Ok, ok. I know. I'm a slacker. It's not that I've been ignoring what's happening in the nonprofit space, or the for-profit space for that matter...it's just that, hell...I'm busy...
So, I'm curious. How do non-career journalists, bloggers, and consultants do it? Perhaps I'm a late adopter (and if your target market is a 30-something tech-phobic, rather read a book and are sick of being on a computer, then talk to me on how to sell your product), or perhaps I'm just lazy...
Either way, I promise to do better....maybe.... :)
Cheers,
Heather
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Shift in goal setting: smoke & mirrors or sign of the times?
A number of nonprofits are forgoing the typical “dollar-raised” campaign goals and working to better articulate the mission beyond the dollars. This is particularly important in a time where unemployment is at historic levels. Whether its number of new donors or number of books raised, the goals hope to bring new focus to fundraising strategies and the community impact.
The Nonprofit Quarterly wrote an interesting article how the United Way, known for touting dollars raised, is trying to turn the cultural tide in campaign goal setting.
Certainly food for thought.
***
The Nonprofit Quarterly wrote an interesting article how the United Way, known for touting dollars raised, is trying to turn the cultural tide in campaign goal setting.
Certainly food for thought.
***
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Why Don't Boards Do What They're Supposed to Do?
An interesting article from Guidestar's newsletter by Hardy Smith of Hardy Smith Nonprofit Consulting.
Why don't board members do what they're supposed to do? Six recurring themes were identified as the foundation for most issues and solutions:
Why don't board members do what they're supposed to do? Six recurring themes were identified as the foundation for most issues and solutions:
- connectivity
- no surprises
- importance of time
- improved communications
- accountability
- organizational focus
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Cash Flow Woes in Nonprofits
I’m fascinated by the economic dynamics at play in the past year. The nonprofit sector tends to lag the market by 9-12 months in both good and bad times. This is partly because of the way the government attempts to funnel money to the sector, partly because of fiscal-year budget differences, and partly because of the way charitable giving is treated by individuals. While I could go on, I won’t, less you tell me you want my two cents.
Speaking of stimulus, there are a lot of cash flow issues cropping up within nonprofits waiting on funds from the states. While delays between the award letter and cash-in-hand are common with government grants, the stimulus funding contains deadlines for programs, hiring, and reporting prior to the cash being distributed. This is putting a lot of great nonprofits in a bind, especially those dealing with increases in demand.
If you’re a nonprofit and you have not started diversifying your funding sources, please start now. It’s not easy, and with no easy answers in a down economy. But I’ve talked with too many ARRA recipients who are hurting because of a lack of “plug money.” I’m also talking with those who are winning because they established a funding strategy and rainy day fund for just such an instance.
There are lots of resources out there, and lots of articles. But the key is to understand your market demographics, start small, and implement what is sustainable. Overtime, you’ll gain momentum. No successful program emerges overnight – even in this world of instant gratification or instant access.
Speaking of stimulus, there are a lot of cash flow issues cropping up within nonprofits waiting on funds from the states. While delays between the award letter and cash-in-hand are common with government grants, the stimulus funding contains deadlines for programs, hiring, and reporting prior to the cash being distributed. This is putting a lot of great nonprofits in a bind, especially those dealing with increases in demand.
If you’re a nonprofit and you have not started diversifying your funding sources, please start now. It’s not easy, and with no easy answers in a down economy. But I’ve talked with too many ARRA recipients who are hurting because of a lack of “plug money.” I’m also talking with those who are winning because they established a funding strategy and rainy day fund for just such an instance.
There are lots of resources out there, and lots of articles. But the key is to understand your market demographics, start small, and implement what is sustainable. Overtime, you’ll gain momentum. No successful program emerges overnight – even in this world of instant gratification or instant access.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Festival of Cheese and a Novice Taster...For Real
Browsing through the Austin Chronicle, always a source of super-cool things to do in Austin, I found a winner.
On Saturday I attended the American Cheese Society's Festival of Cheese event in Austin, TX. I’ve never attended such an event, and had no idea what to expect. They boasted over 1,000 cheeses and all the wine, spreads, breads, fruits and crackers I could eat. For $75/ticket, I thought I certainly could get my money worth.
