For much of the past decade, I worked for nonprofits that are on the smaller side. We needed maximum results from minimal staff. I’m always on the look-out for great ideas that I can copy, DIY-style. So it’s fortunate that I’ve been a fan of Tom Ahern and his e-newsletter for so long. He turned me […]
Witness to Brandicide
Witness to brandicide It’s not as if we weren’t warned. Really smart people have written about the killing power of a new “brand”. (See Jeff Brooks at Future Fundraising Now or Tom Ahern’s site: Ahern Communications, Ink). If you’ve seen it up close, you know what I’m talking about. It’s infuriating. The process works something like […]
I see you
That’s what we all really want, isn’t it? Someone who sees us. We want to be known for ourselves, as people. To be recognized. That’s what our donors are looking for as well. So why is so much communication impersonal and generic? The lazy answer is because it’s easier that way. Large organizations might think: […]
Extrovert? Why you might want to listen more
It wasn’t the first time I’d seen an out-of-control extrovert. I watched as a colleague confidently strode toward the party. Eager to talk to any and everyone in the room, she helped herself to a drink and hurried in. In the fundraising biz, it’s easier to be an extrovert. Extroverts don’t hesitate to wade into […]
Trademarked
Can a friend be trademarked? I received a solicitation in the mail the other day. I bet you’ve also gotten this one or one like it. It comes with many colorful address labels. And a nickel! What really made me laugh this time, though, was the salutation. They obviously knew my name, because it was […]