Erin Balsa

Content Marketing Consultant and Writer 

Navattic

Marketing Advisor

Haus of Bold

I help sales-led B2B SaaS startups in four key areas:

1. People: Hire and train full-time content marketers
2. Process: Build and optimize content marketing processes
3. Strategy: Develop a narrative-led content strategy
4. Execution: Create bold content 

Happy clients include Showpad, Intellum, SurveyCTO, monday.com and more. 

hausofbold.com

Fractional Director of Content Marketing 

The Predictive Index

The Predictive Index is an Inc. 5000 B2B SaaS startup in the HR tech/human capital management space. 

I led a 12-person team made up of editorial, graphic design, media production, and digital learning professionals. 

In 2021, PI added 2,400+ new clients and 500 new PI partners—with content playing a central role in acquisition, onboarding, activation, and retention. We also increased our high-intent hand raiser leads by 102% in 2021.

Marketing Director — Content Marketing & Brand

I grew the content team from 1 to 8 full-time employees and built an iterative, narrative-led content strategy that helped us hit our aggressive marketing goals month over month. 

Our creative content campaigns drove millions in revenue during this time period. One research report, The 2020 Remote Work Report, helped us close 114 opportunities and drove $680k in revenue.

Head of Content Marketing 

As a content team of one, I built PI's content marketing engine from the ground up. 

During this time, I worked with the executive team to write the 50-page Ultimate Guide to Talent Optimization and talent optimization market map. We used these assets to launch a new discipline (talent optimization), and rebrand our product (talent optimization platform), helping us grow from seed to Series A ($50M).

Content Marketing Manager

Erin Balsa Content Marketing

Occasional freelance writer, editor, and content strategist for B2B, B2C, and D2C brands in various industries including Software & Services, Fashion, Food & Drink, and Media. 

Clients include Shinesty, Kindred Bravely, Mightier, Accord, Rhode Island Monthly, Boston Magazine, Parents Magazine, VONA (and many more).

erinbalsa.com

Editor, Writer & Content Strategist

Brafton Inc.

Brafton is the largest content marketing agency in the United States.

I was promoted to lead the Boston editorial department, overseeing all content managers, editors, and writers. In addition to managing writer resources (to the 30-minute unit), I sourced and screened talent, trained all new employees on content marketing best practices, and traveled to meet with clients. I also wrote for the Brafton blog and edited copy to build our authority as trusted a content marketing partner.

Managing Editor, Content Marketing

I managed a team of 15 full-time content marketing writers. In addition to coaching my team and assigning work, I edited copy for 100+ clients including SMBs, early-stage startups, and Fortune 500s.

Section Editor, Content Marketing

Providence Media

Providence Media publishes four monthly lifestyle magazines. 

I edited four print magazines per month, which entailed: 

- Community-based listening to understand trending topics
- Planning issues and coming up with good stories to tell
- Managing the editorial calendar
- Assigning work to freelance writers
- Writing cover lines, headlines, and articles
- Editing copy (I did all first round edits)
- Proofing copy

Assistant Editor

Collaborative for Educational Services

I led IEP meetings for incarcerated students ages 18-22 and advocated for out-of-district students in DYS and DMH placements. In summer, I taught at DYS facilities.

Educational Team Liaison

Girls of Gold

I co-founded a scrap gold buying business. We purchased broken, unwanted gold jewelry at gold buying parties and re-sold it to a smelter.

Co-Founder

Kennedy-Donovan Center

I supervised individual home share placements.

Case Manager

Justice Resource Institute

I managed direct care workers at Meadowridge Academy, a residential school for students with behavioral difficulties and complex trauma histories.

Assistant Manager

I build and execute content marketing strategies for sales-led B2B SaaS startups that sell complex, enterprise-ready solutions.

Hey! You landed on my profile, which means one of three things:

1. You want to sell me something 
2. You know me in real life
3. You want to create better content

If you’re a two or three, make yourself comfortable — I'm happy you're here!

Looking for a director-level content pro who can help your B2B SaaS startup create content that builds loyal fans and drives business results?

I'm a builder, strategist, and doer. And I'm obsessed with metrics that matter, like: 

- Pipeline generation: I helped increase high-intent request demo leads by 102% in a year. 
- Revenue creation: One of my research report campaigns drove $680K in closed won revenue.
- Happiness quotient: I assume positive intent, lead with empathy, and try to be a joy to work with.

My 13+ year professional content marketing journey took me from writing a personal blog to leading a 12-person content marketing engine at The Predictive Index (an Inc. 5000 HR Tech startup). In January of 2022 I took a leap of faith and went out on my own as a Fractional Director of Content Marketing. 

