It’s easy to think that a job offer – any job offer – should be taken immediately, especially in this economy.  Often, though, many of them need a second look before accepting.  They can be more expensive than you think. Winnie’s* story wasn’t uncommon.  She worked for a small organization that was hit hard by the economy, and when they had to cut their staff, she was among the “las ... Read More

In Annual Giving, we “Keep the Base of the Pyramid Strong,” as I say, but it’s awfully crowded down here. Unlike Major Gifts, we rarely get to know our donors personally. Still, some become memorable. Which ones are yours? Although Annual Giving professionals deal in mass quantities of thousands of donors, sometimes we have a memorable encounter with a donor – either at an event, over the ... Read More

When researching a company prior to an interview, it’s important to go much further beyond “the corporate face” presented on its website.  These days, a great deal more information is available to guide you in your decision. With such a tight job market, it’s not uncommon for job seekers to spend six to twelve months looking for the right position.  Of course, much of this depends on a v ... Read More

Many Annual Giving professionals dread the words Capital Campaign more than any other two that get uttered around the office. They’re considered more obscene than stretch goal, performance review or even database conversion! Why do so many feel this way?  Because all too often, when a capital campaign is engaged, the Annual Giving staff is ignored at best and sacrificed at worst.  As the board ... Read More

Previously, I discussed people with long term career goals in mind.  This economy has focused many on the here-and-now, however.  The only reason here-and-now people interview is that they’ve reached their breaking point. Everyone has a “deal breaker” (or more than one) when job hunting, and it’s best to know what those are when going in for the interview.  Even better: Consider how to ... Read More