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.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, October 17, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
