What Works
Each edition of this newsletter contains a section I call "What Works."
Currently, I'm focused on a series of 15 lessons that I learned while growing the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, buttressed by my observations of dozens of other groups both in Oregon and across the country.
June's lesson: Become the best at something.
July's lesson: Relentlessly focus on relationships.
August's lesson: Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate.
September's lesson: Know and tell your stories.
October's lesson: Become a very good public speaker.
November's lesson: Plan, plan, plan.
I've saved the most fun, dare I say sexiest topic, for December: Invest in organizational information systems.
I know, you're thinking: not fun! Some of you may be imagining cleaning a messy toilet as a more enjoyable task. But having good information systems that are functioning well is more akin to soaring like an eagle on a friendly wind, while eyeing the landscape below for prey. When I refer to information systems, historically I would have referred to fiscal management systems (information about money) and fundraising databases (information about your donors and their interactions with your organization). Today, I'd add a third system: information about online interactions you have with supporters and potential supporters. Let's start with fiscal management systems. Fiscal management is about the flow of information - in this case, information about money. Information about how you expect money to flow represents your budget. Information about how money actually flowed represents your accounting. Here are some common mistakes that happen with organizations don't invest in top notch fiscal management systems.
Continue reading the full article.
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Recent Success Stories and New Clients
I'm wrapping up my work with Sauvie Island Center, whose board is just wrapping up its first-ever board driven fundraising campaign. I'll be providing them some closing advice on their year-end fundraising appeal and will evaluate the board's campaign and put in place a plan for next year.
I recently returned from a southeast swing where I worked with three clients:
I have begun working with the Coalition for a Livable Future to maximize the potential of the 2011 Laugh with Livability, to be held March 18, 2011.
A project that I worked on in early 2010 has now come to fruition. I worked with the League of Conservation Voters to create a new edition of their guide, How to Run a State LCV. State LCVers should check it out on the Federation website. Coming soon: a new edition of How to Start a State LCV.
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Updated Services
I recently took a look backwards at the work I've been doing this year, as well as the work I'd like to do in 2011. Based on that look I've updated the suite of services I'm offering in 2011.
It's been a wonderful experience in my first year working with clients around the country to help their organizations thrive.
I look forward to working with more of you in 2011.
You can check out the brochure as a PDF.
Or just check out a simpler version on my website.
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