Archive for the ‘iNAYDO Blog’ Category
5 Reasons to Pursue the CFRE
By Peter Rosario, Senior Director-Development, Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges
After the breakfast meeting at the iNAYDO suite, I decided to stop in at the CFRE session for those interested in pursuing this credential. I had just earned my credential this past September and wanted to offer a voice of encouragement to others at this session. Several folks networked with me afterwards to ask questions about the process and to seek advice. While hindsight is always 20/20, here are 5 reasons/benefits that I experienced from attaining my CFRE…
- Resume Enhancement: While this may be the #1 reason for pursuing this credential, it is certainly a valid one. It clearly demonstrates a commitment to and knowledge of development work.
- Professional Development: Just by starting the application process, I was able to develop a clear roadmap for professional growth. This roadmap guided the articles that I read in profession publications and the sessions that I attended at conferences.
- New Ideas and Information: Attaining my CFRE allowed me to learn about areas of fundraising that I never would have learned about otherwise. For me, personally, Direct Mail, Social Media, Planned Giving, and Accountability Standards were new areas of growth and I was able to use some of these ideas in my current assignment.
- The CFRE Network: By becoming a new CFRE, I have joined a vast network of outstanding professionals in and out of the YMCA. The information that we share through e-mail groups and social media outlets such as LinkedIn help me immensely and provide a constant source of information and motivation.
- Volunteer Recognition: I am blessed to a part of a great YMCA and I was overwhelmed by the recognition that I received from Board Members and other volunteers. While many did not know there was a credential for certifying fundraisers, they were certainly impressed that I had attained the credential. As I told all of them, “I could not have done it without you.”
Alicia from the CFRE office staff is an incredible resource and I would encourage you to begin the process as soon as you can. It is without question, one of the highlights and personally satisfying projects that I have pursued in my career.
The Reality Zone
By Jon Simons, Donor By Design Group
As with most conferences, NAYDO 2010 was filled with great ideas, models and best practices. I left Charlotte this year re-energized with a pocket full of business cards from new friends to connect with, a folder bursting with new ideas and a spirit lifted from the collective energy of the experience. Well, I’ve been home almost a week now and I have yet to connect with any of my new friends, my folder of great ideas in buried deep in my briefcase and my spirit, thought still running high, has lost some altitude! In short, I have reentered the reality zone!
My reality zone is that large dark chasm between theory and action. It is the place where I struggle between what I wish to do and what I can realistically accomplish. I have learned from years as a conference attendee that I need to re-adjust my sights and re-enter the real world with an actionable set of commitments and expectations.
Here is my Reality Zone “to-do” list:
- I will set aside my fear of the new and unknown and embrace the world of social networking
- I will remind myself everyday that each of us will never be smarter than all of us! I need to grow and nurture my network
- I will not settle! The mission of the YMCA and the lives it impacts deserves nothing less that my very best!
- I will never forget that in any type of campaign, LEADERSHIP is EVERYTHING!
What’s your reality zone?
A novice takes the plunge
By Michele Goodrich, Donor By Design Group
Move out of your comfort zone.
You can only grow if you are willing to
feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.
Brian Tracy
As a latecomer to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, I totally understand how mysterious and intimidating they can be. My initial reluctance was based on my fears of feeling stupid and not being able to “do it right”. I mean, how was I supposed to find my FB “wall”, let alone write on it!
Over the past year I have slowly overcome some of my social media fears. In fact, I have had Facebook and Twitter accounts for several months now. However, I d
on’t log on very frequently and when I do, I tend to be a passive observer. But, after experiencing the number of novice social networkers who came to the iNAYDO room and bravely let one of the Donor by Design team members set them up with accounts, I became inspired to venture out of my comfort zone a little farther. With Lora Dow’s “netiquette” lesson (see “Don’t Overlook the Social”) and her encouragement to “get social”, I’ve decided to go beyond observation and attend the “party”.
So, I am asking those of you who are new to social media, as a result of your
recent NAYDO Conference experience or otherwise, to join me in learning how to build relationships through social media. I am interested in learning and exploring how others are utilizing these tools to build relationships with prospective and current members and donors. I want to learn about your successes and your missteps so that all of us novices can continue to experience this new and mystifying world.
I know I can do this – after all, I am actually blogging now!!! Who knew?
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