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Top Tweets From First Day of 2013 #AFPICON

tweetWith a little elbow grease I found the most retweeted messages from the most prolific of the #AFPICON attendees.

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2013 AFP International Conference on Fundraising [Preview]

AFP 2013 International Conference

Before I register for the AFP International Conference the first thing I consider is, “what do I hope to gain from this trip?”

You see, for me this annual conference is more than a smorgasbord of best practice examples and how-tos. I view the conference as a way to recharge my batteries, renew my resolve, refocus my understanding, and hone my professional practice.

I use the conference as a way to reconnect with sector leaders and reinvest in newcomers to the profession. The conversations that take place between sessions and after dark are as valuable as the materials presented in educational sessions.

Well, now I’m on the ground in San Diego and here are some things I thought about on my journey here.

AFP ICON App ScheduleFirst, it is important to be informed and connected the duration of the conference. This year, in addition to the mobile version of the conference website, you will have a new tool at your disposal: the AFP ICON App for Blackberry, Android, and iPhone.

A great feature of the AFP ICON App is the ability to select sessions that are of interest using the category view, then switching to the schedule view to narrow down your daily plan. Sometimes I like to select two sessions for some time slots in case my first choice was not exactly what I anticipated based on the description.

Second, when I select sessions, I set a strategy to achieve a specific goal. In past years I have chosen sessions that would help me with a specific work project on the horizon. Other years I would plan my conference to meet key sector leaders to build a cadre of trusted mentors. A couple years ago I was working on a book manuscript so I attended sessions that would give me broader understanding for that topical area. I recommend downloading the handouts for your sessions the day before in case you don’t have a wireless signal or are unable to locate wifi.

Third, as you craft your conference experience and develop a plan of action here are things to consider.

  • What kind of sessions do you want to attend? (topical, skill-level, specific speakers)
  • Who do you want to meet? (new friends or trusted colleagues)
  • What vendors should you interact with? (looking for a new service or an upgrade, this is the time to hear what options are out there)

To remain connected the duration of the conference I recommend downloading the conference app, getting on Twitter, and most of all… get outside your comfort zone with social media. But don’t forget to connect in the analog mode as well. This year, I am focused on reconnecting with folks I have lost touch with the last two years and the majority of these individuals are not on Twitter, so the annual conference is the best opportunity I’ll have all year.

Have a great conference.

 

Thoughts on Future and Current Board Members

According to the old adage, “you are what you eat.” I believe that the same holds true for what we read.

When ever I am asked to serve on a search committee or take part in interview sessions with job candidates I often include a question about reading habits, preferences, or guilty pleasures. Sometimes I ask if they have a favorite author or magazine, what book they most recently finished or what is on their nightstand. There really is no right or wrong answer. What their answer does is tell a lot about who they are and what they value.

I believe that nonprofit organizations should be selective in who they tap for board service and make the process competitive. To this end I strongly believe that nonprofits should interview potential board members.

While interviewing candidates for board service, try including a question that seeks to gain insight on what they have read or are reading with regards to board service, governance, fundraising, or volunteerism. A conversation of this nature may illuminate gaps in understanding or it may uncover a potential resource for the organization’s current board members.

If the former is true, it may prompt you to make reading recommendations for the potential board member to seek out before being considered for board service placement. If it is the latter, you may have a new board member than can champion best practice, excellence, ethics, governance, or any number of issues relevant for transforming the culture of your existing board or taking them to the next level.

If you are limited in your ability to add new board members, but want to encourage a culture that seeks out authoritative sources to help inform the board governance role, you may want to consider some other options. Give a board member an article, blog post, or book (either physically, or on loan through an e-reader). Ask them to summarize the text at a future meeting. If you are looking for ideas for potential resources try one of the e-book samplers from Wiley/Jossey-Bass:

NTEN 2012 Free e-Book Sampler – Includes chapters from four books on technology and the non-profit sector including – 101 Social Media Tactics for Nonprofits: Melanie Mathos and Chad Norman, Building Nonprofit Capacity: John Brothers and Anne Sherman, Everyone Leads: Paul Schmitz, The Future of Nonprofits: David Neff and Randal Moss

AFP 2012 Conference e-Book Sampler – Includes chapters from recent additions to the AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series including – Fundraising and the Next Generation: Emily Davis, A Fundraising Guide for Nonprofit Board Members: Julia Walker, An Executive’s Guide to Fundraising Operations: Christopher Cannon, Breakthrough Nonprofit Branding: Jocelyne Daw and Carol Cone, The Nonprofit Development Companion: Brydon DeWitt, and Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing: Michael Rosen

Social Media WIN – Authenticity in Action

In an earlier post I outlined an example of a social media failure. In that example I related how I was contacted by somebody that wanted to add me to their professional network. After some brief exchanges with them it was clear that their request was not to make a meaningful connection, rather they were simply interested in growing their network “number.” Following this experience I thought it only fair to give equal attention to an example of a social media success story.

A few years ago I was contacted through LinkedIn by Rhett Wilson. We had never met, but our professional networks shared a few connections. Rhett and I shared other similarities, namely our professional path and age. Instead of simply requesting to be connected on LinkedIn, Rhett and I discussed first connecting via phone to share our work experiences and to talk through topics related to our shared work and age demographic. Following our first phone call we agreed to stay connected both on and off LinkedIn. Over the past couple of years, we’ve also had the opportunity to meet in person a couple of times.

It has proven to be highly valuable to have a professional contact outside of my regional network. Rhett has been able to give me critical unbiased third-party perspective on challenges and opportunities related to the profession. I hope I have been able to serve a similar purpose and prove to be an asset in Rhett’s professional network.

This experience reinforces insights and recommendations outlined in a recent CNN Money article, The Real Way to Build a Social Network. I highly recommend this article for those looking to expand their professional network in an authentic way.

Thank You Montreal: An AFP Leadership Academy Reflection

Montreal Canadiens Warm-upI had the great opportunity to attend the AFP Leadership Academy this year. AFP conferences are always a great opportunity to network with fundraising peers across the world, catch up with friends I haven’t seen in a while, and take in some continuing education. In addition to the professional development opportunities, AFP conferences are give me a chance to see new sights, try new things, and interact with new cultures.

Part of what helps fundraisers be effective at their job is the ability to identify and empathize with donors. Toward this end I always appreciate the opportunity for new life experiences… trying new foods, testing out new hobbies, or immersing myself in a new culture. In Montreal I was able to attend a hockey game. It was quite an experience. Now I can watch a hockey game and actually know what’s going on. I’m also better able to keep my eyes on the puck. Both are skills I didn’t have prior to this conference. For those that have never been to a hockey game, here is a time-lapsed video I filmed of the Montreal Canadiens pre-game warm-up. ENJOY!