Earlier this month, I celebrated (!?) the one hundredth webinar, virtual meeting, or online retreat I’ve designed and facilitated during the pandemic. Looking through the list – yes, I keep a list – it’s amusing to see that the first one focused on how to organize and deliver a remote training. Little did I know… With vaccination … [Read more...]
Consulting and COVID, Part 2: What will you keep?
In a previous post, I shared how consulting colleagues have responded to the pandemic: rethinking priorities, pivoting to new styles of work, embracing emerging opportunities. I’ve been inspired by their thoughtfulness, creativity, resilience, and commitment to justice. I asked them to reflect on what they’ll carry forward into the … [Read more...]
Consulting and COVID, Part 1: What changed?
Hey consultants! How has your work life changed over the last year? As we pass the pandemic anniversary and gradually emerge into whatever comes next, I’ve been asking peers how they’ve adapted to this new reality. Today’s post outlines changes in the world of consulting, training, facilitation, and self-employment. In the next … [Read more...]
How to reduce your grant dependence
It’s striking how many people – specifically those who are new to fundraising – assume that grants are the key to success. I can’t begin to count the number of conversations in which the word “grantwriting” (I prefer “grantseeking,” because the process goes way beyond writing) is substituted for the word “fundraising.” They aren’t … [Read more...]
How to semi-retire
In recent years, one of my great pleasures has been helping people start or strengthen their consulting, facilitation, and training businesses. If you’re a regular reader, you might recall multiple posts, including New Consultants and Trainers: Five Tips for Success, Five More Tips, and Five Even-More Tips. Lately I’ve been thinking … [Read more...]
Allies in the room: Showing up alpha and sharing power
Note: This guest post is from Karen Strong of Strong Outcomes, LLC. Thanks, Karen! As a white woman who has worked in conservation for more than two decades – and who longed, for years, to be taken seriously as a professional – I thought I could gain credibility by behaving like the people who had power. Through conversations with … [Read more...]
Racism, privilege, facilitation, training – and sharing the wealth
Are you paying attention? Two interlocking crises are playing out in real time, right in front of your eyes: The ongoing, unending murder of people of color – especially black people – by police. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affects communities of color, due to inequality in housing, employment, … [Read more...]
Hiring in a just, equitable way
Note: This guest post is from Sonia Silbert, who works with 350Vermont and serves on the board of Training for Change. Thanks, Sonia! Job searches! The excitement. The hope. The rejections. The depressing silences... Job hunting can be demoralizing and demeaning for the applicants. Those doing the hiring are often too busy or … [Read more...]
Fuel your annual fund with a bequest challenge
Note: Andrea Kihlstedt is a good friend, trusted colleague, and co-founder of Train Your Board. This guest post is adapted from Capital Campaign Masters, where she shares lots of wisdom about capital campaigns. Check it out! Does planned giving always fall to the bottom of your to-do list? Yes, you know it’s important. But planned … [Read more...]
How to create a great promotional video
Note: This guest post is from Rachel Jellinek of Reflection Films, a skilled filmmaker and savvy marketer. Thanks, Rachel! When telling your organization’s story through video, pay attention to several key considerations. First and foremost, how would you answer these questions? What do you want people to know? What do you … [Read more...]