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Moore to business “Whack-A-Mole”!

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We all remember the game Whack-A-Mole, right?  High paced game, expecting the player to quickly identify a mole popping from his hole in time to hit it on the head before it escapes back into the hole.  Miss it or hit it, the player then had to refocus their attention to where the next mole may pop up…and the cycle repeats.  Hectic and crazy for the player, but still possible to score some points here and there.  What a reactionary piece of work!

In consultations with individual business executives, I heard the term “whack-a-mole” used when they described their day-to-day activities – especially those centered on revenue generation (i.e. sales, fundraising, development, etc.).  How many of you have felt the same way in your business?

Several phrases can be used to imply that style of business operations – for example, crisis management OR urgent versus important OR even hampster wheel!  I had not heard “Whack-A-Mole” in this sense before and I hadn’t played it in forever.  If you’re a CEO or Executive Director, you are certainly charged with many responsibilities.  I mean, the buck stops with you, right?  Same goes for a Director of Development and the Sales VP in their area of specialty.

What can we do about it?  Change things, of course!

Sounds simple, but so many hold on strong to the idea that doing the same thing over and over will eventually get you different results – no, it won’t.  Changing behaviors through improvements, adjustments and modifications in structures and processes can get you there.  Will it be smooth sailing through this effort?  No.  Comfort and complacency makes expecting others to completely buy-in unrealistic.  However, as a leader you can create buy-in by sharing a passionate vision for the future and leading by example.  Specifically, remember to reiterate the mission and the rewards to come for all concerned (including the mission) if they risk following you through this change.

What kind of structural and procedural changes are needed?  The specific tasks are relative to each business, but maybe consider these questions IF the “Whack-A-Mole” feeling describes fundraising at your nonprofit:

  • Do you have a varied fundraising wheel?
  • Are your donor categories defined?
  • Do you have a communication and event calendar?
  • Are you utilizing multiple channels to engage donors?
  • Are you keeping event budgets accurate and transparent?
  • Do you set clear goals for calls, visits, proposals?
  • Are you coaching behaviors or results? How?
  • Are you practicing by employing role plays with your team?

There are more areas that would impact your future success, but these are a start.  At the beginning of change management, there has to be a commitment at the top – from you, the board chair and leadership.  Things can get dicey through the work of change and to land at the envisioned place of success, you will need leadership to back you.  You can likely imagine the pitfalls that ensue if they don’t.

Back to Whack-A-Mole: What did I do to get better at that game?  Nothing. It was out of my control – e.g. they sped up the moles as the game went along for crying out loud!  The player can’t implement any changes to the structure or process around the game, so I quit playing it.  Instead, I re-prioritized my time and resources and fell in love with Donkey Kong!  Think about it, are your donors or customers quitting because you are doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result – are you adverse to change?  Your retention and growth rates should tell you.

Transitioning from “Whack-a-mole” management, fundraising, operations, etc. requires discipline, commitment, accountability and leadership.  Influencing behaviors through changes in structure and process within YOUR business can be done.  Moore Business Strategies is here to help – email us for a consultation today!

Moore to Boss’s Day 2018?

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As National Boss’s Day comes to a close, today represents the first time in almost 20 years that I am not directly leading a team.

Reflecting on those years with Sunshine State Credit Union, Amsouth/Regions Bank, Southern Scholarship Foundation and TMH Foundation, I never took for granted the special role of being a player’s coach and celebrating October 16th with team members each year. I am fortunate to now partner with teams via Moore Business Strategies, but it is a little different.

With that said, I couldn’t resist expressing some gratitude to those I worked next to over the years that gave their best everyday to exceed expectations while also maintaining integrity, ethics and a positive attitude while we strived to go to places we had never been before as a team, organization or company!

There are too many team members to name here.  YOU know who you are!  THANK YOU for helping me be a better person, leader, and boss (as much as I don’t really like that word) and THANK YOU for the experience and for the fun.  Risk and reward came our way, but so did challenges and critical conversations.  Personal and professional growth happens through discomfort and change, and I tried my best to lead by example while on your team.  I am not blind to changes YOU made in me.  With much pride and joy, I fondly reflect on our time together and witness today where all of you are professionally and personally.

I treasure the numerous photos & videos, unique gifts (bobbleheads, plaques, frames), hand written cards, and unforgettable moments that typically accompanied October 16th each year with all of you – including this FAV from #SSF https://youtu.be/LmgAjhUKpvQ

Thanks again teammates!

Today I am my own “boss”, so maybe a selfie will suffice!  Take time to celebrate your current Boss today too.

Moore to Hurricane Michael?

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Much more to Hurricane Michael!  According to Tallahassee’s Mayor Gillum this morning, this is the largest hurricane to hit our area in over a century!

We wish everyone the best as this huge storm approaches.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families and the communities in its path.  Much gratitude goes out to our government officials and employees, our first responders, the hundreds of volunteers and our neighbors who have helped prepare for Hurricane Michael.

Hold on tight to those you love and care about and let’s be ready to help those in need after Michael moves on.  We are #TallahasseeStrong!

Moore to a high school reunion?

