Thanks Jon Carole - I missed her blog from March 22
Thankful for the Blessings We Have!
"I am reading a fascinating book. Last week I went to a 4 hour seminar called, "Let's Have Lunch Together" and that is the name of the book. It can literally change your approach to life - whether it is fund raising, asking for business - or approaching someone about their spiritual life.
The seminar was focused on fund raising for non-profits - but the principals would work the same on every facet of life. Although it is a secular book - the principals are principals that the Bible teaches -- "get to know your brother!" It is about relationships - not friendships) and how you can build them.
The author of the book and the speaker is Marshall Howard. I am hoping to put many of these ideas into action - and as Chairman of the Red Cross this coming year - I am thinking it will make a tremendous difference! I just wish I had heard this man years ago! "
Thanks so much for recognizing that these principals transcend so many parts of your life.
Click here to see her thoughts and original food ideas
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Great party (and fundraiser)
Linda Wah, a board member for Women at Work, Pasadena, CA invited a few of her friends for her 60th! She send a cute Evite and about 160 people said yes. She asked for donations to her favorite nonprofit instead of presents.
Linda showed everyone a good time. She had the famous Korean BBQ (taco-style) KOGI gourmet truck in front of her house, mango sponge birthday cake and my personal favorite; a unique ice cream sandwich booth. You picked your cookies from an assortment of homemade flavors and then picked your ice cream (my favorite was caramel with sea salt) and they made the sandwich for you. Don't ask how many I ate!
The Women at Work president and Board Members made lots of friends and the guests were able to read a lot about the organization throughout the party.
Thanks for a great party, Linda and for raising $4,000 with your generous friends and family.
For more party scenes, click here.
Reader story (plus great recipes)
You know how I like to connect with my readers. I got a delightful email from Jon Carole Gilbreath in Tyler TX. As a Chairman Elect of the Smith County Chapter of the American Red Cross, she attended my recent workshop there for United Way.
She has a fascinating blog about cooking (and life) and was kind enough to include the following mention. When you finished her blog, read "the rest of the story."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
TAKE TIME TO LOOK AROUND, BE KIND AND OFFER A HELPING HAND
Long day and evening! Our Red Cross Board meeting was tonight at 6 p.m., and lasted over the normal hour - lots of good discussion and ideas! Another single family fire this afternoon! Still taking military calls - just hope they don't last until after 11 p.m. tonight. I am totally exhausted!
I was telling you about the book I am reading "Let's Have Lunch Together" and it is fascinating. It is about building relationships - and how to do that is to get to know a person - not try to be friends but get to know them and let them know you until there is a trust and respect for one another.
The idea to ask personal questions is something I used to admire and marvel at in a friend of ours. Jack would meet a complete stranger and before he left - he most likely knew what they did for a living, how many kids they had - and possibly how much money they made doing whatever they did. I was amazed that people would answer him -- but he knew the principal of building relationships! Still amazing - but I am trying to learn!
She has learned quite a lot! As Chairman Elect, she is reaching out to her fellow board members. She called one person who was not very active and, as she said, "made a visit." Because they connected, this board member attended the next meeting and is much more willing to participate.
Click here to go to the blog and happy cooking!
I will be back in Tyler, Friday, May 21, for a joint United Way / Chamber of Commerce workshop, "The Key to Success. Click here for more information
She has a fascinating blog about cooking (and life) and was kind enough to include the following mention. When you finished her blog, read "the rest of the story."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
TAKE TIME TO LOOK AROUND, BE KIND AND OFFER A HELPING HAND
Long day and evening! Our Red Cross Board meeting was tonight at 6 p.m., and lasted over the normal hour - lots of good discussion and ideas! Another single family fire this afternoon! Still taking military calls - just hope they don't last until after 11 p.m. tonight. I am totally exhausted!
I was telling you about the book I am reading "Let's Have Lunch Together" and it is fascinating. It is about building relationships - and how to do that is to get to know a person - not try to be friends but get to know them and let them know you until there is a trust and respect for one another.
The idea to ask personal questions is something I used to admire and marvel at in a friend of ours. Jack would meet a complete stranger and before he left - he most likely knew what they did for a living, how many kids they had - and possibly how much money they made doing whatever they did. I was amazed that people would answer him -- but he knew the principal of building relationships! Still amazing - but I am trying to learn!
She has learned quite a lot! As Chairman Elect, she is reaching out to her fellow board members. She called one person who was not very active and, as she said, "made a visit." Because they connected, this board member attended the next meeting and is much more willing to participate.
Click here to go to the blog and happy cooking!
I will be back in Tyler, Friday, May 21, for a joint United Way / Chamber of Commerce workshop, "The Key to Success. Click here for more information
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Great Fundraising Story
Recently, I went to a breakfast with donors who have left planned gifts to the sponsoring organization. One of the planned giving officers told us about his early years with the nonprofit:
About 40 years ago, when I was in my 20's my first assignment was to visit the railroad president. He was a supporter but we hadn't heard from him for a while.
So I made an appointment and stopped by. I've been in impressive offices but this was overwhelming. His walls were filled with the heads of big game he had shot all over the world.
