It’s been a challenging two years for all of us. If no one has told you this lately — you are doing a good job. You’ve found a way to move forward during what has been a time of great uncertainty. You’re still raising money for your organization....
SparkNonprofit
Time Management for Effective CEOs
I once had a nonprofit client who spent time at night cleaning the bathroom and mopping the lobby. Everyone likes a sparkling clean office, but an executive director’s time is too valuable and too limited. Was cleaning the bathroom the best use of her time? Why...
How to Easily Review Your Year to Find Calm
Beginning a new year often makes us reflect on the year we just completed and plan for the year ahead. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of making resolutions. I start out with big ambitions — I’ll eat four vegetables and work out every day — and then four...
Take Some Time for Yourself This Holiday Season
In the spirit of the holidays, I want to thank you for making this year so great. You worked hard. You made great strides for your nonprofit’s mission, and for yourself. This time of year is especially busy for nonprofits. Take a few moments to reflect on...
Give Yourself a Boost with Your Greatest Hits Album
The most powerful tool in your fundraising toolkit is your mind. Do you feel successful? Do you feel confident? Are you enthusiastic about the mission of your organization? Are you ready to face 2022’s challenges with energy and a positive mindset? Over the past...
Happy Thanksgiving!
Being able to work with nonprofit professionals and board members is something I’m truly grateful for.
I’m humbled by the trust my clients have shown in me, and I’m thankful every day that I get to do business with amazing, mission-driven people who strive to make the world a better place.
Build Resilience to Move Forward After a Crisis
A friend reached out to me recently to inquire about my coaching services. She was fired from her job and wanted to know how to regroup and move forward. Our conversation led me to think about resilience. We all face obstacles. Divorce. Job loss. Trauma. Illness....
You Won’t Always Get a Yes
Here I am, trying to fling a new thing out into the world: my coaching business. I love coaching. I love getting to know people. I love hearing their story, what challenges them, what brings them joy, what goals they’re working toward, what’s tripping them up...
Planned Giving: Top 10 Questions to Spark a Conversation
What do you say to start a planned giving conversation with a loyal donor? Here are some sure-fire suggestions.
Leadership Coaching: Create a Better Future for Your Nonprofit
Even after many years of successful fundraising and consulting, I felt like I could be better — and do better for my clients. So, I’m delighted to announce that I've added a new service: Leadership Coaching. Through Leadership Coaching, I can help you envision a...
Capital Campaign Readiness: Ten Questions
If you’re considering a potential capital campaign, pre-campaign planning and preparation is the most essential part of your effort. A successful major gift to the campaign is the result of 80% preparation and 20% asking, so don’t skimp on planning and preparation....
Overcome your fear of asking
Asking for a donation can be a challenging task. We often make it harder on ourselves by creating fears in our mind that limit us and our success. If you want to be a successful leader and fundraiser, you have to overcome fear of asking for a donation and help others...
Happiness & Positive Mindset
8 Factors of Happiness This image created by Duke University popped up on my Facebook memories from one year ago. Who knew in December 2019 that 2020 would unfold the way it did? This image really speaks to me. It highlights the 8 Factors of Happiness and creating a...
Beyond cash
Three weeks left in the long, long year that's been 2020. You probably have enthusiastic supporters and longtime donors who want to further your mission and make a positive impact on the clients you serve. However, they may want to give something other than cash....
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
Do you see the world as being one of scarcity or abundance? If you think of the world through the lens of scarcity, you are more inclined to say/think: I don't have enough time.I’m not making enough money. I’m not doing enough of X,Y,Z. In other...
From Fundraising to Coaching: What’s My Why
I thought I’d share a little more about me and what drove me to pursue a career in nonprofit fundraising, become a consultant on my client’s capital campaigns, and now offer a new way to help busy nonprofit professionals: coaching. Why did I get into nonprofit...