Network executive is a champ at relationships

Since I came from the entertainment business (a lawyer working for CBS way back), I can appreciate how relationships run that industry. Recently an article in the Los Angeles Times highlighted a little-known executive, Bridget Baker from NBC Universal.

For 21 years, she has has negotiated with cable and satellite operators for distribution deals.

In the early years, it was tough because the cable operators hated the broadcasters. However, she launched CNBC and later, MSNBC. Now that Comcast and NBC have merged, she has to convince Comcast's direct competitors, satellite and telephone companies that offer tv service that she will not favor NBC's new bosses at their expense.

One of her former bosses said, "She's a relationship builder like no other. She has great people skills. . ." She has been called Lucille Ball in an Hermes scarf which hides her hard-nosed negotiator persona.

Another boss called her "not a traditional business-speak person but more colorful, more personable, more engaging. She has a style that's unique."

That's what I always advise - make yourself memorable. Think of something that sets yourself apart and offer it up in your interactions with others.

Here's a great example of a high-end "giving circle" and a new model for female donor power.

Everychild Celebrates 10th Year with Another $1 Million Grant

By Michael Aushenker, Staff Writer

2010-05-06
The Pacific Palisades-based Everychild Foundation commemorated its 10th anniversary on April 29 by awarding $1 million to the South Bay Center for Counseling's Career Pathway Program, a jobs program that will serve 300 at-risk youth in Los Angeles.'

'Our event [at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel] was a wonderful convening of members, spouses, and our grantees to celebrate all that we have accomplished in the last decade,' founder Jacqueline Caster told the Palisadian-Post. 'We were thrilled to be joined by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other city and county officials, who acknowledged the impact we have had with $8 million in grants that have served over 350,000 children in Los Angeles.'

In addition to the Palisades, the Foundation's membership is comprised of 225 prominent women from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, the South Bay and San Fernando Valley.

Each woman donates $5,000 in annual dues in lieu of putting on fundraising events, and the group votes on which nonprofit organization to support with a $1-million grant each spring.

It all began in 1999 when Caster recruited 56 women, including her Highlands neighbors, Cynthia Alexander and Debra Colbert, to join her unique humanitarian project. Their first grant of $230,000 was awarded to QueensCare to help outfit a new mobile dental clinic serving students in low-income elementary schools within LAUSD.

Every year since, Everychild has invited roughly 30 to 50 nonprofit organizations to apply for its single annual grant. The women devote their energies, intellect, education, talents and professional skills toward the rigorous grant-selection process, vetting each proposal and then voting on the ultimate winner: a nonprofit that serves children and has proposed a new, innovative 'dream' project that can inspire replication, thus leveraging the dollars for maximum impact.

The foundation's philanthropic model has created a new prototype for leveraged giving, among women and beyond, both in the U.S. and abroad. To date, the organization has directly inspired multiple spin-off groups: four in Los Angeles (with three currently forming), two in Santa Barbara, one in Las Vegas, one in New York City and two in London.

For more details, visit everychildfoundation.org.

Another blog mention from Jon Carole

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

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

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?"

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.