http://www.ccsfundraising.com/images/stories/pdf/fundraising%20guidelines-adages%20and%20facts%202010_table.pdf
Amazing list of stats, facts, figures. Created by the big firm on the block CCS. Fantastic stuff-thank you CCS.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Something about this video...
http://www.vimeo.com/5606758
Watch this video on full screen-click the little X on the lower right corner of the video player. Some sound as well.
...just seemed to be pretty amazing.
Watch this video on full screen-click the little X on the lower right corner of the video player. Some sound as well.
...just seemed to be pretty amazing.
Friday, April 2, 2010
1969 to 2010 technology then and now!
Take a look at this video of how today's technology was imagined in 1969. Pretty amazing how far we've come over a relatively short period of time. How close did they get it back then?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/02/the-internet-in-1969-how_n_523080.html
I wonder what the next 40 years will bring? My kids will be directing me to some new link in 2050! showing me how goofy we were back in 2010 I reckon.
Enjoy and Happy Easter!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/02/the-internet-in-1969-how_n_523080.html
I wonder what the next 40 years will bring? My kids will be directing me to some new link in 2050! showing me how goofy we were back in 2010 I reckon.
Enjoy and Happy Easter!
Monday, March 29, 2010
File under: Why didnt I think of this!
This company was started by a couple of undergrads from Babson College-who obviously were far more creative than I was when I was there!
http://www.ideapaint.com/
We are doing a full 10x10 wall in the conference room with this! Should be good fun to just write on the walls and not get in trouble for it.
http://www.ideapaint.com/
We are doing a full 10x10 wall in the conference room with this! Should be good fun to just write on the walls and not get in trouble for it.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The burden of the blog...
The burden of a blog! A pastor in the Archdiocese of Boston recently told me that he had read my blog. Being a lifelong Catholic, guilt comes easily to me. I resolved to immediately resume blogging! This was ten days ago.
As the owner of the Cunneen Company I start each day with a long list of very important tasks-Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
So I begin: Check facebook, check email personal, check email company, post to my twitter account, change ring tone on Iphone, check email again, update facebook status, download the latest "Paper Toss" application to my I-Phone. You are welcome for THAT referral.
Being connected in this age of "social networking" of "virtual offices" of "smart phones" of 24/7 access is no small task. The blog? Can it be that the Blog is now past tense? We hardly knew you... I mean I can say a lot in 140 characters-thank you twitter. I don't even have to spell check there, its a forgiving medium.
I will think more about you Blog and make my decision soon! After all nobody really reads you and I ALREADY have followers on twitter-I can feel our relationship slipping away.
As the owner of the Cunneen Company I start each day with a long list of very important tasks-Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
So I begin: Check facebook, check email personal, check email company, post to my twitter account, change ring tone on Iphone, check email again, update facebook status, download the latest "Paper Toss" application to my I-Phone. You are welcome for THAT referral.
Being connected in this age of "social networking" of "virtual offices" of "smart phones" of 24/7 access is no small task. The blog? Can it be that the Blog is now past tense? We hardly knew you... I mean I can say a lot in 140 characters-thank you twitter. I don't even have to spell check there, its a forgiving medium.
I will think more about you Blog and make my decision soon! After all nobody really reads you and I ALREADY have followers on twitter-I can feel our relationship slipping away.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Archdiocese of Boston Solid - article parish giving.
http://www.parishfundraisingblog.com/blog/2009/12/11/whats-the-best-way-to-contribute-to-my-parish-in-2010.html
Now if only I can get them to suggest Cunneen's https://www.intentionalgiving.com/ as a viable electronic giving alternative to the ones mentioned in the article! Work is never done!
Now if only I can get them to suggest Cunneen's https://www.intentionalgiving.com/ as a viable electronic giving alternative to the ones mentioned in the article! Work is never done!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tim Tebow! One more reason to like this guy!
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/26/crimesider/entry6143065.shtml
Courage, conviction. This is a brave act for a sports figure just beginning his career. Bravo Tim!
Courage, conviction. This is a brave act for a sports figure just beginning his career. Bravo Tim!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Our company family continues to grow!
Throughout our almost 30 years in business, we have seen our family grow and would like to share some history with you.
Between the women and men working at Cunneen, we have:
42 Children (17 boys and 25 girls)
18 Grandchildren
7 Great grandchildren
We have 3 sets of twins ranging from 4 months, 20 years, to 43 years and one set of triplets at 2 1/2 years old.
In 2009, 3 year old “Maddie”, adopted from China, joined the Cunneen “work family”.
Between the women and men working at Cunneen, we have:
42 Children (17 boys and 25 girls)
18 Grandchildren
7 Great grandchildren
We have 3 sets of twins ranging from 4 months, 20 years, to 43 years and one set of triplets at 2 1/2 years old.
In 2009, 3 year old “Maddie”, adopted from China, joined the Cunneen “work family”.
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati!
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
. . . . .leading the way
The Cunneen Company wishes to congratulate Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati, Michael Vanderburgh, Director of Stewardship, Brian Doyle, Associate Director of Stewardship, and members of the Pastor’s Advisory Council for boldly deciding to launch an Archdiocesan-wide Parish Stewardship Initiative in the Fall of 2010.
