Employees are the lifeblood of an organization and depend on their leaders. In the for-profit world, some hiring decisions are easier because an employee’s value can be measured in dollars and cents. In the nonprofit world the metrics used by managers to evaluate employee value are ambiguous. Looking at employees through a more humanistic … Continue reading On hiring: job descriptions, hiring plans and how to let go
Author: ttrevens
Hey Unicorns, Voldemort(s) want to drink your blood
Nonprofit employees have the great fortune of working in a relatively selfless industry. Our mission, usually both personal and organizational, is to help people. Our perspective is that all individuals out there share this mindset. The problem comes when nonprofit professionals encounter businesses who do not share these motives and whose mission is to profit. … Continue reading Hey Unicorns, Voldemort(s) want to drink your blood
Millennial email etiquette
If this does NOT give you mild to severe anxiety, we’re guessing you’re not a Millennial. Growing up in the age where conversations occur more frequently in written form than face-to-face has left most Millennials with an exceptionally honed ability to discern tone from text. We have the … Continue reading Millennial email etiquette
Resolutions to stick to in 2018
Finally, a resolution post that isn’t about cutting out cheese, hitting up the gym or staying hydrated. Here are resolutions or as our optimistic staff like to say, opportunities for growth, that will improve your nonprofit life in 2018! Trust your team If there’s one thing nonprofit leaders know, it’s that it can be easy … Continue reading Resolutions to stick to in 2018
Giving tips for #GivingTuesday
1. Cover all your bases The first question to ask yourself is whether you have all the digital content you need to launch a success #GivingTuesday campaign (see our previous blog post for suggestions on that front). Here’s a quick checklist that we’ve found helpful when launching campaigns for our clients: Is your donation platform … Continue reading Giving tips for #GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday Best Practices
For many professionals, autumn days hold the promise of sweater weather, Butterball turkey, and holiday prep. For those of us in the nonprofit sector, our stress levels mark a more hectic time; the giving season. Between sending your fall newsletter, planning your annual appeal, and continuing to provide services to your populations, it’s enough to … Continue reading #GivingTuesday Best Practices
When life gives you lemons, maximize them!
Flashback to the start of my career in 1990: there is no internet, no email, no VOIP, no online giving to speak of. Printing is done off of film. You have a home phone number. These are the ancient days before the invention of avocado toast, in an era when newspapers are still relevant. … Continue reading When life gives you lemons, maximize them!
Paint donors a pretty picture
Sifting through mediocre, lackluster photos got you down? Unsurprisingly, posting those photos has that same effect on your audience. Visual content doesn’t just serve to complement text; readers spend more time looking at relevant photos than looking at the text on the page. That means that, no matter how touching or informative your narrative may … Continue reading Paint donors a pretty picture
It's a technological twister, SEOhmy!
Pixels, impressions, interactions, CPC, SEOh my! In the whirlwind of information and connection that results from living in the age of the internet, your donors are not JUST in Kansas anymore (even if they are, indeed, in Kansas). The web and social media platforms have made it easier to reach donors, but have also necessitated … Continue reading It's a technological twister, SEOhmy!
Let the ball do the work
In any ball game (soccer, basketball, volleyball) there’s a common saying; let the ball do the work. Translated to the business world, you get “work smarter, not harder.” The concept of working strategically in order to conserve time and energy for “the big plays” can be seen in any soccer match, and can also be observed … Continue reading Let the ball do the work
Staff picks: Our faves from 2016
As we close the doors on an eventful year of 2016 the DSA staff looks back on some of our favorite blog posts from the year. We unabashedly admit that we think all the 2016 posts are great and if you have time you should take advantage of this free resource for your organization. Ted’s … Continue reading Staff picks: Our faves from 2016
Join the club: how friendships raise $
There are good ships and wood ships, and ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be! Irish proverbs may seem an unlikely place to look for fundraising advice, but alas! An integral part of fundraising is developing relationships and perhaps even friendships with donors. As the Fundraising Authority … Continue reading Join the club: how friendships raise $