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Start with a sticky note

August 24, 2010 By Sandy 9 Comments

I’m a very methodical thinker.  I like order to things.  I like to see a clear start and a clear finish. Yesterday, I found myself pulling out the sticky notes with two different clients to help them think about a project.

The first client needed to map out a process for managing volunteers, from recruiting all the way through to the Exit Interview.  The second one wanted to visualize the content for their new website.  For both, I wanted to help them first create a process to give the projects structure.

Both clients had been wrestling with these projects, mostly I think because they simply hadn’t set aside time to work on them.  After just an hour, each client had a visual structure on sticky-notes and knew what their next steps were.

The next time you need to do some big thinking, I recommend you get out some colorful sticky notes and a marker.  Start with some broad thoughts like “what are the main steps in this process?”  Write each one down on its own sticky. You can use a blank wall or the back of a door to put the notes in order. (I like using sticky notes because you can move them around if you need to.) Don’t worry about all the details yet – just get the main pieces first.  You’ll go back later and fill in the details.

For the website, we started with “who will be visiting the website?” and “what will they want to know?”  This helped us decide on the information to include and by using the sticky notes, we were easily able to figure out how to organize the information for each type of visitor.

Have you used this type of exercise before to help you get your thoughts together?  Do share!  We’d all benefit from your experience.

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Does your Coach have a Coach?

August 17, 2010 By Sandy 13 Comments

Coaching is catching on faster and faster in the nonprofit world.

Coaching provides a unique form of support.  It’s deeper than a seminar and more personal that a consultant.  And it’s not a one-shot deal.  A coach gives you someone to work with over a period of time and someone you can count on.

Many major companies have embraced executive coaching as a great form of professional development.  It’s viewed as a way to support top producers.  For the Nonprofit Professional, knee-deep in work and starved for resources, hiring a Coach can be a tremendous investment. When you enhance your skill set, time management, and confidence, it ripples through the organization.

But before you hire someone to be your coach, ask them if they have a coach.

If you’re going to invest in yourself in this very personal way, make sure that your coach is also investing in themselves. You want someone who walks their talk and who can being their best ‘A’ game to support you.

Personally, I have several coaches and mentors.  I learn different things from different ones.  This year, I decided to invest in some expensive, high-end coaching and it’s been a wild ride!  The simple decision to do it shifted my thinking and how I look at things.  With the help of my coach, I’ve been able to plan bigger than ever before, and work toward making those plans a reality.  I don’t think I could have accomplished so much without her.

I’m already thinking about who will coach me in 2011.  Are you?  If you’re thinking about having support next year, I’m working on a hybrid coaching/consulting program that will absolutely take your fundraising program to the next level.  There will be LOTS of cool stuff in this program, including retreats, attending the AFP conference in Chicago (I’m paying for you to go!) and learning activities with horses.  If you’re interested, shoot me an email at sandy@sandyrees.com and I’ll send you an application.

Coaching is effective for people who want to make change but aren’t sure how to do it. If you want to make some changes in your nonprofit organization, think about starting with a coach.

Filed Under: Leadership, Management, Personal/Professional Development Tagged With: ,

Eating an elephant one bite at a time

May 23, 2010 By Sandy Leave a Comment

After being on a 6-day vacation, I’ve returned to find my inbox pretty full.  I’m a bit overwhelmed at the thought of wading through all those messages.  Sound familiar?

We all get overwhelmed from time to time.  I thought I’d share with you how I handle it when I have way too much to do.  My strategy is to go through my inbox and prioritize things.

1. I’ll make a list of anything that needs my immediate attention, and prioritize that list – client requests come first, then prospects, etc.

2. I’ll put anything that just needs to be read (like newsletters) into a “read later” folder.  That helps clear up my space.

3. I’ll also look for anything that I can safely delete right now. (love doing that!)

4. About all I should have left are things I need to read more closely or think about so I can decide what to do with them.  Hopefully there will only be a couple of those.

Spending a half hour getting my inbox organized will strip away my overwhelm and help me get back into my work groove.

Hope this is helpful to you!

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Thousands of nonprofits could lose their status

May 10, 2010 By Sandy 1 Comment

Hundreds of thousands of nonprofits around the country are about to lose their tax-exempt status for failure to file annual returns with the IRS.

It’s being called a ‘doomsday’ for nonprofits and experts estimate that as many as 400,000 of the nation’s 1.6 million nonprofit organizations will no longer be able to legally accept tax-deductible donations after May 15.

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires the IRS to revoke the federal tax exemption of any organization that has failed to file three consecutive annual returns (Form 990-N, 990-EZ, 990, or 990-PF).  Historically, only nonprofits with annual gross revenue in excess of $25,000 were required to file Form 990.  Now, all nonprofits are required to file.  There are no extensions.  Organizations that fail to meet the May 15 deadline this year will be required to re-apply for 501(c)3 status.

You can check to see if your organization is on the list at http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/PubApps/990search.php.

More information about filing requirement can be found on the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=217087,00.html.

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