Emerging Executive

Words Matter – Use Them Wisely! 

We know how much the written word matters when we are writing a grant or putting together a sales proposal.  

It’s important to pay the same attention to the words we use when we speak.  Our thoughts are reflected through our words.  If you are in a leadership role this can be the difference between having a team that is committed to the project or organization vision, or simply compliant. The words we choose inspire, demotivate or keep us “stuck”.  

When I am working with individuals as an executive coach, if someone says they will try to make 10 sales calls or connect with 10 funders before our next call, I know there is very little, if any, commitment to this assignment   

READ MORE 
http://emergingexecutive.com/words-matter-use-them-wisely/

Have you started your Annual Appeal yet?

From Thanksgiving to Christmas, Americans begin to support charities with an uncommon fervor. This intensity lasts right up to Christmas, evening out again after the beginning of the New Year.  And now we also have Giving Tuesday added to this fundraising fever at this time of year.

If you conduct a direct mail campaign, planned correctly, over the holiday season, you can sometimes bring in 50- 75 percent of your total yearly revenue within the four short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Here are a couple of tips to improve your success as you put together your appeal:

• Arrange for matching dollars. Ask one of your donors to match existing dollars for your holiday appeal and market this in the letter. (i.e., "Your gift of $100 will be matched dollar for dollar to help feed 75 hungry people in our community.")  
• Write your holiday appeal now to make sure your direct mail is ready by early November. You want to beat the mail rush for the holidays so make sure your direct mail letter arrives just prior to Thanksgiving so it doesn't get lost with the other mail. This is especially true if you are using non-profit bulk mail rates.

If you want more information, a quick reminder of our fundraising webinars series now available online. Individual webinars – including one on your annual appeal and events - can be downloaded for $45 each, or purchase the full series for $160 and receive a free 20 minute consultation.  For further information visit www.emergingexecutive.com/resources

MNN Annual Conference – Register Now

The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network's 2016 Annual Conference, takes place on November 2, 2016, at the Sheraton Hotel, Framingham.  It is one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals from across the Commonwealth. An excellent opportunity for networking. 

You will also get a chance to hear Dr. Gururaj "Desh" Deshpande, Trustee of the Deshpande Foundation and seasoned entrepreneur, speak about his extensive experience and provide insights into how the nonprofit sector can continue to adapt and flourish moving forward.

Click here to learn more and to take advantage of our early bird reduced rates. 

Fundraising 101 Webinars Now Available Online 

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

Upcoming Public Workshops led by Nadia Prescott at Location: Cambridge College of Adult Education,
42 Brattle Street, Cambridge MA.    

And On a Lighter Note

Need to recharge your batteries?

I did in August and took a quick trip to my favorite place - an amazing resort called The Body Holiday in St. Lucia. Their slogan:  “Give us your body for a week and we will give you back your mind”.   And they truly deliver. Over 30 activities everyday including all kinds of water sports, fitness and dance classes, all with expert tuition. Plus a spa treatment every day and great food.  What more could you ask more!  Weekly direct flight from Logan!   Check it out. www.bodyholiday.com.  

Another great read!

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman 

The review on the front page which caught my eye – is “A masterpiece………This is one of the greatest and most engaging collections of insights into the human mind I have ever read” The Financial Times.   

I couldn’t agree more!   This book is full of surprises.  You get to solve problems (or not!), learn when we can and cannot trust our intuitions and when you should tap into the benefit of slow thinking. Enjoy!

A Quick Reminder

Our services at Emerging Executive help nonprofit organizations realize their potential and deliver on their mission. Projects are tailored to each client and recognize the importance of both organizational and personal learning in achieving sustainable transformations. They include the most appropriate combination of consulting, executive coaching, or training for your organization, and always incorporates practical experience and feedback. Services include: board and leadership development, executive coaching, strategic planning, organizational assessments and grant writing.