As I entered the hotel lobby, I was hit with the smell of cheese. It grew stronger as I traveled to the grand ballroom, and the buzz of the crowded filled the air. As I passed the attendant my ticket, I could hardly contain my curiosity to this underworld of cheese makers I never knew existed.
And then I walked through the doors.
Table after table after table of cheese! I’ve never seen as much cheese on one table, let alone probably 100 tables.
So I naturally started at table 27 and filled my plate with little samples. At my third table, I was cheesed out. Obviously, a novice and not a cheese connoisseur!
However, I was revived with my personal favorite of the show, 1st place Brie Normandie, from Agropur, Fine Cheese Division, Quebec. A thin wafer and a raspberry on top, de-lish!
My tip of the week is if you ever attend an event where food is judged, hit the ribbons first! I’m sure I missed out on some wonderful cheese and craftsmanship.
Well done, cheese makers, well done.
**
2009 Judging Competition and Results
**
On Saturday I attended the American Cheese Society's Festival of Cheese event in Austin, TX. I’ve never attended such an event, and had no idea what to expect. They boasted over 1,000 cheeses and all the wine, spreads, breads, fruits and crackers I could eat. For $75/ticket, I thought I certainly could get my money worth.
As I entered the hotel lobby, I was hit with the smell of cheese. It grew stronger as I traveled to the grand ballroom, and the buzz of the crowded filled the air. As I passed the attendant my ticket, I could hardly contain my curiosity to this underworld of cheese makers I never knew existed.
And then I walked through the doors.
Table after table after table of cheese! I’ve never seen as much cheese on one table, let alone probably 100 tables.
So I naturally started at table 27 and filled my plate with little samples. At my third table, I was cheesed out. Obviously, a novice and not a cheese connoisseur!
However, I was revived with my personal favorite of the show, 1st place Brie Normandie, from Agropur, Fine Cheese Division, Quebec. A thin wafer and a raspberry on top, de-lish!
My tip of the week is if you ever attend an event where food is judged, hit the ribbons first! I’m sure I missed out on some wonderful cheese and craftsmanship.
Well done, cheese makers, well done.
**
2009 Judging Competition and Results
**
Monday, August 10, 2009
Ok - Let's try it Blog It
I'm attempting to feed back and forth between my facebook account and Blogger account. Let's see if this works. If so - well done. If not, hmmm....anyone recommend a different app?
drum roll please........
drum roll please........
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Nonprofit Times 2009 Power and Influence Top 50
Last year I had the pleasure of attending the 2008 Nonprofit Times Power and Influence Top 50 awards ceremony and meeting some amazing movers and shakers in the nonprofit sector.
The class of 2009 is out, and I'm thrilled to see Holly Ross, Executive Director at NTEN and Sharon Burns, CIO of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation make the list for the first time. I was able to spend some time last year during Sage Summit with both Holly and Sharon - they both are remarkable individuals!
Congratulations!
***
The Nonprofit Times
The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50
Volunteering as a Fashion Statement August 1, 2009
NPT Power & Influence honorees show how community service can power a nation
Service is the new black. It’s so fashionable that those leading the national service movement have packed the catwalk of The 2009 NPT Power & Influence Top 50.Whether it’s military conscription, stipend service or traditional volunteering, community building is the core of the sector these days.
Of course, a trashed stock market and worldwide recession have much to do with how the charitable sector operates, making those volunteers all the more valuable.
Read More - PDF of the Top 50!
The class of 2009 is out, and I'm thrilled to see Holly Ross, Executive Director at NTEN and Sharon Burns, CIO of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation make the list for the first time. I was able to spend some time last year during Sage Summit with both Holly and Sharon - they both are remarkable individuals!
Congratulations!
***
The Nonprofit Times
The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50
Volunteering as a Fashion Statement August 1, 2009
NPT Power & Influence honorees show how community service can power a nation
Service is the new black. It’s so fashionable that those leading the national service movement have packed the catwalk of The 2009 NPT Power & Influence Top 50.Whether it’s military conscription, stipend service or traditional volunteering, community building is the core of the sector these days.
Of course, a trashed stock market and worldwide recession have much to do with how the charitable sector operates, making those volunteers all the more valuable.
Read More - PDF of the Top 50!
Monday, July 27, 2009
What's in a name?
I've been having an ongoing debate about the importance of a name - to a product, a company, a service, or even to something like this blog.
