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Tag: ambition

My top 6 fundraising tips

When I signed up to raise $9,000 for the Discover Outdoors Foundation, I figured it was going to be work, but I didn’t realize how much. Fundraising is hard. Really, really hard. And it takes more time and effort than you think. A few things I learned:

1. This will be a focused commitment.

You’re fooling yourself if you think people will simply hand over money. They will, but it’s because they love you and/or believe in YOU. You’re going to need all of them — and more — to champion your cause.
Your goal will not happen by itself. Set realistic expectations regarding what you and your team are capable of. It helps to set deadlines with an actionable timeline to make sure you’re on track. Think of it as a battle strategy. You don’t go to war without considering what makes sense first.

2. You have to have tough skin.

You will hear “no.”
When you do, you can let it sting, but you can’t let it stop you. You have to get over rejection.
Most of the time, you will hear nothing. You may need to ask once, twice, three times before someone is receptive to your message. People are busy. Your email may not be on their priority list. They may read your email and think it’s not for them (really). Yes, there is a fine line between sending too many emails and not enough, but you can’t be afraid to find it.
One surprising thing I discovered: some people are jealous. It’s weird, but when you’re doing a good thing and feel energetic and are helping others, there are people who are reminded of what they are not doing and what their life isn’t. Ignore them.
You will find a small group of people who want to see you succeed. They will champion your cause, be your biggest fans. You will need them; they will become your lifeblood. In the moments you want to quit, get carried away by their enthusiasm.

3. Get creative.

The majority of people won’t care. These are the folks you have to work to convert. In order to do so, you can’t say the same thing over and over. You have to mix it up, tell a new story, highlight a new angle, emphasize progress. Keep newsflashes relevant and share updates on not only your fundraising efforts but also the cause you’re supporting.
Research and use the tool that works best for you (Causes, Indiegogo, Kickstarter, Crowdrise). Your social media channels can amplify your efforts, but don’t restrict your creativity to one particular platform. Take it offline through events: happy hours, bake-offs, MYO pizza parties, lawn mowing services…

4. Get personal.

You can’t be afraid to bring your own story into the equation. What is your relationship to the project? Why are you committed? By sharing your enthusiasm, folks will better be able to relate to your efforts and will want to support you in your work. And every new person you meet? Tell them about your project. Mention your fundraising when asked about your work. People feel more inclined to support excitement and passion they witness firsthand.
Your personal story is a good part of what draws in a potential donor. Think of yourself as a magnet.

5. It is not possible to say thank you enough.

People are going out of their way to listen to your message, learn about your cause, and ultimately, choose to back your work. This is not a little thing and deserves much recognition.
Thank each and every individual for their support as many ways as you can (once is probably not enough). Gratitude will keep the momentum behind your project strong. When someone feels recognized and cherished, they will feel more inclined to share your cause with their networks.

6. Build a team.

If you do it right, fundraising is an opportunity to build community, not just raise money. People want to feel part of something. They want to feel connected to you and your success. Involve them throughout the journey and make sure they feel part of the ride. When you win, you win as a team. Go get ’em!

29 thoughts from a 29-year-old

  1. Decide to get it done. Commit. Go.
  2. Goals will keep you on track.
  3. Fears take on tricky disguises. Call them out or enlist the help of someone who can.
  4. Helping others is one of the best things you can do with your time.
  5. You will learn more traveling than sitting in a classroom.
  6. Relationships are containers for growth.
  7. Be kind.
  8. Laugh more.
  9. It’s OK to make mistakes.
  10. It’s OK to admit you’re wrong.
  11. It’s OK to say no.
  12. Sometimes you don’t know what you want. Do what you enjoy, instead.
  13. Metabolism can be cruel; eat healthy, get sleep, be good to yourself.
  14. Take more risks.
  15. If it excites you, do it.
  16. No one else will know your value until you do.
  17. You don’t need permission to act. Stop waiting to be told.
  18. Finished is better than half started.
  19. Give others permission to recognize your worth.
  20. Stop waiting for perfect. “Good enough” is just fine. Perfect doesn’t exist.
  21. Nothing is permanent.
  22. No decision is irreversible.
  23. It’s never “too late.”
  24. People can change.
  25. Love is what happens after the butterflies fade.
  26. Home is a place you create for yourself.
  27. Get outside daily.
  28. Dream big. Great, now dream bigger.
  29. Hold nothing back.

