If I Only Knew Then: Will Schneider

This is the last post in our “If I Only Knew Then” issue. I’d like to think that I get to post in the coveted “closing spot” because of how valuable my experiences will be for the FLiP community. Actually, the way I see it, my post must have been put in a prominent place because everyone who reads my top five insights will be better off for it.

Of course it could be because, as Chief FLiP, I am the one who picks the order of the posts… but either way here I am - I hope my thoughts are helpful.

If I Only Knew Then - my top five insights:

1) “Let me get back to you on that” – When I started as a consultant, the President of Changing Our World gave me the most useful piece of advice I’ve heard: Learn to say “let me get back to you on that.”

Don’t make up the answer. If a foundation wants to know how many patients were treated for an eye infection at your walk-in clinic last year, and you say 100,000, it will take you hours of work, and cost you an untold amount of lost confidence, to explain why the right answer is actually 54,500. Learn to say, “let me get back to you on that” to your prospects, to your boss, and to your employees - and then make sure you get back to them. More often than not, nobody minds that you don’t know the answer at that second; just get it right when you respond. Trust me, this one is vital.

If I Only Knew Then: FLiP Editor Edition

A year and a half ago I walked from Grand Central to Wall Street with my friend and co-worker, Jessica Stannard-Friel. We talked (at length) about starting a blog for young professionals in philanthropy. Before Jess says a temporary goodbye to the world of “full-time employment” (she’s about to take Harvard Business School by storm) I wanted to be sure that she wrote down her tips and tricks for learning the office ropes.  In her day job, Jess was a Director in the Philanthropy Division of Changing Our World, the consulting firm that houses and sponsors the FLiP editors.

If you’re a FLiP getting ready to start your first fundraising, grantmaking, (or, like Jess, consulting) job, read on!

Jess wrote well over 40 articles for onPhilanthropy in her 3 years with Changing Our World. At the end of this post, please find some of Jess’s greatest hits. Jess, we’ll miss you. Graduate and hurry back!

When I started working at Changing Our World, five weeks after I graduated from college, I thought the biggest challenge of my new job would be learning about the then-unfamiliar world of philanthropy.  I quickly found, though, that mastering the information I needed in my job was fairly easy.  I successfully applied the same skill set that in college had allowed me to learn quickly about topics ranging from fairy tales to natural disasters and soon acquired a respectable understanding of my new field.  Learning how to HAVE a job, on the other hand, was a challenge I hadn’t expected.

Now that I finally think I’ve got it, it’s time for me to reverse gears and go back to school!  But with graduation season coming to an end and recent grads flooding into new jobs, I hope these lessons will help a few FLiPs make the transition.

• Your boss/clients don’t want to know everything there is to know about the topic at hand.  When I wrote 20 page papers for college courses, my professor was willing to delve as deeply into the topic as I could go.  Six sources?  Twelve?  Twenty?  The more, the better.  The value of the paper was not in the product, but in the process of researching and writing it. 

That’s very much NOT true at work.  When you write a memo, the purpose is not for you to have the experience of researching and thinking about the topic.  Instead, it’s generally to provide a decision-maker with the information she needs to make a decision.  Typically, having all of the information available about that topic not only is more than she needs, but it may also obscure the key facts and consume more of the decision-maker’s time than she has available for this particular decision.

This was a hard lesson for me to learn.  After all, I’d think, as a new employee, who am I to decide what information isn’t necessary?  And of course, when you’re first starting out, it’s probably appropriate for you to check in periodically with someone more experienced to ask if a particular tangent may be important, if you’re providing enough information to make the document meaningful, and how much is too much within the context of your organization and industry.  But keep in mind that a crucial decision isn’t likely to be made on the basis of a two page memo alone.  The document may serve as the starting point for a discussion in which you can interject additional information as appropriate, or the decision-maker may request additional details about the part of your research that is important to her.

If I Only Knew Then: J. Maya Iwata

A few months ago, Maya e-mailed me to say how much she was enjoying FLiP. Since nobody likes to hear how great FLiP is more than the FLiP editors, I met her for a cup of coffee at one of mid-town Manhattan's esteemed delis to talk about the community. At the time, we were planning our "If I Only Knew Then" issue... and given her success in the sector, I was excited to hear what Maya would say about her career arch... and what she wishes she knew "then." Without further ado, here is Maya's "If I Only Knew Then":

The secret to time management is managing energy

Although I have been described as an “energizer bunny” or the “girl with the most chi,” working in hectic, high pressure environments has taught me that sustainability is key.  Sustainability requires managing both time and energy, and doing more of what one likes to do everyday.  Managing energy means focusing one’s life on what’s most important to you (personally and professionally), and regularly reinforcing that focus with regular action (preferably every day or at least several times a week).

