. That the dreams placed on our hearts aren’t there by accident — they are whispers from the Divine, meant to be followed now, not someday.
In trying to make sense of it all, I found the book, Infinite Possibilities by Mike Dooley.
Or maybe it found me.
Dooley’s words have been like oxygen to my soul. He writes, “Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones.”
He reminds us that we are not passive observers in life — we are powerful creators. Dream-weavers. Possibility-makers.
And what we dare to envision, we are equally capable of achieving — if only we’ll believe.
Reading it was like having a conversation with the version of myself that had always known this truth deep down. The version who had put dreams on the back burner while life kept calling for responsibility, duty, and practicality. But after losing my mom, I couldn’t ignore the urgency any longer.
I began to ask:
- What dream have I buried under the “somedays”?
- What story have I been waiting to write, speak, live?
- What legacy do I want to leave behind?
And so, I started to say yes — to bold ideas, divine nudges, and scary, beautiful leaps.
I stepped fully into my calling as a storyteller, coach, and difference maker.
I started writing books for children that spark compassion and courage.
I began helping other purpose-driven leaders share their stories with impact and authenticity.
I no longer waited for “the right time.” I made the time.
Because this is the art of living your dreams:
It’s knowing that dreams don’t come with expiration dates, but we do.
It’s choosing to act, even when the path isn’t clear.
It’s trusting that the universe rearranges itself around the boldness of a dream pursued.
My mom’s passing broke my heart wide open — but in that open space, light rushed in.
A deeper truth. A deeper purpose. And an unwavering commitment to not just dream, but to live those dreams out loud.
If you’re reading this and you’ve been waiting — for the perfect time, the perfect plan, the perfect courage — let this be your moment.
Your wake-up call. Your invitation.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to believe that it’s possible.
As Mike Dooley says, “Your dreams are not here to tease you. They are here to show you what’s possible for you.”
So go ahead.
Dream wildly.
Live boldly.
And write your masterpiece — one inspired word at a time.
by Lynn Sanders | Feb 19, 2025 | Personal Development
Ever since I was a kid, I adored stories.
My dad read bedtime stories. My mom recited poetry around the house. And I’d love to read stories of real heroes.
As I soon realized, every great movement, every powerful mission, and every life-changing initiative begins with a story.
But are you telling yours in a way that captivates, inspires, and compels action?
If you’re a cause-focused leader, nonprofit professional, or changemaker, your story is your most valuable asset. It’s the key to building trust, attracting supporters, and driving real impact.
After over 30 years as a professional storyteller — attracting results through a 6-figure donation, doubling memberships and increasing followers significantly, online, I recognize that more of us need to learn how to become effective storytellers to achieve results.
That’s why I invite you to join me for my upcoming webinar:
Transforming Purpose into Prosperity: Mastering The Power of Storytelling
[Date & Time]
Register now: https://bit.ly/Webinar-StoryPower
In this free session, you’ll discover:
The essential elements of a compelling nonprofit story
How to emotionally connect with your audience and inspire action
Proven strategies to use storytelling for fundraising and advocacy
The power of AI-driven storytelling to amplify your reach
Your mission deserves to be heard, remembered, and supported. Let’s make that happen together.
Spots are limited—secure your place today!
Register now: https://bit.ly/Webinar-StoryPower
Let’s craft stories that drive change,
To Your Success,
Lynn
by Lynn Sanders | Oct 26, 2024 | DMM Blog
Your Story Starts On The Inside
Growing up with a dad who was a psychiatrist and a mom who was a Sunday School teacher gave me plenty of opportunties for reflection.
Mom posted a poem in our kitchen, “Children Learn What They Live.” At an early age, I became aware of the importance of our values.
Dad encouarged the four of us kids to feel empowered by starting a tradition of family meetings. Whwenver we were concerned about anything or anyone, we could call out, “FAMILY MEETING!” And we all had to sit around the kitchen table to talk.
During Covid, I asked my three siblings if we could start online family meetings to stay in touch. They agreed, and we still meet every Sunday. I love having time to be together, and we can share whatever is on our minds across the miles.
As I’ work with a wide array of clients – large and small — I help them become aware of their words when they tell their stories, Every word we write, speak and share carries an energetic frequency. Words can attract or repel.
It wasn’t until after my mom’s sudden passing of a heart attack on December 16th, 2004, that I realized the impact of the words we tell OURSELVES.
Those words are the MOST IMPORTANT of all. That’s because we live with ourselves. When my mom passed away, I felt like a part of me had died too. I didn’t know if I wanted to continue living. How could I manage? I was saying words to myself like, “I can’t stand it..,,”
And then my back gave out. My body heard what I was saying. It got to the point where I couldn’t stand. I couldn’t walk. And I couldn’t even sit without pain. I found my way to a grief counselor, and I’d have to lie on the floor to talk.
Somehow, divine intervention happened, and I was led to an energy healer. When he asked me if I wanted to live, I answered, “I guess so.”
Then he said something that I’ll never forget.
“You can choose to be dead on the inside and alive on the outside. How do you choose to live? How do you want to honor your mother’s memory?”
At that moment, I knew what to do. I needed to start putting positive thoughts into my head. I needed to start telling mysefl positive words.
What stories do you think about yourself?
Can you tune into all the wonderful qualities that make you who you are?
How do you move in a more positive direction in crafting YOUR story?
Here’s a powerful journaling exercise, courtesy of Hal Elrod, to help you reclaim who you truly are.
- Write a letter to yourself in the 3rd person, acknowledging all that you’ve overcome.
- Remember and identify who you are when you’re at your best, so you can project that version of you into the present and future.
- Set aside time each morning for meditation, affirmations and journaling
If you’d like more help in bringing your story to life in a positive way, feel free to be in touch.
You can get regular tips, stories and strategies by opting in for my free story guide at: https://DifferenceMakersMedia.com.
You can also feel free to schedule a complimentary chat through my website. For those who want more indepth support, check out: https://asklynnsanders.com/CraftYourStory
Here’s to YOUR stories making a difference!
With Love,
Lynn
Transforming Purpose into Prosperity: Mastering The Power of Storytelling
[Date & Time]
Register now: 
The essential elements of a compelling nonprofit story