Lessons in Fundraising
One of the most valuable experiences I’ve had this semester is working with the Western New York Books Arts Center through the Master’s program’s Fundraising & Development course. The class is structured around experiential learning, which calls us to weekly apply new techniques from lecture to boost our partner organizations’ fundraising efforts. Working alongside WNYBAC made me better able to understand the organization’s mission and invite others to take part in it. Fundraising first requires us to understand our organization’s vision of the future and their goals for...
Read MoreSecrets of a Customer Service Champion
This week, Forbes named Wegmans a “customer service champion.” Forbes writer Carmine Gallo praised Wegmans, alongside Apple and Ritz-Carlton, as companies that know the secret to great customer service. And what’s that secret? Empowerment. To provide excellent customer service, all three companies put the power in the hands of their employees. Sure there are rules and policies dictating employee behavior and decisions, but when it comes down to a customer with a problem, employees get the flexibility and the resources to go above and beyond for their customers. The resources employees...
Read MoreBuild Your Community, Boost Your Resume
We’re knee-deep in the Christmas season and between bell-ringers and carolers – I’ve got volunteering on the brain. Christmas break is the perfect time for anyone – especially you grad students out there – to take time giving back as a volunteer. Volunteering has proven mental and physical health benefits. But if you need one more reason to volunteer in the season of giving, have you ever considered the ways volunteering can boost your professional development? Build Your Network When you spend most of your time between work, school and home, it’s easy to live in a social bubble....
Read MoreThe Danger of Groupthink
Read any business review blog today, and you’ll soon notice a trend: teams. Democratic teams – where every member contributes ideas and efforts – are popular solution to today’s business challenges. Some say they’re the best way to improve a business’s output, efficiency, and innovation. Check out HBR’s article, “The Power of Teamwork”, to see what I mean. Ideally, these teams harmonize the voices of all members to reach a consensus. The ComLead grad program is designed to prepare students for excellence in today’s business world. And...
Read MoreMarketing that Makes a Difference
As of this weekend, it’s officially the year-end holiday season, and no season is more important for non-profits! Not-for-profit organizations are in their final fundraising push of the year, revealing innovative and sometimes a little insane fundraising tactics (polar plunge, anyone?) to attract new donors. In their end-of-the-yea annual mailings, not-for-profits should remember that the real catalyst to effect fundraising – around the holidays and throughout the year – is having an effective brand. We often discuss branding in terms of major corporations like Coca Cola and...
Read MoreThe Power of Inspirational Leadership
“What’s the best way to influence and motivate others?” It’s a question that constantly plagues leaders, veteran and first-timers alike. While there is no single best method, it’s useful to consider desired outcome when contemplating different leadership tactics. The three general outcomes you might aim for when attempting to influence others are: Resistance: counter-intuitive, yes, but sometimes leaders aim to paint a negative view, hoping others will resist and work towards more positive outcomes Compliance: leaders may aim simply to motivate others to take a...
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