The Strategic Plan: Organizational Wellness, or “Oh, Well …”

A group of people sitting around a table.

Given what the world has experienced over the past year, all nonprofit leaders should embrace the strategic planning process as an organizational wellness activity – regardless of budget, revenue model, organizational life cycle, or size.  Like many wellness activities, getting started is often the hardest part.  Strategic planning can often mean a reimagining of the…

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Now, More Than Ever, You Need a Plan

A glass vase sitting on top of a wooden table.

During the years I spent as a full-time fundraiser, my friends often claimed they “would rather eat glass†than ask anyone for money. It’s no wonder there are reams of articles and books as well as workshops on how to raise money – whether from individuals, major donors, foundations, or corporations.  Because, unless you are an…

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Build Bridges, Not Moats: What is Influence, Anyway?

The Rutland Herald recently featured three community leaders — Lyle Jepson, Paul Costello and Will Notte — who not only possess influence but energize their engagement for the greater good. Nonprofit leaders refer to this as “building bridges, not moats.” Exemplary leaders from various backgrounds do this with humility and courage, rather than focusing on…

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You Can Change the World (Despite a Pandemic)

As an educator of college business students and a consultant on strategic planning, I’m often asked for career advice — now more than ever. My bottom-line response: Regardless of how bleak the circumstances, don’t just sit there! Moving forward, despite difficult experiences in my life, has made me stronger than any professional credentials ever could.…

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