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My 30th high school reunion is this coming weekend – NSB Barracudas class of 1988!  During a bike ride last week, I pondered on the similarities of relationship dynamics in high school and our places of work.  Being a part of a team, in school or at work, provides a chance to build lasting relationships and to make a difference in the lives of others.  While pedaling along at 16 mph that morning, I focused my thoughts on the following similarities: 1) remember and celebrate; 2) authentic communication; and 3) cheerlead and congratulate.

1) Remember and Celebrate.

Life through our high school years and in the professional world are challenging for varying reasons.  Successes and failures seem to alternate on a regular basis.  Turned down for a date for prom?  Didn’t get a promotion you felt you deserved?  You made the varsity team!  You surpassed your sales goal for the first time!  With these and other happenings over a span of 30 years, you should make time to remember the moments and to celebrate them.

As classmates or colleagues, we are constantly challenged to do more, to be more and to go further.  Making it worse, there are leaders that put more focus on blame than improving the behavior required for potential success.  Be the one that takes time to remember the ups and down for what they were and to celebrate them in unique ways.  We get one trip around – enjoy moments a little more and stress over them a little less!  Celebrate mistakes, remember lessons learned.  You, your team and your friends will all be better for it.

2) Authentic Communication.

What a difference 30 years should make when it comes to our ability to communicate with classmates or with your colleagues in the workplace.  There is no doubt that all of us can improve how we speak to each other.  Being authentic in your communication mean letting people know what is expected of them, where they stand with you, and how much you value them.  Talking around corners and skipping critical conversations doesn’t build trust.  Avoiding confrontation doesn’t allow for valuable exchanges on improvement.  Saying what needs to be said – time and place appropriate – can be done with empathy, emotional intelligence and firmness.

A colleague shared once that she gives others the benefit of the doubt at the initial stage of conflict.  She trusts in the human condition and believes that inherently people want to do their best for the cause.  While I agree, it is necessary as leaders (and friends) that we not shy away from difficult conversations.  It’s also necessary to personally – and sincerely – engage in praise for others.  As proof of my dedication to Authentic Communication, here is my first blogging effort in 2008 http://mickeysmoore.blogspot.com/.  I credit my Leadership Tallahassee experience with helping me commit to authentic communication as a leader.

3) Cheerlead and Congratulate.

I am guilty here – if you know me, you know me to be charismatic, energetic and positive.  As a player-coach leader, I strongly value team dynamics – especially in giving credit to the team and having their back when things don’t go so well.  Maturity over the years helped me realize that laying blame isn’t the first step in a crisis and that a leader should share good news (results) as a collective effort – not an individual one.  Cheering others on is a job of a leader – most people need that extrinsic support to stay motivated and to exceed expectations.

Admittedly, in my younger years (high school through early career) there was a drive to be recognized and given credit for any and all things I did.  Through mentoring, education, experience and some failures, the sense of satisfaction in seeing others succeed quelled my own personal interests.  Recognition is verbal respect.  Congratulate others in special ways to build relationships and loyalty.  Success is relative to the individual and aspirations vary from person to person, but the recognition should still be meaningful and as personable as possible.  Be attentive and curious!  The more we know about our classmates and our colleagues, the more unique our congratulations can be!

I am looking forward to my 30th reunion in New Smyrna Beach – a time to remember and celebrate, to communicate in authentic ways, and to cheer and congratulate classmates.  Take time to do those same things with your team today.

Moore to donor retention?

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In the article here http://www.afpnet.org/ResourceCenter/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=50009, details a small percentage increase overall from 2016 and an improvement in the donor retention rate from 2016, but the retention rate is still hovering around 45%. Retention is one of the hottest topics in fundraising, and it should be.  So what can we do about it?

Fundraising success is rooted in relationship building with your donors.  Today, much of the focus on poor retention centers on efforts around stewardship – that is, actions after the gift has been received.  Stewardship has to be consistent, personable and periodically face-to-face for it to work best.  Additionally, much of the retention struggle should focus on the effective cultivation efforts before the first gift is made and the entry point the donor used for your organization.

Long term relationships take time and require a proactive, consistent approach.  Making a strong connection with a donor requires more listening and learning than simply “selling” your nonprofit’s mission.  If a majority of your fundraising results are tied to your annual fund (mailing, email blasts) and special events, challenges will exist in establishing a strong connection prior to the gift.  As an entry point, special events certainly bring prospects and donors into the fold of your organization, but don’t ignore the likelihood of these gifts not recurring the next year.  Your retention rates are negatively impacted by a heavy reliance on special event fundraising and annual appeals.

Connectivity and participation with donors has to be a clearly defined expectation for your team and it has to be executed consistently across your development plan.  Identifying meaningful ways for your donors to participate in your organization’s mission strengthens their connection and increases the likelihood of repeat gifts.

Does most of your fundraising revenue originate from special events and your annual fund?  If so, re-focus and re-balance the contributed support scales.  Your retention rate will increase if you spend more quality, relationship-building time with prospects and donors before they make a gift, and if you can acquire multi-year commitments with pledges and/or online giving.  Yes, it is necessary to spend time to get to know potential donors without receiving a gift at your first meeting or two.  In the long run, you will make lasting connections and identify more meaningful participation options for donors.

To become known, trusted and liked as a nonprofit requires proactive and consistent effort from everyone on the organization’s team.  Establishing a Culture of Philanthropy doesn’t happen overnight, but in time your donor retention will improve!