Does it have to be legal?

Somewhere along this journey I shortened my entire name to DellaB. Talk about fun to write and announce to people as I am shaking hands...

DellaB has been printed on business cards, letters and plastered all over the website and everywhere and anywhere I could think of, including this blog.

The harsh reality of doing something of this magnitude? Well, it boils down to either I literally legally change my name to DellaB or go back to my birth name, Della Rae which is becoming more attractive by the mili-second.

This is so public and wierd, but intriguing. I'm totally present for the ride. Join me.

I agree with her

Erin Holland, General Manager and Executive VP of Edelman was profiled in the Portland Business Journal. She said "The best decisions come from surrounding myself with smart people, listening to their counsel and factoring my own gut instinct."

Its validating to share such an important philosophy with a person of such noteable skills and accomplishments. Knowing your strengths is important and equally so, having people in the mix that are different from you is also crucial.

On this journey there are many challenges to face and more mistakes to be made. Equipped with common sense and the ability to take risks, we're a step ahead of the game.

Need is closer than you think

Every year around this time we receive many from people wanting to help. Offers of collection drives, gift baskets, dinners and of giving time. The spirit of the season is alive and well.

Call your local elementary school. You are guaranteed to find a family that could use some help. Seriously, what about your neighbors? No one wants to think that need could be one door away but its happening.

If time is what you want to give, visit the website of Hands On Greater Portland. They have opportunities up the wa-zoo, including projects for the whole family.

You simply don't have to go far to find ways to help. In fact, need is closer than you think.

Then and Now

When DonorsResource was launched in April of this year we discussed a brand. What took priority then versus now, could fill Texas.

Eight short months ago, the thought process around brands made sense as they relate to Corona, MAC and Toyota (three of my favorites) but branding for a nonprofit website? Lost in translation.

We originally went with "passion of giving" with giving being "exciting and rewarding". Deep red colors on the website. ..red roses and napkins at our events.

"Pay it forward" started resonating with me a couple of months ago. Yes, a call to action with just three words which also speak to the importance of small, random act of kindess. Totally inclusive.

Growth happens.

Peer Pressure

I broke down and gave in. About an hour ago I revived my facebook page.

Tonight while chatting with the other facebookers over appetizers I was convinced to fire it up again. Yep, I feel victim to peer pressure. How old am I again?

The reason that account was put on hold in the first place was because of the pure distraction it brings. Networking is my middle name and to have all of that action at my fingertips... can you say "Out of control?"

When DonorsResource.org falls apart in a few months, you'll know why.

Now is the time

"Display a standard of care, compassion and character well beyond what anyone would ever imagine from you. In doing so you will be doing your part to aid in the building of a new world." [author unknown]

And now lets get back to work...

Humble Pie

On September 25th I blogged about search optimization and I have to come clean that my understanding of SEO was, at best, half-baked.

The light came on when reviewing our web activity report from last month which provided search words that users are entering and finding us by. I now understand the relevance of our website including those same words which the google bot thing then picks up and ranks.

Other parts of this process is for it to happen organically by other internet mentions be they blogs, articles, landing pages, etc. There is a lot to be learned, but no worries, I'll be up to speed when SEO is a thing of the past.

Maybe I should take a side of crow with my humble pie.

The Pull

Just about every day I'm allured and seduced by the sweet temptation of piling more on my plate, creating new projects and taking DonorsResource.org in a different direction.

Literally, I have to keep in the front of my brain that the goal is to do this one thing incredibly well and not end up convincing myself that selling oranges from Florida on a like website has something to do with in-kind donations.

Then, add to the pull , all of the "ideas" that come from others. "Have you thought about this? What about that?" It far easier to say "yes, what a great idea", break out a pencil and start planning.

Serious mastery skills are required to stay focused and distraction is a four letter word.

We do this and they do that

A perfect union is on the horizon. The most sensible match since peanut butter and jelly. Two forces hooking up for a good thing.

