Overcoming Adversity
How do you view adversity? Set aside the time to listen to an inspring call:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf
The attitudes, principles and actions that they discuss are exactly what we work through in Mastermind Groups. Check out the MASTERMIND tab to learn how you can follow up the inspiration with ACTION.
Make a powerful difference
Consider these questions:
What do you really want to accomplish for yourself and your organization? What are the current challenges preventing you from realizing that vision?
Many of you reading this blog are either on staff at a non-profit or are active in promoting a philanthropic organization as a volunteer or board member. Despite that, these questions can be challenging. You are busy doing good work – but are you and your colleagues as effective as you could be? Are you engaged in frenetic activity or purposeful, planned action?
What are your board meetings and committee meetings like? Compare the percentage of time you talk about doing something and the time you spend actually doing it . . . Are you making the wisest choices for the future of your organization and those you serve?
If you continue on the path you are currently on – will you accomplish your highest aspirations?
By joining a Mastermind group, you can commit a small portion of your schedule each week to dramatic improvement in your situation. Take a look at the MASTERMIND page of this blog for more information. The next introductory web call is Monday, July 18, 2011 at 7pm Eastern Time/USA. Please make plans to join us.
We welcome all those desiring to explore new growth in themselves and their organizations –
regardless of the economy!
Donations of Assets Convert to $$$
Australia University is selling a donated Picasso at auction to raise cash for a research facility.
We are doing the same thing for Motts Military Museum in Groveport, OH – they have received donations of physical assets and are converting them to cash for exhibit expansion and operations. The most interesting is an engine from a Vietnam-era helicopter.
You don’t have to be fabulously wealthy or possess a lot of expensive antiques to create an auction that benefits your favorite non-profits. Many types of personal property can be donated to an organization and auctioned. If you are moving/downsizing, have a small business with inventory and materials, or just want to get cleaned out and organized, then you are a candidate for the “auction-donation” method of giving.
Timing is everything – as far as tax deductions and maximizing the cash for the organization. An “auction-donation” can follow different paths, depending upon what is best for the donor and his/her philanthropic goals. See the following slide show:Converting Non-Cash Assets
The benefits are 3-fold:
- You simplify your life
- You receive a tax deduction**
- The organization receives cash
** Tax deduction amount varies based on the timing of the donation and your personal circumstances. The material presented here is for information purposes ONLY and is not intended nor should be consider tax advice. Consult your tax and financial advisors before making donations.
Use Business Cards to Promote your Organization
10 powerful ways to use your business cards
By Beth Davis, Founder/CEO of Gold Star Referral Clubs
While this was written for small businesses, it is applicable to your non-profit work as well. . . . LAM
- Never leave home without them: Keep a supply handy at home so that you can restock your wallet/purse every day when you leave.
- Give and Receive: The best way to get someone to want your business card is to ask for theirs.
- Insert a card into all your mail: Starting today, don’t ever seal an envelope without your card in it, even your bills. The person that opens the envelope might know your next best client.
- Be generous: Business cards are the best value for your advertising dollar. Be able to give someone as many as they ask for. Always offer 2 – 1 for the person and 1 for them to pass along.
- Be ready at every occasion and any occasion: You can never predict when it’s a good time to give a business card. Buffet line, gas station, birthday party . . .
- Ask for a referral: You will be surprised at how well people will respond to, “Here are two of my cards. I would appreciate a referral and would welcome a call from you or family or anyone you know you may need a ____”
- Visit trade show: Ask for business cards from the show vendors, give yours in return. Read some of their card out loud and ask them about what they do. Make a friend. Then follow-up.
- Make it a coupon: Hand-write a special offer or a discount for your service or product on the back of your card. Initial it. Invite them to visit your business.
- Attach a small gift to your card: Attach a mint, a specialty cookie or other small (but useful or tasty) promotional item.
- Brand yourself: add your tag line, hook or quote
BONUS CHALLENGE from Laura Anne Miller:
Hand out 50 business cards per day: the owner of a local termite inspection/pest control company does this. In the morning, his wife hands him 50 cards, and he is under orders to return home with NONE. He uses the above techniques and takes every opportunity to give people his cards. He came to town knowing no one, and in a few short years became the leader of a thriving and wildly successful business. Every real estate agent in town knows him and most use his services . . . Think of creative ways you could accomplish this challenge goal!