Three-and-a-half years later, and I have codified my expertise into a repeatable system I use with clients:

🔮 The Bland to Bold Framework helps B2B marketers create content that stands out and builds trust — so they make it onto their ideal buyers’ Day One Lists. It breaks bold content down into four key elements: originality, novelty, proof, and depth. Each element is represented by its own spectrum. 

🔮 The Bland to Bold Content Assessment™ is a 27-question survey that allows me to measure a brand’s content for originality, novelty, proof, and depth. Each question represents one content marketing competency, and the output is a list of strengths and gaps. 

🔮 The Bland to Bold Blueprint is a customized action plan that outlines a path forward, based on your assessment results. (Lots of people think they need to create more content when really they need to take a step back and build a stronger foundation.)

🔮 Execution is where I roll up my sleeves and get shit done! Because an action plan is just words on a page.

If you've made it this far, why not say hello? 

To avoid any generic banana "I see we both work in advertising services" messages, let's play two truths and a lie. One of these statements is false:

- I've been held up at gunpoint.
- I've traveled to 10 countries this year.
- I've taken roadkill to the taxidermist. 

Have a great day (or have the day you deserve, depending on the circumstances)!

Content Marketing Consultant

I build and execute content marketing strategies for sales-led B2B SaaS startups that sell complex, enterprise-ready solutions. 

Unlike some strategists and agencies, I don't hand you a content strategy and say, "Best of luck!" I ensure your success by helping across four buckets:

▶ People 
▶ Process 
▶ Strategy
▶ Execution 

Learn more and read client testimonials at: hausofbold.com

CSR and Fundraising Consultant

aidbees

Sr Partnerships and Operations Manager 

Pratham InfoTech Foundation

Program Associate

Mumbai Mobile Creches

Stakeholder Management | Report Writing | Grant Writing | Proposal Writing | Social Media Management

Donor and Relationships Coordinator

ARPAN

Communications | Report Writing | Training | Stakeholder Management

Project Officer

ISB Co'24 | Independent Consultant

About me in one line- I help raise funds to create social impact.

"Hello and welcome! I'm Bhagyashree Lodha, and I'm thrilled to share a slice of my professional life with you here."

I hold an MBA from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, and an M.Sc. in Extension Education from S.N.D.T Women's University.

With a diverse background in strategy, leadership, CSR, program management, and partnerships, I am passionately dedicated to driving social impact and organizational excellence. As a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, I’ve spearheaded the development and implementation of strategic programs, managed expansive projects, and set up robust data management systems. My role centers around cultivating stakeholder relationships, overseeing fund allocations, and maintaining strict adherence to our program goals.

My career highlights include raising around ₹2.7 Cr for partner NGOs as a philanthropy partner of the TCS World 10k Run 2023, delivering CSR consultancy to renowned companies such as DHL and Baskin & Robbins, and successfully integrating over 150 clients into Aidbees - The Social Kindness Platform. My core competencies encompass strategic planning, impact evaluation, budget management, financial oversight, and fundraising.

During my tenure at Pratham, I took the lead on numerous projects, guiding them from initial pilot stages to full-scale implementations, and managed a team of 25 to meet ambitious objectives. I played a key role in liaising with local government bodies, generating detailed analysis reports, and ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of the programs. My impact assessment and project monitoring skills have been crucial in achieving targeted outcomes and tangible benefits.

 My educational and professional journey reflects my unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable social impact and nurturing partnerships that lead to a better future.

Thank you for your interest. I am keen to engage in discussions about social impact initiatives and explore potential collaborations.

You can block sometime using the link, would love to see you on the other side- https://topmate.io/bhagyashree_lodha13

Bhagyashree Lodha

Drop your questions in the comments for the Guest: Ep-02

I’ll be hosting Rushin Patel , Associate Director- CSR CMS Info Systems for the second episode of the podcast.

But here’s the twist, which we did in our first episode as well : this podcast isn’t just another Q&A session.

We’re doing it differently: instead of only my questions, we’ll be bringing in real questions from the social sector community. 

The issues, challenges, and curiosities you’ve been voicing will be at the center of the conversation with our guests.

 Have a question you’d like me to ask Rushin Patel?

 Please drop it in the comments section below, and I’ll ensure your voice is part of the dialogue.

The first episode is live on YouTube - https://lnkd.in/djasASSi

#CSR #Podcast #SocialImpact #Fundraising #Governance

5 Cr in 2 months!!

Can you raise funds in 2 months?

I often get such requests and enquiries

We all are in rush to raise funds and that too ASAP....