Hands on Portland, a nonprofit that has been connecting volunteers since 1996. Are you a nonprofit that has a project? Post it. You want to volunteer? Answer a post. They help nonprofits manage volunteers.

We connect donors who want to give in-kind donations with nonprofit orgs that need them. You want to donate goods? Post them. We help nonprofits manage in-kind donations.

Our common thread is that we help nonprofits get back to what they do best so they can leave managing volunteers and in-kind donations to us.

This is not a merge, but two orgs who are highly competent at serving our entire community and are going to partner.

We are happy newlyweds. Watch your communication recepticals for your invite to the reception, its going to be some kinda' party.

Day to Day

The sun is out and fire red, sweet yellow and pumkin colored leaves are everywhere. I enjoyed the best cup of coffee with a friend this morning and while driving back to my office I remember cranking up my stereo and rocking out.

Back at my desk I checked my email, moved a couple of piles around and before you know it I was back out the door and stuffing my face with a Nicoise salad at the amazing little french bakery in LakeO village.

The other side of my amazing day is that I've been holding someone deep in my heart and highest in my thoughts. My friend had exploratory surgery today.

So as we all go on about our day to day life, strive for patience and compassion with other people. You never know what they've gone through or what they are facing.

Feedback

Last night was such an eye opener! Nonprofits (npo's) still need support and clarification around what we do. More than not, people asked me to explain what we do.

Albeit, the questions came from npo's that are not registered with us, but still. I want to be able to say "DonorsResource.org" and have people get it.

Molly, the director of On the Move, a npo that works with adults with disabilities to enhance self-sufficieny said to me that she was not sure what last night was about or what to expect. She had envisioned us "sitting around a conference table".

I have to keep at the front of my brain that what we are doing has never been done before. Hey, that makes me a "maverick"!

Good grief.

Networking and Events

This evening from 5:30 to 7:30 we are hosting a happy hour event at the happenin' spot of the California Closets Showroom on SE Grand.

Donors and nonprofits were invited to come hang out with us. This is a live opportunity for the two groups to connect with each other and us.

We are all decked out with Rob Smith, Editor -in- Chief of the Portland Business Journal who will speak about nonprofits receiving media attention.

We are expecting around 40-50 people, which is about the same attendence at the like event we hosted in June. Although this time, I notice a different group is headed our way.

How is success measured? Maybe we should have a few plants that listen in on conversations who are equipped with clicker things that they push if its determined that a connection is being made.

Mentors Move Me

There's nothing like being able to bounce whatever it is I call myself doing off my mentors. Its a must for keen vision, growth and lets just be honest, sanity.

Dr Bart J. McMullan, President of Regence Blue Cross of Oregon is the first person I asked to mentor me. We met in '04 while I was interviewing with Regence. I'll never forget placing that call. Dr. McMullan represents where I've been and he brings clarity and focus to my game.

In '05 my friend Barb just kept telling me that I should connect with this Spencer J. Brown person, a consultant for CEO's of privately held companies. Spencer becoming my mentor happened more organically. One day I said something like "You realize you are my mentor, right?" Spencer challenges me to keep on course with strategy.

Just this year I met Roserria Roberts, Community Investments Manager with UnitedWay. I'm aligned with Roserria in so many different ways. Asking her to mentor me took a bit more foot work. She brings accountability to the table.

We all need a good mentors. Go ahead, take the plunge and simply ask.

"Claim Your Slice"

Drop whatever you are doing and sprint to your nearest Pizza Schmizza. Light, perfectly crispy crust and flavorful toppings and the right amount of cheese. We are talking delightful to the tenth power.

Today was my second time at this lovely establishment, both of which I enjoyed a vegetarian slice to go. Checking for consistency, I chose a different location and they have me; hook, line and sinker.

There is a print add and its shot birds eye view of the top of a guys bald head with a piece of pizza. Seen it? I'm not getting the marketing angle.

