Comments for Emily Davis and Associates Consulting http://edaconsulting.org Making Your Passion Our Mission Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:26:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Leadership and Turnover by Amy http://edaconsulting.org/2011/08/leadership-and-turnover/#comment-82 Amy Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:26:54 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=845#comment-82 I totally agree, Emily - especially your comments about leadership being entirely different and MORE IMPORTANT than just management. Also - sometimes it's tough to tell if people leave because of their generational tendencies and just want a change (maybe 3 years is a long time to Millenials?) or because they're genuinely unhappy. But I agree that if your org makes the investment to prevent high turnover, everyone benefits. Nicely said! I totally agree, Emily – especially your comments about leadership being entirely different and MORE IMPORTANT than just management. Also – sometimes it’s tough to tell if people leave because of their generational tendencies and just want a change (maybe 3 years is a long time to Millenials?) or because they’re genuinely unhappy. But I agree that if your org makes the investment to prevent high turnover, everyone benefits. Nicely said!

]]> Comment on Nonprofits are Businesses, Not Lemonade Stands by Amanda Johnston http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/nonprofits-are-businesses-not-lemonade-stands/#comment-81 Amanda Johnston Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:06:32 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=796#comment-81 Hi Emily, nice article and discussion here. I think two other great sites for nonprofit development are http://www.allianceonline.org/ There are some great webinars, resources and info on conferences there. Also the National Council for Nonprofits may be the best site for learning the ins and outs of what it takes to develop a strong nonprofit: http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/capacity-building/what-capacity-building#tools And when someone tells me they have a great new idea for a nonprofit, I always recommend the book How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation by Anthony Mancuso. He walks you through the steps of the 501 (c)(3) application process, and provides details unique to each state. I have thought about using this book and info from the National Council for Nonprofits to develop some sort of quick check list, .....so people can see if you haven't done a, b and c, you aren't ready. And if they have, congratulations! ...stay tuned. Hi Emily, nice article and discussion here. I think two other great sites for nonprofit development are http://www.allianceonline.org/ There are some great webinars, resources and info on conferences there. Also the National Council for Nonprofits may be the best site for learning the ins and outs of what it takes to develop a strong nonprofit: http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/capacity-building/what-capacity-building#tools

And when someone tells me they have a great new idea for a nonprofit, I always recommend the book How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation by Anthony Mancuso. He walks you through the steps of the 501 (c)(3) application process, and provides details unique to each state. I have thought about using this book and info from the National Council for Nonprofits to develop some sort of quick check list, …..so people can see if you haven’t done a, b and c, you aren’t ready. And if they have, congratulations! …stay tuned.

]]> Comment on Nonprofits are Businesses, Not Lemonade Stands by Thomas Hart Architect LEED AP http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/nonprofits-are-businesses-not-lemonade-stands/#comment-80 Thomas Hart Architect LEED AP Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:30:26 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=796#comment-80 I agree with your article, as a 10 year board member of a non-profit youth camp in Arizona, we struggle to raise funds even with a 50 year history & great reputation. We have great campers, management, staff, volunteers, a great facility on National Forest land but no major donors. Does anyone have any advise for this issue? To date, I have found an answer: New Leaf Tree Plantations; www.earnmoneyintrees.com Starting a tree plantation will create an excellent revenue source long term for any non-profit while helping the environment & educating our children. If you would like more information, contact me. I am the New Leaf Technologies Planning & Development Director. I am here to help non-profits & private land owners create wealth in trees! New Leaf can grow tree seedlings & trees 5 times faster than nature. As an Architect LEED AP with 25 years of experience, I think I know a good idea when I see one; this technology will change the way people grow trees! I agree with your article, as a 10 year board member of a non-profit youth camp in Arizona, we struggle to raise funds even with a 50 year history & great reputation. We have great campers, management, staff, volunteers, a great facility on National Forest land but no major donors. Does anyone have any advise for this issue?

To date, I have found an answer: New Leaf Tree Plantations; http://www.earnmoneyintrees.com

Starting a tree plantation will create an excellent revenue source long term for any non-profit while helping the environment & educating our children.

