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What You Need To Get Planned Giving Started

This posting by: Tony Martignetti. Last month I gave you five reasons why you should have a Planned Giving program. Your organization doesn’t need much to get started, but you do need a few things in place. Here’s what I look for to decide whether Planned Giving is feasible at a nonprofit. 7 years under …

Startup Experience: Does it Help?

Seems obvious: of course prior business experience is a big advantage when starting a social enterprise. But now there’s evidence that this might not be correct. Research suggests that LESS experienced social entrepreneurs were MORE successful (in terms of revenue and social media network) compared to their MORE experienced colleagues. And the WORST performance came …

A Not-so-Voluntary Recall for VW

Don’t wait until you’re forced to do the right thing Volkswagon is the latest organization to be pushed into action by an investigation from China’s state-run TV broadcaster, China Central Television. While reports indicate that Chinese investigators have been looking into issues with gearboxes from several German automakers since around this time last year, VW …

Group Warm-Ups: Ways to Avoid the Demoralizing Silence

In a meeting or facilitated session, it is typical for participants to be initially reserved and very willing to allow others to speak first. As a result, it is not unusual for the first question that the facilitator asks to be met with complete and utter silence! This can be demoralizing for a facilitator, especially when it occurs at the beginning of a session – that time when you are hoping for high energy and great interaction. A great technique for maintaining focus within a group – in addition to the checkpoint you read about in my earlier blog – is warming up the group.

The 7 Principles of Masterful Planning

The Drivers Model is Leadership Strategies’ methodology for strategic planning and the ultimate tool for masterful planning. The Drivers Model process covers seven key principles for masterfully planning any activity. The seven principles are summarized below. Let’s break down each one.

Embedding the Ethos of Community: Moonshot #2

I admit, this took some research! Let’s start by defining what we are trying to do, Wikipedia to the rescue. Ethos: Greek, meaning character, used to describe guiding beliefs, ideals, and the spirit which motivates them. Community: a group whose intention, beliefs, resources preferences, needs and risks affect and shape its identity. This captures how …

Displaying Technical Writing Skills

If you are a beginning Technical Writer or an experienced Technical Writer, how do you, respectively, display your skills and find your first job or find more jobs in technical writing? Here are some tips: For beginners, write about your job – begin writing in your current job about all that you know, and make …

Carnival in Crisis…Again?!

Issues with three more ships raise serious crisis management concerns Just as Carnival escaped its position at the top of the news cycle following the drama surrounding the lengthy Triumph tow, another of its ships, Elation, reported steering issues and was escorted back to a nearby port by tugs. At that point, Carnival execs had …

Job Change as New Right Livelihood

If you’ve lost your job in the recent economic downturn, now is a wonderful opportunity to find your Right Livelihood. Use this time to fully examine your skill set and where your growing edge is. Don’t be afraid to explore something new, more in alignment with your skills and interests. If you are still in …