In a fast-paced place like New York City, it is important to know when to sprint and when to slow down and rest.  Running long distance at the speed of a sprinter is not sustainable without serious consequences for your health and your life. 

Here are some suggestions on how to stay focused on managing energy:

• Be clear and specific about what is most important to you in the long run and what success (outcomes) would look like.  For instance, if good health is important to you - What would your bedtime, dietary, and exercise patterns looks like?  If you are not sure how to figure out what’s most important for you, the book The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz is a good resource for tips and worksheets.

Not Just A Sign Of The Summer

I’m sure all you FLiPs are gearing up for Memorial Day weekend – barbecues, beaches, and that great day off.  But we’re a socially-minded bunch, and would be remiss not to highlight the true spirit of Memorial Day.  It’s a good time to call attention to the many nonprofit organizations that do good work to support active troops, troops killed in the line of duty, veterans, and their respective families. 

America Supports You is a national program launched by the Department of Defense.  According to its website, the program “recognizes citizens’ support for our military men and women and communicates that support to members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad.”  The website, www.americasupportsyou.mil, lists more than 150 nonprofits dedicated to assisting troops and their families, in all sorts of ways.

One such nonprofit generating attention of late is the Children of the Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, whose beneficiaries are children and spouses of Iraq and Afghanistan service members who have either died or sustained serious disabilities during their tour.  The Fund provides college grants, and financial assistance including housing, utilities, food, and clothing.  To learn more about the Fund, visit www.cfsrf.org.

Glam slam: GlamourGals hosts a benefit to remember

FLiP has been having fun, and learning lots, by following the tracks of glamour-gal/nonprofit-trailblazer Rachel Doyle.  All paths were leading to GlamourGals’ big annual fundraiser, Glamour in the City. 

Last Thursday at the Loews Regency Hotel in New York City, my fellow FLiPs and Changing Our World friends Alisha Fernandez and Irene Park joined me at the sensational soiree.  Some impressive stats: 

• Guests: nearly 300
• Funds raised: almost $50,000 (plus $50,000 in in-kind contributions!)
• Special guests: Andrew and Ann Tisch; Susan Schulz, Editor in Chief of CosmoGIRL! Magazine and Chairwoman of the GG Advisory Board; Tracy Smith, Anchor and host of the Saturday Early Show on CBS; Nikki Blonsky, star of Hairspray (the soon to be released movie), and Carl Jordan, President of M&T Bank.
• Highlights: Maybelline New York offered mini-makeovers with their celebrity makeup artist Melissa Silver; Sweet Street Desserts featured a 12 foot dessert table; and some of GG's extraordinary volunteers took home “Glammy! Volunteer Awards” for their service.

As icing on the cake, Rachel was featured on the CBS Saturday Early Show last week.  FLiP congratulates Rachel on her smashing party and wishes her continued success!  To learn more about, volunteer for or donate to GG and its rapid expansion, be sure to visit www.glamourgals.org .

Intern's Notebook - If I Only Knew Then: Prescott Loveland

It's not just people with years of experience who have something to add to the "If I Only Knew Then" issue. Check out what our intern learned in his first ten days!

Last semester when I became an intern at Changing Our World, Inc., I was very excited. Not only was this internship going to be my first exposure to the “real” working world (outside of student employment and some miscellaneous summer jobs), but I would also be working directly with non-profits and philanthropists. What a great opportunity!  I dry cleaned all my “dress clothes,” bought a few new ties and checked the train schedule into Manhattan. I was thrilled, but also a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. 

Six months later, I think back to my first ten days and the important things I learned.  First of all, brace yourself for Grand Central Station. As you join the other 250,000 commuters on a weekday morning who speed through the terminal, you must walk quickly, keep your eyes forward, stay to the right on the escalator and don’t dare say hello to anyone who hasn’t had their morning cup of coffee. Carry the New York Times if you want to fit in, and beware: the food at Grand Central may be delicious, but it is expensive! 

Thankfully, the atmosphere at Changing Our World was much friendlier than that of Grand Central in the morning. I quickly found out that CW has the friendliest receptionist in New York City and that there is just something wonderfully refreshing about a company full of people who are devoted to engaging in the world constructively. Even as a rookie, I quickly became aware of how important it is to have a friendly work environment.   

I also quickly learned that when working in the world of philanthropy you must know how to read a 990 form. While the Foundation Center Directory has convenient summaries of the 990, there is still no escaping this form. Familiarize yourself with the 990, or else!

My first ten days also gave me a quick lesson on meetings: they are important, but time consuming. Meetings are not only a chance for you to better understand the overall operation of your company/organization, but also a great opportunity to prove yourself as an intern or new employee. Pay attention, take notes and ask smart questions. If you are invited to present something (e.g. research results, your brilliant ideas), speak clearly, provide hand outs, and most importantly, be prepared! Beware: while you may be required to attend meetings, don’t get too excited; your work is not going to do itself. Your time is limited—especially as an intern—so schedule accordingly.

