In 2009, I created a workshop called 7 Reasons Campaigns Fail, and How to Avoid Them. Recently, as I looked over some of my notes from those early sessions, I was struck by this truth: the #1 reason campaigns fail is the same today as it was back then! What is the #1 reason? It […]

What if you could develop a style of leadership that positively influences and changes not only yourself, but also those with whom you work and interact? You can! It’s called Energy Leadership. Last September, I wrote about the 7 levels of energy and how they impact your life. (If you want a refresher, you can read […]

In my years consulting various organizations and their boards, I’ve led numerous board retreats with various emphases. I’m typically brought in to help boards get clarity on things like: Fundraising An upcoming capital campaign Strategic, long-term vision casting All of these topics are valuable pursuits for a board and worthy of the time given. But, […]

I’ve been a fundraising consultant for 15 years now, and I’ve had clients who range from outstanding to frustrating (to put it mildly) and everything in between.  What makes one a pleasure to work with and the other a nightmare?  There is one simple trait that makes a client the best in class, and another that […]

During last month’s Walk With a Consultant, we discussed some of the pros and cons of special event fundraising. I was getting ready for my presentation at the AFP Conference, and some of the questions we discussed over coffee came up again at the conference. This month, I’d love to continue that conversation, as well […]

If you’ve been involved with nonprofit organizations or the philanthropic community for very long, you know that volunteers are a critical part of the staffing in most organizations.  Nonprofits need volunteers for board positions, to help with event management, and many, many other things. Volunteers are the best! A “best practice” for any organization is to […]

My bags are (nearly) packed and I’m already excited about joining my colleagues later this week in San Francisco.  The Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 54th International Fundraising Conference starts in just a few days! I love the energy of AFP Conferences and I can’t wait to see what I’ll learn this time. One of the things […]

If you know me at all, you know I love to help nonprofits raise more money. And, if you know me well, you also know I like to have some fun in the process! This year, at AFP’s International Conference on Fundraising in San Francisco, I’m doing both.  It’s really simple and fun.  Here’s how […]

When my good friend Amy Eisenstein asked me to write the foreword for her new book, 50 Asks in 50 Weeks, Second Edition, it was one of the easiest “yes” responses I’ve ever made! The impact of this book on my fundraising skills can’t be overstated, and I know you’ll benefit in the same way […]

“Our organization can’t raise $1,000,000.” “Men my age only want to date younger women.” “I can’t pursue my dreams because what if I fail?” “Our board members won’t help with fundraising.” “That foundation/individual doesn’t give in our area.” Each of these statements is a “limiting belief.” The term applies to thoughts that constrain us in […]