If you would like more information, contact me. I am the New Leaf Technologies Planning & Development Director. I am here to help non-profits & private land owners create wealth in trees! New Leaf can grow tree seedlings & trees 5 times faster than nature.

As an Architect LEED AP with 25 years of experience, I think I know a good idea when I see one; this technology will change the way people grow trees!

]]> Comment on Nonprofits are Businesses, Not Lemonade Stands by Tracy Fredericks http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/nonprofits-are-businesses-not-lemonade-stands/#comment-79 Tracy Fredericks Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:08:28 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=796#comment-79 I have been on both sides, non-profit and for-profit and I strongly believe that most people (not all) who are not in non-profit undervalue non-profit work. They think you don't need any real skills. They are wrong! Actually, you need more skills than most because you will be doing everything yourself or with a smaller staff with less resources. In order for non-profit missions to thrive they have to have programs (product), raise money, pick the right leadership, communicate well, etc, etc, etc. just like a for-profit. This country values profit! If it is not your main objective your organization will be seen as less than (I know, this subject is taboo.) That's why I am so into social entrepreneurship. I believe non-profits have to make their own money to sustain themselves,pick leaders who can lead this effort and who value people, principles and the env. before profit. I have been on both sides, non-profit and for-profit and I strongly believe that most people (not all) who are not in non-profit undervalue non-profit work. They think you don’t need any real skills. They are wrong! Actually, you need more skills than most because you will be doing everything yourself or with a smaller staff with less resources. In order for non-profit missions to thrive they have to have programs (product), raise money, pick the right leadership, communicate well, etc, etc, etc. just like a for-profit. This country values profit! If it is not your main objective your organization will be seen as less than (I know, this subject is taboo.) That’s why I am so into social entrepreneurship. I believe non-profits have to make their own money to sustain themselves,pick leaders who can lead this effort and who value people, principles and the env. before profit.

]]> Comment on Nonprofits are Businesses, Not Lemonade Stands by Cindy Lauren http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/nonprofits-are-businesses-not-lemonade-stands/#comment-78 Cindy Lauren Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:07:43 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=796#comment-78 Great post! and thank you for articulating this so well. I too am often contacted about starting a new nonprofit because someone has a good idea, and after all, it is doing good so business principles need not apply, right? The eye-rolling comes to me when I begin to list some of the most basic administrative details necessary to do the work every day, as if I am just an old curmudgeon, dampening their enthusiasm with boring 'work things'. If were only so that it was all program deployment without strategy, goals and infrastructure, not to mention money and resources such as staff. Great post! and thank you for articulating this so well. I too am often contacted about starting a new nonprofit because someone has a good idea, and after all, it is doing good so business principles need not apply, right?

The eye-rolling comes to me when I begin to list some of the most basic administrative details necessary to do the work every day, as if I am just an old curmudgeon, dampening their enthusiasm with boring ‘work things’.

If were only so that it was all program deployment without strategy, goals and infrastructure, not to mention money and resources such as staff.

]]> Comment on Theories of Working Across Generations by Kurtis Griess http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/theories-of-working-across-generations/#comment-77 Kurtis Griess Sat, 30 Jul 2011 03:54:04 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=829#comment-77 I can relate to "The Redefining the Position Theory." I know that I personally yearn for partners to join my journey in Compassion by the Book and I want to empower as many others to join as well. Perhaps my desire for teamwork comes more from necessity than anything else - I recognize my limitations and I believe giving ownership to others is the best way to grow the capacity, efficiency, and service of the organization. I can relate to “The Redefining the Position Theory.” I know that I personally yearn for partners to join my journey in Compassion by the Book and I want to empower as many others to join as well. Perhaps my desire for teamwork comes more from necessity than anything else – I recognize my limitations and I believe giving ownership to others is the best way to grow the capacity, efficiency, and service of the organization.

