Blog
Being Intentional with Your Personal Goal Setting
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion and leading a conversation for employees at Cree around personal brand and self-promotion. In preparing for this conversation, I thought about how personal planning is a lot like organizational planning. We need to a…
Read MoreDo your Philanthropic Gifts Match Your Code of Ethics and Values?
Nonprofit organizations spend a tremendous amount of time reviewing mission, vision, and values statements. Staff and boards set high standards and create written Codes of Ethics as policy documents that drive their behavior. These documents empower decision-making for determining what is ac…
Read MoreCreating and Driving Your Major Gift Pipeline – You’ve Got This!
Think back to when you moved to your current location. When you first moved in, maybe you met a few neighbors and then eventually began to meet more neighbors. And after a few years you know most of your neighbors (or at least what kind of car they drive, how many children they have, and who…
Read MoreThe Wall is Fake News!
Which do you prefer? iPhone or Android? Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or LinkedIn? Cable television or streaming apps? CNN or Fox news or MSNBC? Democrat or Republican or Independent? Eastern or Western NC barbeque? NC State or UNC or Duke or Wake Forest? For me, it…
Read MoreYour Vibe Attracts Your Tribe
Have you ever heard the saying “Your vibe attracts your tribe?” Have you ever noticed how people who typically see their glass half-empty seem to consistently have bad stuff happen to them? They are the ones who get a flat tire, are constantly sick and, once again, are ticketed …
Read More“So, Tell Me About Yourself”…How to Ensure You Move to the Next Step in the Interview Process
What would you say if asked, “So, tell me about yourself?” It’s certainly an open-ended question and one that could help or hurt you when trying to impress your potential next supervisor or board of directors. The job market is flush with talented professionals …
Read MoreTwo Ears and One Mouth
I have the pleasure have helping board members, staff leaders, and campaign volunteers hone their fundraising skills on a regular basis. Recently, I was reminded by a volunteer of one of the most important lessons: We have two ears and one mouth. As a fundraiser (paid or volunteer), th…
Read MoreThe Case for a Case
A solid resource development program has many components, including a development plan that outlines goals, strategies to achieve them, and tactics, methods, metrics, and accountabilities to operationalize the strategies. Generally, the development plan identifies campaigns, fundraising even…
Read MoreYou Have A Strategic Plan. Now What?
Creating a strategic plan, if done right, involves stakeholders and requires time and thoughtful work. It builds consensus around shared goals, provides direction, and hopefully creates excitement. So then why do some nonprofits do nothing with it when finished? Is it time? Effo…
Read MoreAre You Consistently Engaging Your Donors?
Engaging prospective and current donors consistently throughout the year should be part of your annual development planning. There are so many ways that a nonprofit or institution of higher education can engage donors. Below is a shortlist: Send a prospective or current donor your annual …
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