One of the reasons I love my work is that I get to meet dedicated nonprofit professionals and volunteers eager to share their stories. They’re also eager to learn how to further their respective organization’s mission in the marketing workshops I teach. The volunteers and employees from a variety animal rescues and shelters who attended my
While engaging and caring for volunteers is an ongoing activity, National Volunteer Week (April 6-12, 2014) is an important reminder to celebrate volunteers and their impact. This week provides an opportunity to honor “the enduring importance of recognizing our country’s volunteers for their vital contributions” and “their collective power to make a difference.” It’s also an opportunity for me to
In honor of National Volunteer Week, this post is dedicated to all volunteers who dedicate themselves to the nonprofit causes they care about. How do nonprofits demonstrate care for the people who voluntarily serve them? Smart leaders know that effectively managing volunteers takes more than a “recruit ‘em & recognize ‘em” approach. Their organizations are
I’m excited about the opportunity to speak at this year’s annual BlogPaws Conference, the largest pet-blogging and social media conference, on “Strengthening Your Brand: Relationship Marketing for Rescues & Shelters.” (More on this session topic later.) Since this is a new nonprofit audience for me, I’ve spent the past several weeks learning about animal rescue
Need a helpful gift idea for your favorite nonprofit professional or volunteer leader? Consider a book that provides valuable insight and advice on how to maximize a nonprofit’s effectiveness. Note: I’m a fan of books-as-gifts, especially when paired with chocolate or other sweet treat, specialty coffee or tea. Feed the senses as well as the
I’m thrilled with the positive response to my new book, Share of Mind, Share of Heart: Marketing Tools of Engagement for Nonprofits. I’m honored to share these more detailed book reviews by Ivana Taylor, Small Business Trends, and Wayne Hurlbert, Blog Business World. Here are several recent reviews that I’m also honored to share. “With a great passion for
Ask most people to explain volunteer engagement and they’ll tell you they know it when they see it, yet find it difficult to articulate. They can describe it in general terms as a process that includes recruiting and matching volunteer interests with a nonprofit’s needs, then recognizing and respecting those volunteers. Beyond the generalities, it’s
A friend of mine works as a marketing director for a nonprofit with a stagnant board of directors. The by-laws stipulate board membership be drawn from the regional service-based organization that founded the nonprofit more than fifty years ago. As a result, the governance structure has evolved into an insular board with life-time terms. The good
I’m thrilled to announce the release of my new book, Share of Mind, Share of Heart: Marketing Tools of Engagement for Nonprofits. Response to the book’s pre-publicity has been very positive, and I have several interviews and speaking requests already lined up, with more in the works. This summer will be a busy one! An
While writing my new book on marketing tools of engagement for nonprofits, I had the privilege of interviewing Brenda Fiske, Chief Marketing Officer of the Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta. A “nonsectarian, community-based social services agency,” JF&CS offers a broad range of more than 40 programs serving children and adults with “Tools for