Most importantly, learn from your superiors. Senior Managing Directors, CEOs and other important executives have attained such status because they are experienced, knowledgeable and successful. In other words, these guys and gals know what they’re talking about.  If they are willing to share their valuable knowledge, be grateful, listen carefully, and ask questions.

A few other small suggestions from a now-seasoned intern: don’t sit near the kitchen if you are trying to eat healthy, remember your co-workers names, and become very good friends with in-house tech guys because, let’s face it, you do not know how to work a computer or copy machine as well as you’d like.

If I Only Knew Then: Neil Davidson

An old colleague of mine from Carnegie Hall, Neil Davidson, is headed back to school after four years in the world of fundraising. Neil will begin working towards his MBA at Harvard in the Fall. Before he leaves for school I asked him to take a minute and jot down some notes about his brief experience before the next phase of his life unfolds.

• There are big differences between types of fundraising. Learn about those differences and try to figure out which is right for you before taking your first job.
• You should derive a sense of meaning from your job. It's great if you support the mission of the organization for which you'll be raising money, but you should recognize that you'll only be happy in your job if you like your work day in, day out.
• When considering a job in fundraising, ask yourself "Would I want my new boss's job?" or "Would I want his boss's job?", not "Do I want this job?" Think long term when career planning.
• If you're more interested in being successful as a fundraiser than in supporting any one particular sector, do some research into what philanthropic areas are "hot" and go to work in one of them.
• Fundraising is a support role, like accounting. Make sure you're comfortable with that kind of role. You won't be (at least, you shouldn't be) steering your organization or its programs. The relationships you make with program staff within your organization are as important as the relationships you make with funders, so spend plenty of time with your colleagues.

As a consultant, I try to be the best fundraiser I can be, regardless of the mission of the client. However, like Neil, I find it's easier to enjoy my job when I "feel" the mission. How many of you work for your organization primarily because of the mission? How many because you want to be a professional fundraiser?

If I Only Knew Then: Intern's Notebook

Lyndsay Reville started at CW as an intern in our Special Events department. Immediately inundated with client work, Lyndsay quickly learned the ins and outs of the world of philanthropy. Lyndsay was recently hired full time, so for our If I only knew then issue, we sat her down and said, "Lyndsay, what do you wish you knew when you started"?

After graduating college I was unsure of what my next step would be, so I began meeting with professionals who I thought could guide me in the right direction.  I started learning about fundraising for the nonprofit sector and was introduced to a company that felt like a perfect fit. 

After I was offered a full-time position at the company, I began to reflect on what it was that helped me land the offer. When this company hired me as an intern, I realized that it could not only be an amazing learning opportunity but also a chance to embark on my career.  I realized that I needed to take this opportunity seriously and put forth my best effort with the goal that the internship would result in a full-time offer.  With very little professional experience, I knew I needed to set myself apart from the other recent graduates searching for a job.  My internship granted me the opportunity to prove myself and that was my daily mission.  I approached everyday as if it were an interview, a chance to demonstrate that I was someone worth hiring.  I strived to have all of the features of an ideal employee while embracing my opportunity to learn as an intern. 

I’ve compiled the questions I had before I started my internship and thought about what I did to secure this offer; I’ve put together a list of pointers that I wish I knew before I started my internship.

• Take full advantage of your opportunity. You are there to learn and most of the people you work for or with are glad to help you.
• Although you are an intern, you must be a professional.  You represent the company you work for and everything you do is a reflection of that company.
• Dress the part. You must look and act like a professional at all times.  Somebody once told me “dress for the job you want, not for the job that you have.”
• Don’t expect to start at the top. Everybody stuffs envelopes at some point and nobody is too good to stuff!
• Every step in a process is as important as the final result and has an effect on the final result.
• There is no such thing as a stupid question; if you are unsure, ask.  It is better to ask and do your job correctly than to be unsure and make a mistake.
• With that, mistakes do happen.  If you think you may have done something wrong it is better to speak up and fix the problem sooner rather than later.
• Don’t complain. No task is pointless, you are doing it because it needs to be done.
• Say thank you. The company you intern for is doing you a great service by offering you an internship.  What you learn during this time is priceless and can possibly mold the future of your career.  People like to know that you are appreciative.
• Speak up if you have something to say.  If at first you feel uncomfortable adding your input during meetings, make a note and mention it to your boss afterwards.  After a while, you will know what ideas are worth mentioning at meetings or during conferences and you will feel more comfortable sharing your ideas with others.
• Try to talk to everybody you meet.  Each individual is another source of knowledge that you can go to for information.  Make as many connections as possible and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to others.

