You are remarkably busy. Everyone is. But you are a leader and you need to stay focused. There are thousands of things to do and it is very easy to let your focus roam to the immediate urgencies of the moment. These urgencies are important, but don’t let them distract you. You need to keep your focus on the long term, while paying attention to immediate issues. If there … [Read more...] about A Leader’s Focus
mission gap
What is Strategy? Part II
Strategy is an integrated explanation of how an organization is going to guide its performance into the future. In installment #2 of “What is Strategy?” we consider an organization’s future. If Strategy guides performance “into the future, ” then an obvious question is “Where are you going?” To answer that question, I first suggest that an organization identify its Mission … [Read more...] about What is Strategy? Part II
The Basic Fundraising “Ask”
It is a simplistic fundraising formula. But I am a simple-minded guy. The three words I always make sure to keep in mind when I discuss a possible gift with a prospective donor are Problem, Opportunity, and Challenge. Though it is indeed a simplistic approach, I have found it to be very helpful. It keeps me on track during a fund-raising conversation. I have used it … [Read more...] about The Basic Fundraising “Ask”
Mission, Vision, Money
Last week I was asked to serve as the opening speaker for the Major Gifts track at a nonprofit fundraising conference. In summary, I said that an aspirational Mission & Vision are the pathways to Money. In fact, this is the most important path to take if you want to raise BIG money for your nonprofit. Mission. The aspect of Mission I encourage nonprofits to focus on … [Read more...] about Mission, Vision, Money
The 7th Deadly Sin of Nonprofit Strategy: “Not Ambitious Enough”
A strategy and its associated goals and plans should be focused on a vision that is big, bold, and inspiring. Many strategies are based simply on an analytical forecast of the way things are currently headed. How dull. It was Goethe who said: Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. In his presidential run, Robert Kennedy used to quote … [Read more...] about The 7th Deadly Sin of Nonprofit Strategy: “Not Ambitious Enough”