Whatever. I just know I'm going to need a twelve step program.

Search Optimization

From the beginning my heels have been dug in about this "necessary function" that I'm now sure is hog wash for OUR particular org.

The idea behind search opting helps one appear on top of the heap on search engine lists. However, the person searching has to have key words, which logicially the end user would be entering words like or around "donate". Our name is all one word and always used that way.

I'm going for it as it happens by mass media, marketing to those that have access to large groups and relationship building which inevitably embeds our name.

For all of you companies and orgs that have, for example, "cellphone, shoes, greeting cards" in your name, search opting is for you.

Duct Tape

I can't stand it. I'm bursting at the seams to blog about politics. Its everywhere and blaring with controversy for so many different reasons.

The opposing views of both parties have never been so incredibly clear and I've never been so ingrossed. Even the folks on Kink radio have been talking politics against a specific party.

I'm feeling bad for a few of my peeps who have had to listen to me recount, rehash and trash the other party.

In the last few days my work has been constantly interrupted with reading and forwarding emails. I have to wonder though, if forwarding emails to people with opposing views might be more productive?

This is an interesting time in history and in a few short weeks the people of this great nation will choose change or the same.

Its all in a Name

Flourish was created as a way for women to connect, inspire, and empower through events.

Stop right there. The name alone "Flourish" makes me want hang with this group regardless of what they are doing. Flourish is multi-purpose, yet conquers all with one word.

I invite you to the website. (http://www.flourish-pdx.com/) It is all decked out with warm welcoming colors and pictures of beautiful women that look inspired and empowered. The logo appears like a flower, but if you look closer its a circle of women.

Think about all of the company names that you've heard that have nothing to do with anything and its not clear if the intent is to market tofu or rock quaries.

Here's to Nancy Thompson, the founder of this amazing name. Job well done.

Consistently Clear

Its hard to know how communication goes sideways or if it was ever there.

I delivered a 13 piece project to a vendor and we talked in detail about the expectation. Four weeks later I returned to pick up the finished project. Once back in my office, it became clear that only two of the pieces were completed as we had discussed.

After giving great consideration I called the vendor, approaching very "gingerly, with great respect for the work done..." The vendor explained that the new direction was a result of becoming "inspired by..."

The vendor and I agreed that if another "inspiration" hits while working on my projects, the flavor will be savored until getting the go ahead.

No stress here

My desk is a dissaster. It is covered with files turned every which way complemented by piles of papers, some stapled, some with dog ears and some with action words on them like "today" and "by the end of the week". There are enough sticky notes to wallpaper my bathroom. The thought of lighting a match and running keeps crossing my mind.

Over the next two months we are throwing our first virtual event, bringing on a new board president, hosting our second happy hour event for our registered nonprofits which, by the way, needs to blow the doors off and are admist direct marketing strategies. Where are those matches?

Tough Transition

Something happened on the road to our virtual warehouse. It had to be somewhere between closing our physical warehouse and going online.

Next month it will be a year since we made this transition, yet people are still asking about, referring to and are under the impression that we still have a physical warehouse. I'm ready to scream.

Consistent communication was sent to our supporters and nonprofits before, during and after. We even scored coverage in the Portland Business Journal. The entire message on the homepage of our parent org (http://www.sistersofthecommunity.org) clearly reflects this change. Or does it?

Maybe we should rent a warehouse and hang a sign on the door that says "Thank you for stopping by. We are online."

Blogging: 101

I've posted, what, ten times now? On to the next level. I want to rock this blog thing, find other blogs of interest and leave comments all over the place. I already know what you're thinking, enough already! But I'm all about what my girlfriend Diane says "I'm a go big or go home kinda girl".

Enter stage left, Bob Uva (aka PDX Bob). We met at this cool, hip, relevant wi-fi coffee spot in NW called BackSpace.