Do you know your value?

Your value is much more than a dollar amount. It’s your time, your emotional investment, your energy, your connections. It’s your life.

Your worth is not just about confidence. It’s your dreams, where you’re going, what you want. It’s knowing what you need to get there and asking for it, unapologetically and with conviction.

By recognizing your worth, you’re helping colleagues and partners understand your art and the work that you do. You’re giving permission for others to acknowledge your greatness, and you’re making it easier for them to do so. In fact, knowing your worth will make many things easier — decisions, saying no, welcoming that which brings you joy, defining roles within both personal relationships and work agreements.

The confidence you have in yourself is contagious. Understand you’re bettering others by bettering yourself.

19 things you can do instead of grad school

I’ve witnessed firsthand the business our education system has become.

I strongly advise anyone considering graduate school to carefully consider whether this investment is necessary in order to obtain the position and professional satisfaction they are looking for.

Many of the skills needed to thrive in our economy are not obtained in classrooms. You may want to consider these learning experiences before you sign your letter of intent:

  1. Volunteer. Help your local farmers’ market, assist the neighborhood school, sign up for an overseers program. A simple google search should yield a few options.
  2. Find an apprenticeship. The Department of Labor lists registered offerings and you can search by your state.
  3. Be an intern. They’re not just for undergrads. Offer your services to a company whose mission and values you admire.
  4. Get a mentor. Ask for introductions to industries you’re interested in. Identify individuals who have the kind of career trajectory you want.
  5. Be mentor. This is one of the best ways to solidify what you do know. You may surprise yourself.
  6. Take a Skillshare class.
  7. Join the General Assembly community.
  8. Check out classes at a community college. Find one near you here.
  9. Take advantage of free online education: Coursera‎, Khan Academy, Academic Earth, GCF Learn Free, Open Courseware Consortium, iTunes U, Textbook Revolution.
  10. Travel. (I wish this was mandatory for all graduating students.)
  11. Start a blog. Get into the habit of putting your thoughts into words.
  12. Get yourself a library card. Read and read and read some more.
  13. Place yourself in new environments and experience new things. Go on an adventure, learn a trade, take a woodworking course.
  14. Show initiative and take on new projects at work.
  15. Organize groups through Meetup or other social platforms (TabUp, Kitchen Surfing).
  16. Spend time in your local art studio.
  17. Submit op-ed articles to your newspaper.
  18. Ask for informational interviews from a variety of professions and roles.
  19. Take time off. Don’t rush into any decision. That graduate program will [most likely] be there next year.

Did you attend or skip grad school? Was it “worth it” and are you using your degree now? Send me a note with your thoughts.

Get out of a career that isn’t working for you

Several years ago, I made the transition from social worker to social curator. My time spent working in courtrooms and jail cells paved the way for boardroom negotiations and architecting group dynamics. When I tell people my story, questions ultimately focus on how I made this transition. Part curiosity, part plea for guidance, people want to know how it’s done, the best way to make the change, and why one might forfeit investment and status in an preexisting career.
The fact is most of us have found ourselves in positions we don’t care for — stifling work environments, tedious responsibilities, redundant tasks, meaningless contributions. Baby Boomers reportedly hop from as many as fifteen (or more!) jobs during their working prime, and over half of college graduates are unable to land opportunities in their preferred fields.

It’s not your job. It’s your industry.

After spending years and precious dollars on education and training, the time and commitment you dump into your career is sacred. Changing industries seems daunting. It’s tempting to stay in a position because you’ve invested so much of yourself to get there.

Changing careers could lead to meaningful work.

A career change may not only benefit your wellbeing but also jump start your professional trajectory. The skills you’ve acquired in your current role may provide that extra edge you need to supercharge and lead a new team. Your unique perspective and approach could be a perfect addition to the innovative company looking for a competitive edge.
I won’t lie. The process of positioning yourself to land this new gig might be slow, gradual, even painful. You’ll have to plot deliberate steps until you’re able to carve a niche in a new industry.
I’ve found the risk and the work to be absolutely worth it, so I’ve pinpointed concrete steps to help others looking to make a change:
1. Meaningful conversations lead to meaningful relationships.