I hope that what I have learned during my internship can help the next intern along the way.  Being so young in a “grown-up” world can sometimes be intimidating and it helps to know that other young professionals are thinking about the same things you are. 

If I Only Knew Then: Susan Raymond

Please enjoy the first of our "If I Only Knew Then" series. Susan Raymond (short bio below) was kind enough to be the first to share some of the lessons she has learned so far in her distinguished career. Stick with FLiP for more "If I Only Knew Then" posts in the coming weeks.

I grew up poor.  No one in my family had ever gone to college.  No one held a white collar job except a distant cousin who was a dentist.  No one had ever been farther away than Chicago, a two hour drive from Fort Wayne, Indiana.  So, in some ways I could not have known then what I know now, even if I had tried.  There was no frame of reference.

What does experience teach, from a point of zero knowledge?  If I were young (hold your laughter), what would make me stand out?  Where would I find the intersection of personal satisfaction and professional excellence?  Only at that intersection will you thrive as an individual and as a member of an organization.

First, the only two things that no one can ever take away from you are integrity and knowledge.  Do not ever, ever misrepresent yourself; do not ever, ever guild your work; do not ever, ever claim more for yourself than you would be happy to be asked about by opposing counsel in testifying before Congress with the New York Times taking notes in the first row.  The second thing is knowledge.  Curiosity is the central characteristic of a successful professional.  Never think you know enough.  Never be satisfied with what you know.  Seek all manner of knowledge in all manner of (legal) places.  There is no knowledge that is uninteresting, no knowledge, no matter how complex, that does not deserve your attention, no knowledge that cannot be turned to your use and therefore your advantage.

Second, never walk away from a unique opportunity.  Opportunity comes with risk of failure.  It can also mean separation from the comfortable, from the familiar, from the quotidian.  Do not look back.  Be bold.

Third, never make excuses.  Ever.  When things go wrong, when the mistake is made and your fingerprints are on it, stand up and fix it.  No excuses.

Fourth, networks are all important.  Invest in them.  As much as we would all like to think that life is a meritocracy, it often is not.  What you know is critical (see knowledge above), but having pathways for that knowledge is also important.  Understand that “networks” often means those older and more experienced than you are.  This is not a self-serving statement on my part.  To progress, you need people to carry you into spheres of influence that you cannot access on your own.  You will not be invited into the treaty negotiations on your own merits; only if a negotiator brings you in.  The people above you and in front of you are your pathways.  Manage up.  Know them, understand them, get in front of them, burn the midnight oil to get knowledge they will value.  Invest in and use networks.

Fifth, never stop dreaming.    Always reach for the next level of understanding, the next challenge, then next change, the next revolution.  I have a quote from Ghandi always in front of my desk: “First they ignore you.  Then they laugh at you.  Then they fight you.  Then you win.”

Susan Raymond, Ph.D., is Sr. Managing Director, Research, Evaluation, and Strategic Planning for Changing Our World Inc., a leading consulting firm helping nonprofits and private and corporate philanthropists achieve their goals.  Dr. Raymond is also Chief Analyst for onPhilanthropy (www.onphilanthropy.com), a global resource for nonprofit professionals, and the author of The Future of Philanthropy: Economics, Ethics, and Management, published by Wiley & Sons.

May: If I Only Knew Then

If I only knew about this book… if I only knew how to deal with this boss… if I only knew how to talk to that donor… if I only knew then.

How many times in your life have you said, “If I only knew ten years ago what I know today…”? Well, this month on FLiP you’ll have that chance. No, we’re not unveiling a time machine. We are, however, setting aside a month for our readers to share their professional experiences and let others in on the secrets to success. What do you know now that would have put you way ahead when you started?

Last month FLiP put out the call to people from every level of experience. We asked everyone from senior executives to our brand new intern to share the knowledge they have amassed during their career. Advice ranges from “never stop dreaming” to “don’t sit near the kitchen.”  Topics range from specific philanthropic sector experience to generic “real world” advice.

Some of these posts are short articles, and some are simple bullet point lists. Throughout the month we will be sharing our accumulated knowledge with you, and we hope you do the same with us. What have you learned? Send your best advice to FLiP Editor Maria Nardell at mnardell@changingourworld.com.

Don’t worry, we’ll be posting the one I’m sure you’re all looking forward to most – mine - in the next few weeks. For all those who want to launch their own philanthropic networking blog, this will be invaluable stuff. I know, massive audience there.

In general FLiP news – since our first event readership has gone through the roof. We’re planning our second New York City event now, exploring the creation of a free membership list, and even working on opening FLiP “chapters” in New York and Washington, DC – our main FLiP strongholds. Do you want to start chapter in your city? A lot of other additions are on the horizon… do you want to be a part of it all? Drop me a line at wschneider@changingourworld.com – and let me know what you’d like to see.