But here’s the truth FUNDRAISING is like INVESTING

Hear me out-

== You don’t put money in the market today and expect it to double tomorrow.

== You strategize, you invest wisely, you stay consistent, and most importantly you stay patient.

== It’s the same with fundraising.

==If you’re looking for instant results, my friend, fundraising is not for you.

When you build relationships with donors, cultivate trust, and show consistent impact, the results come not overnight, but over time. 

Just like a strong investment portfolio, your fundraising efforts grow with commitment, time, and nurturing.

So the next time you think about fundraising, or hiring a fundraising consultant, remember:

It’s not a one-time shot.

It’s a long-term game where patience pays.

The relationships you build today may turn into funding months or even years later.

If you understand investments, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

The real question is - are you ready to play the long game?

Follow Bhagyashree Lodha for more such insights

Also I host podcast where we talk everything in social impact space, watch here-

In the last few months, I’ve noticed something which is, honestly, a little worrying.

CSR teams are following up constantly for proposals, compliance documents, reports…

And on the NGO side? Total silence.

It has started to feel like those HR follow-ups for a job opportunity where the candidate ghosts the recruiter.

 Only this time, the recruiter is the funder.

Here’s the truth we sometimes forget, and I tell all my NGO partners is that:

== Fundraising is a relationship.

== And every relationship needs consistent communication.

If your proposal drafting will take time, just tell them.

 If a report is delayed, communicate it proactively.

 If you’re waiting for internal approvals, update them.

Trust me, no CSR manager is going to punish you for honest communication.

 They understand delays. They don’t understand silence.

In fact, being upfront and responsive actually builds credibility.

At the end of the day, CSR partnerships don’t fail because of a lack of capability…

 They fail because of a lack of communication.

Let’s fix that.

 One honest update at a time.

Follow Bhagyashree Lodha for more such insights

Why your fundraising plan isn’t working 

 and what almost every NGO founder gets wrong.

In the last 2 weeks, I spoke to over 15 NGOs.

 Different sizes. Different causes.

 One thing was identical:
 
Founders are still single-handedly doing all the fundraising.
 
In the early years (0–5), this works.

 Donors fund your passion, your story, your energy. 

But after a point, this becomes the biggest barrier to growth.
 
Because if the founder is the only fundraiser, they can’t focus on:

🔹 Building the organization’s long-term vision
 🔹 Strengthening the brand
 🔹 Hiring & retaining strong teams
 🔹 Improving program quality & impact

At scale, fundraising isn’t a one-person role.

 == It’s a capacity you build.

You know you’ve reached that point when:

📌 Your donor retention is stable

 📌 You have a clear growth strategy

 📌 Your workload no longer fits into one role

That’s when hiring a fundraising manager isn’t a cost 

 it’s an investment in organizational sustainability.

The goal isn’t to replace the founder.
 
 It’s to free them to lead.

When did you realize you couldn’t keep doing fundraising alone?

Do u also break a coconut before raising funds?

Have you ever noticed how people break coconuts at temples?

Some coconuts crack open in one hit.

Some take two or three.

But everyone still keeps trying 

because they know it will open, sooner or later.

That’s exactly how fundraising works.

Not every proposal gets approved in the first attempt.

Some funders say “not this year,”

some say “we’ve already committed,”

But that doesn’t mean the door is closed.

The same funder who said no this year might be your biggest supporter next year if you stay in touch, follow up, and show progress.

Persistence in fundraising isn’t about being pushy.

It’s about being patient and consistent 

just like that devotee who knows one more tap might open the coconut.

Keep showing up. Keep refining your pitch.

Because in fundraising, faith and follow-up go hand in hand.

27,188 companies. ₹35,000 crore. One big question:

Why are we still chasing the same 200?

Every year, almost 27,000+ companies contribute to CSR.

In FY 23–24 alone, that added up to roughly ₹35,000 crore in funding.
Here’s the part nobody talks about:

== 14,474 companies that’s 53% actually spent more than what was prescribed.

 Let that sink in.

And yet… most NGOs are still chasing the same 150–200 “famous” CSR names.

Not because it’s strategic.

 But because it’s familiar.

Yes, follow-ups matter.

 Yes, nurturing warm leads is important.

 But if your entire fundraising plan is built around 8–10 “maybe” funders-you’re not fundraising, you’re waiting.

Your pipeline needs balance:

 Follow-up ≠ strategy. Lead generation = survival.

If 27,188 companies are giving, and only a fraction of them are in your outreach universe, the problem isn’t “CSR not responding.”

 The problem is your list is too small.

Data ref- MCA website

Can I be honest? 