  • Talk. And talk a lot. Talk with people in the industry you’re leaving. Talk with people in the industry you’d like to enter. Talk with a counselor, a friend, a trusted advisor. Ask questions and get the good, bad, and the ugly of the move you’re looking to make. Leave no stone unturned and gather as much information as possible.
  • While you’re still in your present industry, focus your attention away from the work you’re dissatisfied with and onto the people who surround you. Schedule twenty-minute informational interviews to learn more about the opportunities within your dream industry and build rapport with role models.
  • Follow up emails and thank you notes to individuals who have helped you along your career journey build trust and credibility as you travel from one industry to the next. You never know when your paths may intersect, and positive recommendations during transitions are always a plus.

2. Get strategic.

  • Don’t make changes before clarifying your end goal. Your new career choice is now your research project. Work backwards until you develop a plan that makes sense.
  • Take time to honestly assess your strengths, skills, and talents before setting concrete goals. Start identifying transferable skills and look for ways to leverage these skills in various industries. Are you a master negotiator? Think about how these skills might apply within your intended field. Wanting to enter a position that requires skills you don’t have? Sign up for classes through Skillshare or General Assembly.

3. Actively seek opportunities.

  • Make the most of your after-hours: find freelance work, an apprenticeship, a new hobby. Spending time on things that bring you joy will infuse positive energy into your existing role and will help make your career change more manageable.
  • Look for additional work streams within your current position. Divert your focus away from your present job dissatisfaction and onto projects that excite you. By placing yourself in environments that can refine your talents and skills, you will attract the connections and opportunities that align with your career goals.
  • Schedule regular coffee dates with people you admire. Learn about their work habits, how they structure their days, how they got to where they are. Ask how they confront challenges and where they go to find inspiration.

4. Just do it.

  • Once you’ve decided a career change is the right move for you, carry applicable experience with you and confidently move forward.
  • Your industry transition will mostly likely feel intimidating: lost titles, less stability, a lower position on the hiring chain. Keep your eye on the prize.
  • Yes, it’s scary. You have to start somewhere.

5. Savor Beginner’s Mind.

  • Once you’ve made the leap, start slowly and take time to learn. You’re only a beginner once; enjoy your first entry into a new world.
  • Savor the ups and downs, the moments of exhilaration and frustration. Use your passion to propel a sharp learning curve and revel in your accomplished career change. You’re a traveler, an adventurer. Reflect, write, acknowledge your journey.

Have you you’ve ended up in an unexpected professional role? Did your education prepare you for the role you’re presently in? What skills have accompanied you along your career journey? I want to hear about your career change. Send me a note.

27 reasons to put yourself on a sabbatical

  1. Reevaluate your current goals and aspirations
  2. Consider what you wish you would have learned sooner (and teach yourself)
  3. Update your story so it accurately reflects who you are
  4. Take time to build and nourish your relationships
  5. Write thank you notes to those who have played important roles in your life
  6. Think about what risks you’ll take in the coming months
  7. Meet someone new
  8. Let serendipity work for you
  9. Read a book (or two) you keep meaning to
  10. Find new sources of inspiration — a different coffee shop, a nature trail, a hidden park bench, a museum exhibit, an antique store
  11. Set coffee dates without specific objectives
  12. Gift yourself time to do whatever you want, no pressure
  13. Contribute to the communities and tribes that are important to you
  14. Dedicate time to your health
  15. Cook from a new recipe with ingredients from your neighborhood farmers market
  16. You deserve it!
  17. Ask what you’re afraid of
  18. Savor a slower, more intentional pace
  19. Be alone with your thoughts and dreams
  20. Connect with nature
  21. Rediscover your favorite neighborhood
  22. Wander aimlessly
  23. Travel someplace you’ve never been (it could be the next town)
  24. Listen — really listen — to a favorite album, from start to finish
  25. Watch an old movie
  26. Enroll in a class (Skillshare, GA, etc.)
  27. Write. Write every day.