Bob was so patient walking me through steps of this and that, explaining the most rudimentary functions, met with my blank stares as I was stuffing my face with a warm muffin dressed with a fresh piece of ginger and crunchy sugar.

I would be so excited if I new anything at all. At one point Bob was working away and I just layed my head down on the counter.

As our meeting came to a close I announced that I should really take a class to become more familiar with my computer. I just know Bob wanted to scream "go right now".

Time on Steroids

Rose festival queens were being crowned at Portland-area high schools just yesterday, weren't they? I just woke up, what feels like yesterday thinking of the promise of what summer is going to bring. What happened? How can it be September already?

As if time was not flying by fast enough, stores have already broke out the halloween stuff and are all pumped up and ready to start stressing us out and cramming Christmas down our throats.

I'm trying to think of the last time that I've referred to a day as being too long. Instead, I find myself starting my day to only to turn the lights out a few minutes later.

This is more of an awareness blog than it is about complaining that life is moving on with or without us. Its one of those "cease the moment" posts which feels....timely.

Partnering

Our organization is a nonprofit for nonprofits. To continue our effect, the number of donations in the virtual warehouse has to increase. It is key to get the word out and we are starting closest to home.

What we know for sure is that nonprofits are faced daily with endless calls from donors wanting to give items that nonprofits do not take in or have no need or space for at that time. The goal is for nonprofits to automatically refer those donations to DonorsResource.org.

The tricky part is coming up with quick easy language (in lieu of the book of Job) for nonprofits to grasp and go that referring to our website is helping donors, those in need and serving the ultimate common goal of our community.

There is more than enough to go around. We need help proving it.

Antacids

A N'awlins funk band, Mingo Fishtrap from Austin, one of the best cities in the states performed at concerts in the park last night.

My seven year old daughter with her impeccable timing asked me for a snowcone about eighty thousand times within 10 seconds during a horn solo.

She comes skipping back with a bucket and a straw. What happened to the scoop of crushed ice on top of that flimsy white paper cone thing? Dont ask me why but I took a sip and about went into sugar shock.

Do you remember the day when you would eat snickers, doritos, and drink a coke in one sitting? If I did that now I'd have to be rushed to the hospital and have my stomach removed.

What a great time in life to be a kid, so innocent, impressionable and equipped with little stomachs of steele.

Couch Commentary

Last night on America's Got Talent the first group up did this cloggin', jumping, running routine that made me feel tired, fat and old just watching it. At the end of their performance one of the dancers said. "This is amazing, we were just dancing in our garage not long ago and now we are here."

It gave me a twinge on so many different levels to hear that dancer speak. We began our nonprofit out of our homes. Today, we are online connecting with and helping organizations a bazillion times our size and receiving registration requests from as far away as Pakistan.

Not to get a nose bleed from atop my soap box, but its true that we as a people are more alike than we are different. I'm like that dancer (well, you know, not in the physical sense) but in having a a having a dream.

The Stake Out

Saying that I'm morally outraged is a bit dramatic. One of my neighbors put their trash in my garbage can. At some point during the day I noticed that the lid was not closed because it had been over stuffed.

For days I stewed about putting a 8 foot sandwich board in front of my trash can that reads "SAY NO TO FREELOADING" with a circle around and a line through the words "free loading."

There are bushes and shrubs near the crime scene that I could hide in and leap out at the perp and scare them straight.

Here I am thinking of a stake out to take down one of my neighbors. Is sharing really one of my favorite playground rules? Or should I stipulate sharing with permission?

Only if its Broke

For weeks I've known that I would be speaking last night at the IIABO (Independent Insurance Agent's of Oregon) convention in Sun River about DonorsResource.org.

The emcee, Marc Baker called my name I walked on the stage in my usual stance filled with confidence ready to bring it home. Strong start followed by nothing. My mind went blank. "....products....when we got started...long pause...I'm nervous". Yes, I actually said that outloud. "Products?!" DonorsResource.org has NOTHING to do with products. We are about donations. Good grief. I somewhat recovered at the end, but barely.