If your fundraising pitch feels like you're asking for a favour… it shows.

And the worst part?

It makes donors pull back because no one wants to fund something that sounds unsure of itself.

You’re not a liability 

You're not a burden.

You're offering something powerful:

🔹 A mission they believe in

🔹 The on-ground ability to make it happen

🔹 Results they can proudly be part of

So why pitch like you're asking for help?

When you show up like a partner, you get treated like one.

Fundraising isn’t about convincing someone to “give.”

It’s about showing them why this intervention is required for the community 

How they will be benefitted by the intervention 

How your sustainable plan is going to empower the community

Own your value. That’s where trust (and funding) begins.

Yes, we are partners

7 Strategies to Maximize Effective CSR Fundraising

1. Align with Business Goals
 CSR initiatives work best when they connect with a company’s core business. For example, a tech company supporting digital literacy. This creates better alignment, stronger buy-in, and more authentic engagement.

2. Keep Stakeholders Involved
 Engage community members, NGOs, and beneficiaries early and often. Their insights help shape relevant programs and ensure long-term support from those who matter most.

3. Tap into Government Priorities
 Aligning CSR projects with national programs like Swachh Bharat or Skill India can increase reach, impact, and collaboration opportunities with the government.

4. Let Data Guide You
 Track progress, measure outcomes, and use data to refine your programs. Transparency builds trust and helps donors see the real difference their contributions make.

5. Prioritize Sustainability
 Focus on long-term solutions, not short-term funding. Whether it’s environmental initiatives or livelihood programs, sustainability leads to deeper and lasting impact.

6. Try New Fundraising Methods
 Combine traditional approaches with digital tools social media, online campaigns, and crowdfunding to reach a wider and younger audience.

7. Build Strong Partnerships 
 Collaborate with corporates, NGOs, and startups. Strategic partnerships bring together resources, expertise, and innovation to create stronger CSR programs.

Follow Bhagyashree Lodha for more such posts

Not the deck.

Not the data dump.

Not the 20-minute explanation.

The human brain is built for bookends.

In donor meetings, the opening hook and the closing line carry more weight than everything in the middle.

That’s the Primacy- Recency Effect- a psychological pattern every fundraiser should master.

Here’s how top fundraisers use it:

1️⃣ Start with a vivid, emotional moment
• a surprising number
• a human insight
• a donor learning
• a sharp framing question

2️⃣ End with a confident, specific next step
• “If this aligns with your priorities…”
• “Here’s the simplest path forward…”
• “Let’s map intent to outcomes…”

The middle? It’s reinforcement.

Not persuasion.

If you get the first 10 seconds and the last 10 seconds right, you’ve already won half the room.

What’s one opening or closing line that has worked for you?

Burnout is not for us.

Not because we’re superhuman but because we can choose better.

In the social impact sector, passion is our power.

We wake up every day knowing our work matters to communities, to futures, to lives.

But here’s the positive shift we can think of making:

- Caring for ourselves is also part of caring for the world.

- Rest is not a pause from impact it strengthens it.

- Energy, clarity, and wellbeing are our professional assets.

You can love your work deeply and still say:

“I’m tired.”

“I need a breather.”

“I’ll come back stronger.”

That doesn’t make you any less committed.

It makes you sustainable.

The truth is:

When social sector professionals take care of themselves, the entire ecosystem becomes healthier.

Burnout isn’t a badge we need to carry not when we can model balance, humanity, and long-term leadership instead.

If you needed this reminder today

Share it with someone you think needs it.

Pressure Cooker, Steam and Funds!!

If you’ve ever waited for a pressure cooker whistle, you know this feeling.

 You put everything inside…

 You turn on the flame…

 And then… You wait.

Some days the whistle comes quickly.

Some days it takes longer than usual.

 And in those extra moments, we start worrying:

 “Did I add enough water?”

 “Is the flame too low?”

But the truth is the dish inside is cooking perfectly.

 The pressure is building.

 The process is working… even if nothing looks like it’s happening on the outside.

Fundraising is exactly like that.

== You’ve reached out.
 == You’ve followed up.
  == You’ve shared your pitch.
    ==You’ve had the meetings.

And then silence.

 No update.

 No visible progress.

That’s the point where most fundraisers panic.

But pressure is part of the process.

Good things take time to cook: relationships, trust, decisions, budgets.

Just because you can’t see progress doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

So the next time a funder takes longer than you expected, remember the cooker:

 Let the process build pressure.

 Let the work happen inside.

When the whistle finally blows, the result is worth it.

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The Battle

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Bhagyashree Lodha

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Likes

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