This, of course, means that you have to get out from behind your desk every single day and go promote your organization. You cannot spend all your time perfecting the website, writing mass mailings and planning the next “event”. Use your imagination and think like a salesman. Call me to discuss – 614.915.4324 – Laura Anne Miller
Collier County Honors Outstanding Educators
The Golden Apple Awards/Teachers of Distinction - 2011
The Education Foundation of Collier County held its annual Golden Apple Awards gala last week at the Phil in Naples, Florida. Only one word for the honorees: INSPIRING. I walked away feeling uplifted, optimistic and with a renewed sense of dedication to my work. The Golden Apple Award recipients are among the most gracious and humble people you could ever hope to encounter. They made me wish I could return to school again! The families of Collier County Public Schools are indeed blessed to have such dedicated educators and administrators. The community is stronger because of the work of the teachers and support organizations such as the Education Foundation.
The Education Foundation works with the schools to provide special scholarships, classroom support, and professional development for the teachers. They are embarking on new programs with new opportunities for supporting the work. Take a look at their website and contact Susan McManus to learn more about how you can help the cause for improving children’s lives – for life! You may find that philanthropy will solve some of your problems at the same time!
Philanthropy Visualized
Here is a word visualization for the topic of Philanthropy. Click on the image to see it in full size. Created at www.wordle.net.
Do you have words to add? Leave comments . . .
Reverence for Life
“Reverence for Life”
These three words guided Albert Schweitzer in all that he did and all that he became. Want to be inspired? Click on the image to watch a unique documentary on his life.
(I was especially impressed at how he used his Nobel Prize money to improve the lives of the people he served.)
Raise significant funds in 2011 – and BEYOND
Use the IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution in a special way – you don’t have to sacrifice current donations to build a long-term planned giving progam for your organization!
Take a look at this presentation on Slideshare.net – then contact Laura for more information.
A New Age for Ohio’s Oldest Non-Profit
Annual Giving + Capital Campaign + Planned Giving = Strategic Investment in the Future
The Columbus Maennerchor is moving forward with a new vision that is rooted in its past. The 162-year old organization recently sold the building that they occupied as a social club, rehearsal hall, and public banquet/restaurant facility. With this sale, the Maennerchor will move into a smaller space next door and focus on bringing German folk singing and other folk culture programs to the public.
“The young people are interested in a different style of socializing,” commented Werner Niehaus, President. “They do not want to be tied to one place for dining out or feel obligated to participate in only one type of family activity. They have many more choices.” Therefore, the Maennerchor membership will focus on programs related to singing, music, language and the other folk cultural activities. While the main themes will be German culture, they are expanding the scope to include other European and world cultutres that are represented in the Columbus area. In this way, the Maennerchor will provide the wider community more opportunities to learn about the cultures that have made such a significant contribution to the character of Columbus’ heritage.
The first phase of this new focus is to rennovate the historic building on South High Street that the Columbus Maennerchor will still occupy. They want to include young people in the process, so the Maennerchor is actively investigating partnerships with local educational programs to design and construct the space. Funding will come from a modest capital campaign and grants.
But the fundraising does not stop there. The Columbus Maennerchor intends to preserve and promote the “living memory” of German and other cultures that have made Columbus the wonderfully diverse place it is today. Therefore, they are setting up an on-going funding program that includes not only annual giving but planned giving as well. The best part of this program is that it will be implemented almost entirely by the volunteer efforts of the membership. With guidance and coaching in the PhilanthropyPlus system, the members can network and make connections that will ensure the mission of the Columbus Maennerchor is alive in perpetuity. All three activities will be worked on SIMULTANEOUSLY: capital campaign, annual funding of programs, planned giving.
The Columbus Maennerchor was begun in 1848 by 12 men who wanted to get together and sing German songs. Today, it is 300 members strong, many of them participating in one of the singing groups that include people from the ages of 7 up to 92! By connecting to the past and making strategic, intentional plans for the future, the Maennerchor will be here to entertain and enrich our lives for many generations.
- The old Cols Maennerchor resturant and hall
(FYI – the Columbus Maennerchor restaurant is still open to the public until this summer.)
Unleashed Abundance 