Fundraiser Education

“How to Win Friends and Influence People” has been the go-to guide for those seeking business-savvy social skills for decades. In this book, tycoon Dale Carnegie popularizes the power of influence and uses his enormous wealth and popularity as a basis for his expertise...

On Christmas Eve 2017, I was driving on Interstate 64 near Charleston, West Va., when I passed the Dunbar exit. At that moment, I mentioned to my wife the impact of my former professor and how that individual affected me academically like no other in my life. She knew every time I would pass that exit, I would say the same thing. I told her I had recently sent a Christmas card like I always do to Dr. Jack Yeager. Dr. Yeager’s influence on me was profound...

The Golden Age of Advocacy has begun. For the first time in history, people can communicate directly with decision-makers in front of a public audience. The combination of smartphones and social media has become the world’s single-most powerful civic technology...

It’s no secret that 2017 was a tempestuous year. In just a year, we went from celebrating the Charitable Tax Deductions’ 100th Anniversary to a tax plan that would lessen its value and send aftershocks threatening much-needed programs...

Whether we like it or not, 2018 is almost here. I typically spend the last few days of the calendar year reviewing the year in perspective. I take notes and see how I can improve in the next calendar year...

Principle 3 of The Eight Principles™ is Leadership Leads™. The governing board and senior staff of an organization are the ones responsible for doing the leaping. Far too often, however, those leading are the ones resisting their role...

It is now time for Christmas 2017. Hopefully, for nonprofit executives, it is finally a time to rest for a few days. Many will be with their families at home, and others will travel. Many of us will also spend some quiet moments reflecting on the past year. For now, I hope everyone can truly celebrate the meaning of Christmas and enjoy the time off...

It is now time for Christmas 2017. Hopefully, for nonprofit executives, it is finally a time to rest for a few days. Many will be with their families at home, and others will travel. Many of us will also spend some quiet moments reflecting on the past year. For now, I hope everyone can truly […]

I have always had a personality that cared about others. I have many weaknesses, but my one great strength is empathy. When I am with someone, I immediately place myself in their shoes. Another factor that has shaped my being is sports. I have loved sports from a very early age. I enjoyed playing individual sports and team sports. The thrill of competition is something that I have loved and have never forgotten...

Several years back, a popular consumer product used the tag line, “Accept no substitutes,” to claim singular distinction for their product. The implication here is that the quality of the product is so high, the essence of the experience so fulfilling that you’ll never want anything else. Ever...