Can you have a bad name and extraordinary brand? Does it all start with the name, or can you retro-fit a name to meet the new brand essence of a company?
Thoughts?
Can you have a bad name and extraordinary brand? Does it all start with the name, or can you retro-fit a name to meet the new brand essence of a company?
Thoughts?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Climbing a mountain you can't see - that's inspirational!
I’m typically pretty quiet about all the ways Sage employees across North America and the world give back to the community, but this story is way too cool not to share.
Greg DePinto is part of the ACT! for Sage sales team, and an active member of The Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) - http://www.seeitourway.org/. FBC is the largest independent organization providing resources for blind students in North America. Founded in 1952, the organization has become a national model for agencies serving the blind. Since the number of blind babies born in Arizona and those referred for services has increased over 300% in the last 10 years, the number of children and adults served through FBC has grown to over 2,000 in just the last year.
About 11 months ago, FBC recruited/trained members of its volunteer organization – Greg included – to guide eight blind students on a hike to the top of Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro. All 25 members made it to the top on June 29, breaking two world records along the way: (1) the largest group of blind climbers to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and (2) the youngest blind climber to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 13!
Besides this amazing achievement, Team Kili has also raised enough money to provide services to 52 blind children next year – funding the state had cut.
News coverage of this amazing achievement can be found here:
http://www.azcentral.com/video/?type=mavenfull&id=news&videoID=1177280351
And to learn more about the climb, you can also visit http://www.seekiliourway.org/
Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to celebrate this amazing accomplishment! People like Greg are some of the main reasons why Sage is a great place to work. We might be a global company with primarily business-oriented solutions, but we all carry a charitable heart and passion for our communities and wonderful causes.
Greg DePinto is part of the ACT! for Sage sales team, and an active member of The Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) - http://www.seeitourway.org/. FBC is the largest independent organization providing resources for blind students in North America. Founded in 1952, the organization has become a national model for agencies serving the blind. Since the number of blind babies born in Arizona and those referred for services has increased over 300% in the last 10 years, the number of children and adults served through FBC has grown to over 2,000 in just the last year.
About 11 months ago, FBC recruited/trained members of its volunteer organization – Greg included – to guide eight blind students on a hike to the top of Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro. All 25 members made it to the top on June 29, breaking two world records along the way: (1) the largest group of blind climbers to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and (2) the youngest blind climber to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 13!
Besides this amazing achievement, Team Kili has also raised enough money to provide services to 52 blind children next year – funding the state had cut.News coverage of this amazing achievement can be found here:
http://www.azcentral.com/video/?type=mavenfull&id=news&videoID=1177280351
And to learn more about the climb, you can also visit http://www.seekiliourway.org/
Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to celebrate this amazing accomplishment! People like Greg are some of the main reasons why Sage is a great place to work. We might be a global company with primarily business-oriented solutions, but we all carry a charitable heart and passion for our communities and wonderful causes.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Back to School Shoppings = Money for Children's Literacy!
Did you know that since 1983, more than 10 million Americans reached the 12th grade without having learned to read at a basic level. Appalling!
BookSpring the the home of Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Austin. I wouldn't be a good board president if I didn't promote this opportunity to raise money for children's literacy. And yes, we do receive money directly to support our local community from this national fundraiser!
So, this back to school season, stop by your local Macy's to support children's literacy and save money.
Dates: July 1, 2009 – August 31, 2009
Give $3 and get $10 OFF a $50 purchase or give $6 and get $20 off a $100 purchase…
Book A Brighter FutureTM is a national partnership between Reading Is Fundamental, the nation’s oldest and largest children and families’ literacy organization, and Macy’s to raise awareness and support for children’s literacy. In 2008 over 1,000,000 Macy’s customers donated more than $3.1 million to support RIF programs and initiatives. This was the largest customer supported campaign in RIF’s 42 year history! The program will help RIF provide free books and literacy resources to children nationwide, and also expand its outreach to the many children who are at the greatest risk for reading difficulties.
Macy’s will donate 100% of every $3 to RIF. $1 will go to support a local RIF program, $1 will go to the Multicultural Literacy Campaign, and $1 will support reading resources for children nationwide.
Oh - and Mom, thanks for reading to me way before I was even in school. It's made all the difference.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
On Saturday I helped coordinate a board retreat for BookSpring, the organization of which I am now board president.
