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Welcome
It is a personal goal of mine that people feel comfortable and welcomed in my home. Don’t be surprised, if you drop by, that you are offered a snack, something to drink, or fresh eggs to carry home. Some of the best compliments I have received are “it always smells like you pulle…
Read MoreWhat A Year This Has Been!
It is impossible to adequately summarize 2020. As this unusual year wraps up, we're reflecting on our learnings and thoughts through this recap of Armstrong McGuire blog posts over the last twelve months. Sending warm wishes for a wonderful 2021! Looking for…
Read MoreNever Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste
One of my favorite movies is Forrest Gump, and one of my favorite parts of the movie is when Forrest returns from the war in Vietnam and buys a shrimp boat business, naming it Bubba Gump Shrimp. With no shrimping experience and an over-abundance of competition, Forrest has limited success. T…
Read MoreA Tale of Two Events
Last week I had the privilege of attending two virtual events, on back-to-back nights, for organizations I care deeply about. Both organizations delivered goodies in advance of the event to make it feel special. That is where the similarities ended. Here is a side-by-side comparison: …
Read MoreTips & Examples of Virtual Fundraising Events to Ensure Success
Many nonprofits had to cancel their spring events because of COVID-19, pushing them to the fall. Then when the pandemic continued, everyone needed to transform in-person events to virtual events. How will your event stand out and achieve the fundraising goals you need for success? Below are …
Read MoreQuantum Physics
As part of my Authentic Leadership coaching class through Raleigh Coaching Academy, I had the privilege of reading ten books to support the curriculum. Eight books into my reading I told my six-year-old son, Ian, that I had reading for school to do so I could only read him one book instead o…
Read MoreRunners Run…Even in a Pandemic
If you know that our younger son is a collegiate runner, then you probably have heard me say. “Runners run.” Runners run when it is hot, cold, raining, tropical storming, sleeting, or snowing. They run when you are on vacation, Thanksgiving Day, their birthdays. They run. Carso…
Read MoreThe Development Officer’s Journey: Going from Invisible to Invincible
Lately I have been binge-watching reruns of The West Wing on Netflix. Some friends recommended I dive back into this fictional era of politics and government to pacify my appetite for political drama – likely a safer approach than launching into talk about politics during the casual ch…
Read MoreSummer of 2020
I suspect a lot will be different this summer. Even the weather in the Triangle this week has not been typical. When I entered the nonprofit sector in 1993, summer was considered a downtime—a slower pace. A time to come in a little later, leave a little earlier. Generally, get ahead. …
Read MoreA 12-Step Guide to Your Next Fundraising Call
Leading with transparency is my personal go-to. In our current environment, I believe transparency in fundraising is absolutely essential. When you are talking with your donors (and I absolutely think you should be) it is time to keep it simple and keep it real. Here are 12 steps to conside…
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