What Your Fundraising Efforts Tell Donors

A donor can only take so much. That’s why I asked certain nonprofits to stop fundraising. The situation improved somewhat … until now. So far this year I have received monthly solicitations from one nonprofit, along with other fundraising mailers from a similar organization who either purchased or shared that nonprofit’s donor list. I understand 

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A Customer Never Forgets–3 Customer Stories and What They Mean

Impressions of customer service — good and bad — can be long lasting as these three stories illustrate. In this post my marketing colleagues and I share special situations we experienced as customers more than 20 years ago. “A legendary service experience that touched my heart” From Toby Bloomberg: “I walked into an Eckerd Drug Store 

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Is Your Recruiting Hurting Your Brand?

Talk about first impressions! Managers responsible for recruiting new employees have a significant impact on both the employer brand and their organization’s overall brand. Here are two examples of how an ineffective recruiting experience – described by a potential candidate looking for work in the nonprofit sector – resulted in a negative brand impression. [Note: I’ve 

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Goodbye Wonderful Summer, Hello Exciting Fall

This was definitely an A+ summer … my best ever because I: spent quality time with family & friends celebrated a milestone birthday experienced a magical first visit to Ireland enjoyed cheering on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, my favorite minor league baseball team watched thrilling races in the “concrete crater” (velodrome) at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center 

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Signs of Engagement

As an observer of workplace culture, I’m fascinated with company-posted signs, especially those displayed in public or semi-public areas of the organization. Other than themed motivational posters that promote Teamwork, Excellence, Achievement, etc., I’m more interested in the signage meant to reinforce a company’s vision and culture. Here are several examples. “Think Like the Customer” 

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Stop Treating Employees Like They’re Stupid

A friend who works for a Fortune 500 company called me in disbelief. His company held an all-employee meeting to share its end-of-year results. Among the key messages: The company had a great year and profits were up. Due to the uncertain economy, no merit increases would be given. If employees were upset, they could write 

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