Don’t settle for one network: build three.

We all know how important networks are to succeeding in business. But most people mistakenly focus on building one network. Instead, you need to think about three separate ones:

1. Your operational network is comprised of the people you rely on to get work done: your peers, direct reports, bosses, and external contacts. Often times you don’t choose these folks, but you still need to cultivate them.
2. A developmental network is a group of individuals whom you trust and to whom you can turn to for advice. Select people who bring a diversity of perspectives.
3. Your strategic network helps you prepare for and succeed in the future. In this group, include people who work and live at the edge of your current world and can help you see what’s on the horizon.

Adapted from “The Three Networks You Need” by Linda Hill & Kent Lineback

Creating the future: get real!

Philanthropy is …

Self-promotion tips and reminders.

Keep the following tips and reminders front of mind whenever you engage in self-promotion activities:

• Whether you’re writing or speaking, before you say a word, start by putting yourself in your audience’s shoes and answering: What’s In It For Me? – or WIIFM.
• Make your message crisp, clear, and concise. While the length of the average attention span of an adult is much contested, think of your own attention for other people’s self-promotion speeches. Mine is often less than a minute.
• Try out your self-promotion messages – from your elevator pitch to the content of your promotion e-mails – on a test group that resembles one of your target audiences, and welcome feedback.
• Follow through on all leads, and circle back appreciatively to those who make introductions for you; apprise them, in particular, of positive outcomes.
• If you’re not a good writer, take a class or hire (or barter with) someone to do your promotional writing.
• If your public speaking skills need work, take a class, join Toastmasters International, or hire a public speaking coach.
• Practice speaking in sound bites, and use your introverted strengths to listen carefully to your conversation partners.

Nancy Ancowitz, Self-Promotion for Introverts

Do you really want this job?

“Sometimes there is good news and bad news after a successful job search. The good news is, you got the job; the bad news is you got the job. Many development officers, especially after a grueling job search, are so delighted to get an offer that they say yes without thinking. Then within a few months – or even a few weeks – they find themselves wondering why they ever took the job.

“Before accepting a position, you should think about and ask some critical questions about the philanthropic culture of the organization making the offer. How can you determine the culture of an organization? A good place to start is by researching the organization’s website and printed publications. If you know someone who works for this organization, serves on its board, has received services from the organization or volunteers there, have a heart-to-heart talk with these people as well. During the interview, ask questions, observe the surroundings and consider these specific things to look for and ask questions about with your potential employer.

1. Does the organization currently have a development office?
2. Do the leaders understand how long it takes to develop relationships with donors, and are they willing to invest in infrastructure to get the development office started?
3. Do experienced professionals staff the development office?
4. Will you, as development staff, have significant input into developing your own department budget?
5. Do the organization’s nondevelopment staff members understand the importance of the development function?
6. Has the organization advertised that they prefer certified (CFRE, ACFRE, FAHP, etc.) applicants?
7. Will you be attending board meetings and have the opportunity to work individually with board members to encourage them in their fundraising activities?
8. Is there a development committee on the board?
9. Is there clerical support in the development office?
10. Is the development office in a prominent location and does it have a professional appearance?
11. Does the organization support A Donor Bill of Rights?
12. Does the organization understand the importance of donor-centered fundraising?
13. Is the organization committed to work with consultants when it is appropriate to do so?
14. Is the CEO involved in fundraising?
15. Are there volunteers involved in fundraising?

“If you are observant and willing to ask appropriate questions, you will not find yourself among those development officers who wonder how they came to work for an organization with a weak philanthropic culture.”

Linda Lysakowski, “Do You Really Want This Job?”,
Advancing Philanthropy, May/June 2010

Acres of diamonds.

Drive: the surprising truth about what motivates us.

Where good ideas come from.

How to make networking situations more palatable.

• Choose events where you’re likely to feel welcome.
• Before going to a networking event, take stock of why someone would want to talk to you.
• Do something that makes you feel grounded just before the event (e.g., write, draw, listen to a favorite song, or call a mentor).
• Scope out the most comfortable places – possibly the quietest areas – for you in the space (just not the wall!).
• Remember that all eyes aren’t on you.
• Learn about other people – listen intently, solve their problems, and share resources.
• Remember to breathe. We often forget this most basic human need. Taking a few deep breaths will help you relax.
• Drink water. Stay hydrated for your overall well-being and specifically for your voice. Avoid caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to the jitters.

Nancy Ancowitz, Self-Promotion for Introverts

Quick tips to jump start your visibility.

• Balance the time you spend doing with the time you spend thinking or talking about what you’re doing.
• Take stock of what you do well by writing down your accomplishments and putting them in an “atta-girl” or “atta-boy” file. Also include in the file congratulatory e-mails, testimonials, and glowing performance reviews you receive.
• Practice articulating your accomplishments, and then run them by a trusted senior colleague, mentor, or coach for feedback.
• Get on an agenda for meetings to build a platform for your ideas.
• After meetings, write follow-up e-mails to confirm your points and contributions as well as to acknowledge those of others.
• Stay in touch with colleagues, managers, and clients throughout your career. Let them know your comings and goings, and inquire about and celebrate theirs.
• If you’re a sociable introvert – at least in doses – host and even speak at meetings, conferences, and social events to boost your credibility and visibility.

Nancy Ancowitz, Self-Promotion for Introverts