I looked around and decided to start a conversation about the biggest one. He told me all about where he went and how the hunt was conducted.
The next month I went in to visit him and we chatted about another trophy. This went on for a few months. Then we opened the paper one day and found out he died. My boss said, 'Well, I guess we'll see how you did and what was left to us."
We were given all the trophies. The moral of the story is to be sure to make an ask!
I agree! You will need to be specific and when you get to know someone well enough, you will know exactly what to ask for. Or you will be lucky enough to be the recipient of the "pressure-free ask" and your prospect will ask, "How can I help you?"
About 40 years ago, when I was in my 20's my first assignment was to visit the railroad president. He was a supporter but we hadn't heard from him for a while.
So I made an appointment and stopped by. I've been in impressive offices but this was overwhelming. His walls were filled with the heads of big game he had shot all over the world.
I looked around and decided to start a conversation about the biggest one. He told me all about where he went and how the hunt was conducted.
The next month I went in to visit him and we chatted about another trophy. This went on for a few months. Then we opened the paper one day and found out he died. My boss said, 'Well, I guess we'll see how you did and what was left to us."
We were given all the trophies. The moral of the story is to be sure to make an ask!
I agree! You will need to be specific and when you get to know someone well enough, you will know exactly what to ask for. Or you will be lucky enough to be the recipient of the "pressure-free ask" and your prospect will ask, "How can I help you?"
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Finally, a big company agrees with me . . .
I always say that cars are sold on emotion - the smell, the feel, the style - it's all there to entice you. It's not appealing to your rational brain!
For those of you who have been to one of my speeches or workshops, I do an interactive exercise with the audience around buying cars.
The new BMW commercial says " It's what you make people feel that's as important as what you build!"
My sentiments exactly.
For those of you who have been to one of my speeches or workshops, I do an interactive exercise with the audience around buying cars.
The new BMW commercial says " It's what you make people feel that's as important as what you build!"
My sentiments exactly.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Media Tip from a Pro
A pr whiz from Chicago, Tom Ciesielka, offers this media tip which follows my advice to spend time with people on their agenda!
Here's his comment:
About 99 percent of the time, we are asking reporters for things we want. What do you think would happen if we asked reporters what they want? GASP! The end of the world?! No. More often than not, I've found that reporters will appreciate your interest in knowing exactly the topics they are writing about and sources they are looking for. It helps you find the right fit and makes the reporter happy, for at least a little while. If it doesn't make them happy, I hear reporters like Ferraris.
Reply to Tom Ciesielka at tc@tcpr.net or check him out at http://www.tcpr.net/index.php
Thanks Tom, I think this is invaluable because it changes the typical mindset!
Here's his comment:
About 99 percent of the time, we are asking reporters for things we want. What do you think would happen if we asked reporters what they want? GASP! The end of the world?! No. More often than not, I've found that reporters will appreciate your interest in knowing exactly the topics they are writing about and sources they are looking for. It helps you find the right fit and makes the reporter happy, for at least a little while. If it doesn't make them happy, I hear reporters like Ferraris.
Reply to Tom Ciesielka at tc@tcpr.net or check him out at http://www.tcpr.net/index.php
Thanks Tom, I think this is invaluable because it changes the typical mindset!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Relationships over resumes
In the last year, I've been coaching my out-of-work friends, relatives and clients on how to make the best impression during their interviews.
My advice is simple: connect, connect, connect. People hire someone, not just because they have a good skill set, but on the strength of the way they feel the person will fit into the organization and onto the team.
One of my friends is an accountant. He wanted to tell prospective employers that he was a hard worker, had experience in taking companies public, etc. That was evident from his past jobs; laid out on his resume. He had to connect with the CEO who was interviewing for a new CFO. I coached him on how to uncover the CEO's hobbies, interests, values and then match them up with his. After a few hours, he got the concept and landed the job.
You see, the advice to connect is simple but the execution is not. The underlying tenet is that "emotion motivates and information justifies."
By the way, the title of this blog was taken from am interview in the Los Angeles Times with Jason Reitman Oscar-nominated director of "Up in the Air." He said, "I want a shorthand. I believe in relationships over resume. . .Things are going to get tough . . .and you have to question who you want to be standing next to when they do.
Sounds like a concept that applies to almost anything!
My advice is simple: connect, connect, connect. People hire someone, not just because they have a good skill set, but on the strength of the way they feel the person will fit into the organization and onto the team.
One of my friends is an accountant. He wanted to tell prospective employers that he was a hard worker, had experience in taking companies public, etc. That was evident from his past jobs; laid out on his resume. He had to connect with the CEO who was interviewing for a new CFO. I coached him on how to uncover the CEO's hobbies, interests, values and then match them up with his. After a few hours, he got the concept and landed the job.
You see, the advice to connect is simple but the execution is not. The underlying tenet is that "emotion motivates and information justifies."
By the way, the title of this blog was taken from am interview in the Los Angeles Times with Jason Reitman Oscar-nominated director of "Up in the Air." He said, "I want a shorthand. I believe in relationships over resume. . .Things are going to get tough . . .and you have to question who you want to be standing next to when they do.
Sounds like a concept that applies to almost anything!
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