NPcatalyst » non-profit management

Networking for Non-Profit Success

pete — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:31:15 +0000

Originally posted on 2/20/09 at http://parkerdevelopment.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/networking-for…profit-success/.

Networking for Non-Profit Success

I was asked a few weeks ago by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Northern Nevada Chapter) to be the presenting speaker at the February luncheon. After a good laugh, I asked about the subject matter. The response was Networking. After another good laugh, I accepted…on a condition (we’ll get to that).

Now, I love to network. With each person I meet or get connected to, a new possibility or opportunity emerges. Because I’m on a personal (and now, professional) mission to enhance the level of philanthropy and community action in our community, I’m constantly participating in networking activities. However, difficulties arose when I began to prepare for my presentation.

I tend to put all my effort into everything I do, whether it relates to a client, a volunteer activity or program or my friends and family. So, when I began to think about my presentation, considerable stress insued. See, networking is all about connecting with others, sharing stories and creating opportunities. This is just as important for the corporate sector as it is the non-profit community. Problem is, I was limited to time on a subject that I absolutely love and find incredibly valuable.

I spearheaded my research by sending a survey to all those on the local AFP mailing list. I was curious to see if my hunches were correct. These included:

very few non-profit leaders actively participate in network opportunities, particularly those of the “traditional” sense

very few non-profit executives knew about social media

many non-profit professionals were hesitant to participate in both

It was a very simple survey and only completed by 30% of our membership, but it proved my thoughts. If you’re interested, here’s the link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=VBd1q7956Y9WzFg9dTY1UQ_3d_3d. In fact, go ahead and complete it (90 seconds of your life). I’ll present the results soon.

Since they asked me, one of their own, to present on networking, I was destined to provide considerable information, as opposed to making it an open forum for Q & A. I did, however, conduct a “speed networking” exercise (my original demand).

This was required for three specific reasons. First, networking can be a bit frightening if you either don’t know how to start a conversation or are afraid to step outside your “comfort zone.” Second, I only see four or five other non-profit professionals on the local networking circuit. While this benefits the small group of us, it doesn’t speak well to our local non-profit community. And lastly, NPOs can easily apply the method, internally, at donor receptions, volunteer trainings and new staff orientations. I think the exercise went well.

I allocated half of my presentation on “traditional” networking, as just described, as well as social media. I’ve been using social media for some time now, but was amazed at the amount of information regarding social networking. Holy cow did I find a lot. Making matters worse (and stress), I couldn’t stop researching the topic.

I hadn’t planned on using Powerpoint with my presentation but, since I’m a stat and info freak, I decided to use it. I prefer speaking, person to person (individual and group), rather than using a display. I prefer eyes on me and for people to truly listen to me almost as much as I listen to them. I think using Powerpoint was very effective, given that most people in the room hadn’t seen any social media stats.

Rather than going into great detail about the networking presentation, take a look at it for yourself.

It’s also located on my website at http://www.parkerdevelopment.com/networkingpresentation-mini.ppt. If it doesn’t load properly, then drop me an email at petep (at) parkerdevelopment.com.

Make it a great day.

Charities can succeed during tough economic times

pete — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:18:21 +0000

Originally posted on 12/8/08 at http://parkerdevelopment.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/charities-can-…economic-times/.

Charities can succeed during tough economic times

We find ourselves in the middle of very interesting and uncertain economic times. As with many businesses, the sluggish economy is showing its effects on the non-profit sector. Americans donated $306.4-billion in 2007, but fund raising is encountering challenges, especially as the auto, housing and financial-services industries continue to crumble, food costs rise, and the stock market’s volatility strains individuals and businesses.

Charitable organizations are beginning to report figures that are short of goals, many of which are due to delayed, reduced or discontinued contributions. Donors are keeping closer eyes on their financial portfolios and less about charitable giving.

Non-profit organizations are responding in different ways. A fair number are playing the “safe” card and maintaining a status-quo approach until the swells taper. Others are cutting staff, beginning with fundraising and marketing officers. Unfortunately, these organizations fail to see the opportunity that lies beneath the layer of uncertainty.

Despite these economic uncertainties non-profit leaders may want to consider taking closer looks at their organizations and acting proactively. The answers to organizational success may be closer than they think. Here are a few suggestions to inspire thought and action to steer organizations in the right direction.

Reach out to leadership. It’s vital that organizations be led by strong leaders. This person or group of people will guide charitable organizations through a clear plan, which includes enhancing the board, integrating comprehensive marketing and fundraising strategies and focusing on funding opportunities.

Enhance the level of board involvement. Make it a point to share information and invite increased participation from the organization’s board of directions. The board should become more of a resource and help increase giving and create opportunities.

Continue managing annual and major giving campaigns. The important thing is to keep on task and continue managing major gift cultivation and fundraising. When the recession ends, these organizations will be further ahead of the curve than most others.

Build strong relationships with donors. Whether they’re past or current donors, take some time to truly cultivate their financial and voluntary participation. These people will be ready to step to the plate when they’re financially ready. Don’t lose sight on regularly seeking new supporters.

Plan for donors to be savvy about giving and the use of their funds. Accountability will be the watchword and the use and impact of donations will be regularly reviewed. Many will be more strategic with their giving, thus guiding them to create structured giving plans and develop relationships with targeted organizations.

Communicate regularly. Keep constituents informed of the organization’s health, programs and needs. Use both traditional and the growing social media avenues to share news, invite participation, and challenge the interest and involvement of constituents.

By making the right choices, such as reinforcing core values and mission, personally connecting with contributors and leveraging new opportunities, success can be achieved. Simply “playing it safe” could easily create more harm, thus distancing organizations further away from their missions. Moving forward, organizational leaders may want to consider the following questions…and more:

Are there ways to improve operations?
What is the state of our finances, including investments?
Which programs/activities truly connect to your mission?
How are these programs/activities managed and assessed?
Are we managing our most important relationships?
Are we involving our board members and using them appropriately?

How often do we connect with our funders?

We can do it! Organizational leaders have an opportunity to publicly show the strength of the non-profit community. Making a difference in our communities is an incredible profession. Whether we’re leading organizations, raising funds or managing programs, serving our community is incredibly meaningful experience. Though times are scary, our obligation is to maintain positive frames of mind and show our strengths. This requires tapping into the basics of non-profit management, working harder and building relationships.