Like everyone else in the nonprofit universe, we think our 2009-2010 fiscal year will certainly be challenging. In our retreat, we talked much about execution vs. "ideas", and how we prioritize those items outside of the "duh" decisions. I still don't think we have clear black & white prioritization lines, but I was encourage to see that we are not the only ones with this struggle.
***
From The Agitator
The UK-based Management Centre recently scored 57 nonprofits on their ability to innovate … a seven step process as conceptualized by the Centre:
Ideation — idea generation
Integration — cross-pollination of ideas
Information — external scanning & sourcing
Selection — identifying ideas to take forward
Support — develop ideas into offerings
Launch — bringing the idea to fruition and setting expectations re returns
Learning — establishing what can be improved and learned from
34 US charities were included, and their relative strengths were found to be Ideation and Information; their weakness was Launch. And we thought Americans were Do-ers!
***
Wow. While I'd like to say I'm surprised, I'm not. In my experience, it's all about prioritization and execution, regardless of for-profit or non-for-profit status. Many times, we have more ideas than we know what to do with.
Successful organizations find the balance between sustainable, incremental growth while striving for stretch goals.
Maybe, and perhaps more importantly, successful leaders have the courage to say NO.
Like everyone else in the nonprofit universe, we think our 2009-2010 fiscal year will certainly be challenging. In our retreat, we talked much about execution vs. "ideas", and how we prioritize those items outside of the "duh" decisions. I still don't think we have clear black & white prioritization lines, but I was encourage to see that we are not the only ones with this struggle.
***
From The Agitator
The UK-based Management Centre recently scored 57 nonprofits on their ability to innovate … a seven step process as conceptualized by the Centre:
Ideation — idea generation
Integration — cross-pollination of ideas
Information — external scanning & sourcing
Selection — identifying ideas to take forward
Support — develop ideas into offerings
Launch — bringing the idea to fruition and setting expectations re returns
Learning — establishing what can be improved and learned from
34 US charities were included, and their relative strengths were found to be Ideation and Information; their weakness was Launch. And we thought Americans were Do-ers!
***
Wow. While I'd like to say I'm surprised, I'm not. In my experience, it's all about prioritization and execution, regardless of for-profit or non-for-profit status. Many times, we have more ideas than we know what to do with.
Successful organizations find the balance between sustainable, incremental growth while striving for stretch goals.
Maybe, and perhaps more importantly, successful leaders have the courage to say NO.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wow.....Go AT&T....please call me "Freaky"
This is a copy of my conversation tonight with AT&T...OMG. Good thing I have a great sense of humor (or humour, for my Canadian friends....)
System Welcome Heather Burton.
System Connecting to server. Please wait...
System Connection with server established.
You Technical Support Topic: DSL High Speed Internet
System Bethany has joined this session!
System Connected with Bethany
Bethany Thank you for contacting AT&T. How may I help you ?
Bethany Hi Heather Burton . How are you ?
You Repeatedly I attempt to log into online banking with bank of america, but continue to get an att page that says it can't be found. I can log in from my iPhone and at work. Apparently I can connect with this. What's the deal? It's irritating
Bethany I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you and will be happy to assist you.
You The error resultpage is onlineeast3.bankofamerica.com
You What other information do you need to help detect the issue?
Bethany I understand that you are unable to open your bank web site , but able to visit all other web sites . right?
You well, "all" is a strong word :) I've experienced issues with other sites in normal browsing, but Bank of America is the most consistant issue. When I run into this trouble, I log in at work or through my iPhone to test if it is the bank or if it is my internet. I've confirmd that ever time (at least 10), it is my internet
Bethany Heather Burton, Please do not worry, It may be a problem with your browser you are using.
Bethany May I know , which browser are you using?
You Internet explorer 7
You I doubt it's my explorer
You I didn't have this problem before switching to At&t
Bethany Okay. It may be a problem with browser cookies, and temporary files of Internet Explorer
Bethany Have you tried deleting cookies, and temporary files from browser ?
Bethany You can delete them , by clicking on Tools--> Internet Options --> Delete cookies, temporary files button
You Ok Let me try
Bethany Okay
You I'm in, but I still don
You don't understand why it worked sometimes and not others
You without deleting cookies, etc
Bethany You mean, you are able to open bank website after deleting cookies etc. ?
