It can happen to anyone. You’re running late because you took one more call before you left for your meeting. Now traffic is heavy. The parking lot is full. The elevator stops on each floor. All these little things add up to one fact: you are going to be late. Here are three true stories …

A focus group is a moderated group discussion that focuses on particular topics of interest. Moderators lead focus groups and usually follow a discussion guide of open-ended questions. Here are some tips for planning for focus groups in program evaluation, gleaned from my reading of Richard A. Krueger’s and Mary Anne Casey’s excellent book, Focus …

This posting is by Tony Martignetti. Last month I gave you five reasons why you should have a Planned Giving program. Your organization doesn’t need much to get started, but you do need a few things in place. Here’s what I look for to decide whether Planned Giving is feasible for fundraising ideas for nonprofits. …

Don’t wait until you’re forced to do the right thing Volkswagon is the latest organization to be pushed into action by an investigation from China’s state-run TV broadcaster, China Central Television. While reports indicate that Chinese investigators have been looking into issues with gearboxes from several German automakers since around this time last year, VW …

In a meeting or facilitated session, it is typical for participants to be initially reserved and very willing to allow others to speak first. As a result, it is not unusual for the first question that the facilitator asks to be met with complete and utter silence! This can be demoralizing for a facilitator, especially when it occurs at the beginning of a session – that time when you are hoping for high energy and great interaction. A great technique for maintaining focus within a group - in addition to the checkpoint you read about in my earlier blog - is warming up the group.

I admit, this took some research! Let’s start by defining what we are trying to do, Wikipedia to the rescue. Ethos: Greek, meaning character, used to describe guiding beliefs, ideals, and the spirit which motivates them. Community: a group whose intention, beliefs, resources preferences, needs and risks affect and shape its identity. This captures how …

A Wise Choice: The Foundation for Fundraising A Posting by Gail Meltzer, CFRE From time to time, we are asked about the advisability of creating a separate private foundation to raise funds for an existing nonprofit. I’d like to offer an example of when such a foundation was a good idea and has provided great …

If you are a beginning Technical Writer or an experienced Technical Writer, how do you, respectively, display your skills and find your first job or find more jobs in technical writing? Here are some tips: For beginners, write about your job – begin writing in your current job about all that you know, and make …

Issues with three more ships raise serious crisis management concerns Just as Carnival escaped its position at the top of the news cycle following the drama surrounding the lengthy Triumph tow, another of its ships, Elation, reported steering issues and was escorted back to a nearby port by tugs. At that point, Carnival execs had …

If you’ve lost your job in the recent economic downturn, now is a wonderful opportunity to find your Right Livelihood. Use this time to fully examine your skill set and where your growing edge is. Don’t be afraid to explore something new, more in alignment with your skills and interests. If you are still in …