Fortunately two things happened. The sound was not loud enough for the 200 plus people in attendance to hear me. Secondly, several people speaking after remembered what in the hell it was I trying to say and compensated nicely.

Strangely enough I didnt try to take my life with a toothpick after leaving the stage.

Anyone that knows me would say for certain that my yap is equipped with duel engines that could power a 747 to china and back. I have over 11 years of speaking in front of large groups, never missing a beat. What was so different?

The not-so-bright idea to write out my presentation came to me. So I did, then walked away from it, read it again, printed out a copy, and rehearsed it again.

What I know for sure is that I'm an off -the-cuff kinda gal and my ability to deliver a speech did not need to be fixed.

Pay It Forward

December of '05 Deborah and I launched Sisters of the Community, the parent organization of DonorsResource.org. Literally, we went head first and asked questions later. The amount of work and planning that goes into building a nonprofit, to our surprise, was no different than a for profit business.

We were both adorned with the thickest pair of rose colored glasses. Surely, because we were starting a nonprofit that helped low-income families with household goods we were a shoe in. To boot, there was no other nonprofit in the Portland-area providing this service.

Donations and media coverage were abundant. However, as things quickly unraveled we lacked many steps from a website to our actual 501 (c) (3) filing and knowledge of which order and level of importance such vital functions should happen and when.

We knocked on many doors. There were people, that we remain abliged that certainly helped along the way with pieces of the puzzle and with encouragment and goodwill sent us to the next door.

Over the past several months I've had the pleasure to meet with three nonprofits to share the process of building their vision, greatly reducing the number of doors they will have to knock on. This is another fulfilling, and probably my most favorite way to be a part to be of the change that I want to see.

Curls and Dippity-Do

The thought was to update the look of our homepage and post a visual of what we do. This same image needed to speak to a wide range of people and interests and capture my affliation as the founder.

Fast forward to the day that the photo is being shot of me. My hair was flawless, curly and springy. You know those times when you find excuses to walk by the mirror just to get another look?

In the actual picture my cute, springy curls looked like snap on hair and my butt was sticking out about three feet from behind the boxes. Bless my web wizards heart, he photo shopped it out and then called me. "Della, look at these two pictures...now you see it, now you don't...isnt that cute?"

The picture itself was outstanding with the setting, lighting and items on the table looking so colorful, distinctive and cheery. The message was captured in a single shot.

Two days later all of the updates were live on the homepage. I emailed a note to a variety of eyes asking for post feedback. All of which were in favor of the concept and the connection.

I now know how the Oprah's of the world feel. I was singled out of the photo about my smile, the color of my shirt, and asked if I'd ever had a picture taken before.

At the end of the day It's good to know that I'm around those that care enough to be honest.

Carmel Latte

For months now our marketing and communications, has been talking to me about blogging. Sending me information, other "cool" blogs, soft pitches, ideas and formats, and finally death threats only for me to avoid and ignore. I wasn't even trying to get it.

What does DonorsResource.org have to do with blogging? Our goal is to get people in need hooked up with those who want to give. Blogging? Still not feeling it.

Today over coffee with Vic it hit me like a ton of bricks and her cattle prod that sharing through writing is working on my ultimate vision. Essentially we are about sharing. Sharing is the cirriculum for kindergarten and it is one of my favorite playground rules.

Vic knows how to get one laughing. I almost choked on my doughnut. It was one of those old fashioned ones, perfect union of cake meets malt. Delicious. Vic, a woman to know; co founder of the nonprofit Itafari, executive coach, author, mother, grandmother and wife. http://www.deadritaswisdom.com/

I was feeling the groove of blogging and then Vic lowered the boom about twitter.

What a gift to have had time with such a generous and graceful woman.

Vic, you rock sister. Thanks for the half time show.