You Yes, I've been able to get into my account after deleting cookies.
You However, I've been able to get in after having errors, too
You so what makes this attempt different than the other times I was "lucky" to get in?
Bethany Heather Burton , Actually access of cookies, and temporary files slows down browser speed. and bank etc. web sites use to run on a high speed browser.
You unacceptable answer. is this a real person?
Bethany yes , i am real. Please do not worry, Heather Burton.
Bethany It would needed to less the browser security and delete cookies etc. from browser to open highly secure web sites such as bank web sites
You Cool. Just the automated use of my full name is freaky, and some responses seem very scripted. I totally get it...software support is a tough (but can be rewarding) gig
You it would be great feedback to AT&T regarding customer experience if they didn't append the full name or a name at all
You :)
Bethany Freaky, It would be good to use the first name
You Yes, I don't know your last name, Bethany Smith.... :)
You Anyway, off my soap bos
You soap box
Bethany :)
You Have a great night. Thanks for your help!
Bethany You too have a Great Night. May I ask you something?
You Sure! Ask away
Bethany Thank you , Freaky. Are you Very Satisfied with the services I provided to you? and Is your issue resolved ?
Bethany It was a nice chatting with you . You were very nice . It was a great experience chatting with you
You It's all great. thank you and have a great night
System Welcome Heather Burton.
System Connecting to server. Please wait...
System Connection with server established.
You Technical Support Topic: DSL High Speed Internet
System Bethany has joined this session!
System Connected with Bethany
Bethany Thank you for contacting AT&T. How may I help you ?
Bethany Hi Heather Burton . How are you ?
You Repeatedly I attempt to log into online banking with bank of america, but continue to get an att page that says it can't be found. I can log in from my iPhone and at work. Apparently I can connect with this. What's the deal? It's irritating
Bethany I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you and will be happy to assist you.
You The error resultpage is onlineeast3.bankofamerica.com
You What other information do you need to help detect the issue?
Bethany I understand that you are unable to open your bank web site , but able to visit all other web sites . right?
You well, "all" is a strong word :) I've experienced issues with other sites in normal browsing, but Bank of America is the most consistant issue. When I run into this trouble, I log in at work or through my iPhone to test if it is the bank or if it is my internet. I've confirmd that ever time (at least 10), it is my internet
Bethany Heather Burton, Please do not worry, It may be a problem with your browser you are using.
Bethany May I know , which browser are you using?
You Internet explorer 7
You I doubt it's my explorer
You I didn't have this problem before switching to At&t
Bethany Okay. It may be a problem with browser cookies, and temporary files of Internet Explorer
Bethany Have you tried deleting cookies, and temporary files from browser ?
Bethany You can delete them , by clicking on Tools--> Internet Options --> Delete cookies, temporary files button
You Ok Let me try
Bethany Okay
You I'm in, but I still don
You don't understand why it worked sometimes and not others
You without deleting cookies, etc
Bethany You mean, you are able to open bank website after deleting cookies etc. ?
You Yes, I've been able to get into my account after deleting cookies.
You However, I've been able to get in after having errors, too
You so what makes this attempt different than the other times I was "lucky" to get in?
Bethany Heather Burton , Actually access of cookies, and temporary files slows down browser speed. and bank etc. web sites use to run on a high speed browser.
You unacceptable answer. is this a real person?
Bethany yes , i am real. Please do not worry, Heather Burton.
Bethany It would needed to less the browser security and delete cookies etc. from browser to open highly secure web sites such as bank web sites
You Cool. Just the automated use of my full name is freaky, and some responses seem very scripted. I totally get it...software support is a tough (but can be rewarding) gig
You it would be great feedback to AT&T regarding customer experience if they didn't append the full name or a name at all
You :)
Bethany Freaky, It would be good to use the first name
You Yes, I don't know your last name, Bethany Smith.... :)
You Anyway, off my soap bos
You soap box
Bethany :)
You Have a great night. Thanks for your help!
Bethany You too have a Great Night. May I ask you something?
You Sure! Ask away
Bethany Thank you , Freaky. Are you Very Satisfied with the services I provided to you? and Is your issue resolved ?
Bethany It was a nice chatting with you . You were very nice . It was a great experience chatting with you
You It's all great. thank you and have a great night
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