]]> Comment on Nonprofits are Businesses, Not Lemonade Stands by Michael Montgomery http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/nonprofits-are-businesses-not-lemonade-stands/#comment-76 Michael Montgomery Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:46:08 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=796#comment-76 This is an issue on which I spend a fair amount of time each year... with my students, with staff members of client organizations and (once people know I consult with nonprofits) in almost any setting. Personally, I struggle with it because I do not want to discourage people who might actually have clever new approaches to issues/challenges from which we might all benefit. At the same time, communities have a finite amount of money and volunteers (especially board-qualified volunteers) with which to support nonprofits. So, I tend to push people to explain where the money and people to support their proposed organization would come from and to consider the potential impact of their new organizations on others. While it doesn't seem to overly-discourage those who think they're really onto something (or just have the bug), it does seem to get people thinking a little more broadly about community needs. This is an issue on which I spend a fair amount of time each year… with my students, with staff members of client organizations and (once people know I consult with nonprofits) in almost any setting. Personally, I struggle with it because I do not want to discourage people who might actually have clever new approaches to issues/challenges from which we might all benefit. At the same time, communities have a finite amount of money and volunteers (especially board-qualified volunteers) with which to support nonprofits. So, I tend to push people to explain where the money and people to support their proposed organization would come from and to consider the potential impact of their new organizations on others. While it doesn’t seem to overly-discourage those who think they’re really onto something (or just have the bug), it does seem to get people thinking a little more broadly about community needs.

]]> Comment on Nonprofits are Businesses, Not Lemonade Stands by David M. Patt, CAE http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/nonprofits-are-businesses-not-lemonade-stands/#comment-75 David M. Patt, CAE Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:24:17 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=796#comment-75 I totally agree. Too many people have the passion for a cause but they don't have the skills to carry it out. Amazingly, they often don't think they need those skills. They also don't realize that funders give money to success, not to causes. I totally agree. Too many people have the passion for a cause but they don’t have the skills to carry it out. Amazingly, they often don’t think they need those skills. They also don’t realize that funders give money to success, not to causes.

]]> Comment on Nonprofits are Businesses, Not Lemonade Stands by Marc Baizman http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/nonprofits-are-businesses-not-lemonade-stands/#comment-74 Marc Baizman Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:25:42 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=796#comment-74 Emily, this is a terrific post. I don't know why this is, but the passion and excitement over a new program idea does not instantly confer expertise on how to run a nonprofit (business)! For more on this subject, may I refer you to the Nonprofit Curmudgeon, who was regularly blogging, stopped for a while, and is back at it. http://nonprofitcurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2005/08/your-heart-is-pure-your-cause-is-just.html Emily, this is a terrific post. I don’t know why this is, but the passion and excitement over a new program idea does not instantly confer expertise on how to run a nonprofit (business)! For more on this subject, may I refer you to the Nonprofit Curmudgeon, who was regularly blogging, stopped for a while, and is back at it. http://nonprofitcurmudgeon.blogspot.com/2005/08/your-heart-is-pure-your-cause-is-just.html

]]> Comment on Nonprofits are Businesses, Not Lemonade Stands by Barry http://edaconsulting.org/2011/07/nonprofits-are-businesses-not-lemonade-stands/#comment-73 Barry Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:27:41 +0000 http://edaconsulting.org/?p=796#comment-73 Great article. One thing I have observed in my consulting to nonprofits is that, once they have gone through the trouble to form an organization and deal with the struggles to build a base, they are often not inclined to collaborate with other that they discover in their related field. Whether this is because they believe their approach is superior to others (it may be - but one larger group working in unison on a pretty good idea can often be more impactful than small organizations working alone on a great idea...) or whether it is because they now have a job that they want to keep, collaboration only tends to come when forced by a funding source - or the failure to find sufficient funding. There are no market forces other than those to encourage collaborative efforts, which is too bad. Great article. One thing I have observed in my consulting to nonprofits is that, once they have gone through the trouble to form an organization and deal with the struggles to build a base, they are often not inclined to collaborate with other that they discover in their related field. Whether this is because they believe their approach is superior to others (it may be – but one larger group working in unison on a pretty good idea can often be more impactful than small organizations working alone on a great idea…) or whether it is because they now have a job that they want to keep, collaboration only tends to come when forced by a funding source – or the failure to find sufficient funding. There are no market forces other than those to encourage collaborative efforts, which is too bad.

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