Why is it so hard to work right now? Why are we lethargic or manic? My theory is that we are operating at about 50% capacity right now. We place such a great emphasis on pretending everything is fine, that we are in control. In other words, we have this [...]
Fundraising takes a truckload of guts on a GOOD DAY. Enter a global pandemic none of us were prepared for? You may feel like you are eating overwhelm for breakfast. Your job just got a lot harder. There’s the first layer of the sudden change in your immediate surroundings. Your [...]
I direct online meetings, trainings, and conferences. I’ve done this for over 10 years, and it’s fun for me. I enjoy not having to run out, get on the airplane or in the car to engage with someone. I’ve done it all; online masterclasses, webinars, e-courses with live teaching components, [...]
You know when you’re on an airplane and they run through the safety instructions? What do they tell you to do if you’re with small children and the oxygen masks come down? Put on your own mask first! You can’t help others unless you first take care of yourself. This [...]
I’ve been doing it for 10 years, here’s how it works. Work from home self care is all about the BLANKET LIFE. I love wrapping my legs in a blanket and getting work done. So, it’s a scary time. And it’s more important than ever now, to take care of [...]
I don’t usually tell people this, but I lived through SARS, in Asia. I got so sick that the doctor made me stay inside for a week. I coughed so hard I cracked a rib. So, please, if you are feeling sick, stay home. Encourage your staff to stay home. [...]
How will you and your nonprofit make it through these difficult times? Two words: EMPATHY. INNOVATION. These are the two qualities most needed in today’s topsy-turvy world. I’d like you to think of them as your newly essential communication and fundraising strategies. Apply them to everything you do for the [...]
Do you love getting together with your peers to learn from bright minds in the sector? I was once described as a “conference junkie” which I gladly took as a compliment. Being surrounded by brilliant nonprofit professionals for the sole purpose of inspiration, learning and networking is my idea of [...]
What is the toughest job in the world? …Negotiating with a toddler? …Managing a board of directors? …Running a nonprofit? …Asking people for money? …Being a teacher, paramedic or police officer? Look, they’re all hard. I can personally vouch for the first four. Starting a nonprofit, running a nonprofit or [...]
In a recent Bloomerang webinar, one nonprofit leader asked an important question: What if working from home did not work out? This person writes, “Working from home is something staff is requesting. Huge trust factor is necessary for this. The agency tried this once before and was burned (staff posted [...]
It’s not personal, it’s business. It’s not about you, it’s about our goals. It’s not about getting along, it’s about getting the job done. These are all interesting phrases I’ve heard thrown around in the living rooms of leaders...aka...the conference room. These are the phrases leaders like to use to [...]
Let me start by saying I did not do track and field (but maybe I should have) Track stars understand the concept of the finish line. When you cross it, you’re done. You actually get to fully rest. Every day are you racing towards an imaginary finish line? When you [...]