Beginning in September of 2010, the first of 218 parish stewardship initiatives will commence. The goals of the effort are to deepen parishioner understanding of Stewardship of Treasure. Parishioners will be encouraged to increase their regular giving, to use offertory envelopes, to consider electronic giving, and to be intentional, reflective and prayerful in their support of their parish. All 175,000 families will have access to a three-year subscription of Stewardship in Motion a newsletter which explores all aspects of parish stewardship-Time, Talent, and Treasure.
Leading the way among Catholic Dioceses across the United States, parishes in the Archdiocese will benefit from parish initiatives, which will be funded by the Archdiocese. Each program will be customized to meet specific parish needs, parish timetables, and will reflect the conversation that individual parishes and pastors have already had with their parishioners about Stewardship.
Cunneen welcomes the Archdiocese to its family of clients and applauds its bold leadership. We look forward to our Fall 2010 launch!
. . . . .leading the way
The Cunneen Company wishes to congratulate Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati, Michael Vanderburgh, Director of Stewardship, Brian Doyle, Associate Director of Stewardship, and members of the Pastor’s Advisory Council for boldly deciding to launch an Archdiocesan-wide Parish Stewardship Initiative in the Fall of 2010.
Beginning in September of 2010, the first of 218 parish stewardship initiatives will commence. The goals of the effort are to deepen parishioner understanding of Stewardship of Treasure. Parishioners will be encouraged to increase their regular giving, to use offertory envelopes, to consider electronic giving, and to be intentional, reflective and prayerful in their support of their parish. All 175,000 families will have access to a three-year subscription of Stewardship in Motion a newsletter which explores all aspects of parish stewardship-Time, Talent, and Treasure.
Leading the way among Catholic Dioceses across the United States, parishes in the Archdiocese will benefit from parish initiatives, which will be funded by the Archdiocese. Each program will be customized to meet specific parish needs, parish timetables, and will reflect the conversation that individual parishes and pastors have already had with their parishioners about Stewardship.
Cunneen welcomes the Archdiocese to its family of clients and applauds its bold leadership. We look forward to our Fall 2010 launch!
Happy New Year
SAY WHAT YOU WILL ABOUT 2009
. . . . .BUT BORING IT WAS NOT!
Tasked with running our company in the midst of the greatest recession in seventy years, my brother and I have found the experience has left us with conflicting emotions. Over the past fourteen months, we’ve experienced great disappointment as well as extraordinary stress and pressure. This has been tempered, however, with many instances of our entire team pulling together in a spirit of collective sacrifice to help each other, to assist our clients, and to help the firm endure the hard times. As a company, we have never worked harder, better, more efficiently and dare I say, joyfully then we have over these past months. Hardship and sacrifice have brought out the best in us all.
As I proudly write this letter, I can’t help but think that every one of our client pastors could say the exact same things about their staff, about their volunteers, and about their parishioners. We have witnessed tens of thousands of families digging a bit deeper each weekend to help support their parish in these difficult times; the work of the church has never seemed more important! We have stood in awe as thousands of pledge cards from capital campaigns all across the country arrived in our office; each completed card giving witness to the importance of Church, Faith, Sacrifice and Hope.
We have witnessed the courage of pastors and lay leaders as they boldly made the difficult decisions that were necessary to keep their parishes operating and to maintain the services that their parishioners needed more than ever. We have seen those parishioners respond. Throughout one hundred fifty-seven appeals this fall and approximately three hundred over the course of the year, in dozens of dioceses, in almost thirty states; we have not seen a single instance where the faithful didn’t respond abundantly. It has been humbling.
Looking back, this has been the most difficult year in my professional life; it has also been the most rewarding. I have never felt more proud of the work that our firm does, of our staff, and of the clients we serve. What we do is important because what you do is essential. This year has been humbling and empowering; difficult, yet, wonderful. I look to the future with a renewed spirit of optimism and a deeper belief in the work that we do.
Thank you for permitting Cunneen to assist your parishes, your dioceses and the people who you serve. Your work is important; it is essential! It remains a privilege to serve our Church.
. . . . .BUT BORING IT WAS NOT!
Tasked with running our company in the midst of the greatest recession in seventy years, my brother and I have found the experience has left us with conflicting emotions. Over the past fourteen months, we’ve experienced great disappointment as well as extraordinary stress and pressure. This has been tempered, however, with many instances of our entire team pulling together in a spirit of collective sacrifice to help each other, to assist our clients, and to help the firm endure the hard times. As a company, we have never worked harder, better, more efficiently and dare I say, joyfully then we have over these past months. Hardship and sacrifice have brought out the best in us all.
As I proudly write this letter, I can’t help but think that every one of our client pastors could say the exact same things about their staff, about their volunteers, and about their parishioners. We have witnessed tens of thousands of families digging a bit deeper each weekend to help support their parish in these difficult times; the work of the church has never seemed more important! We have stood in awe as thousands of pledge cards from capital campaigns all across the country arrived in our office; each completed card giving witness to the importance of Church, Faith, Sacrifice and Hope.
We have witnessed the courage of pastors and lay leaders as they boldly made the difficult decisions that were necessary to keep their parishes operating and to maintain the services that their parishioners needed more than ever. We have seen those parishioners respond. Throughout one hundred fifty-seven appeals this fall and approximately three hundred over the course of the year, in dozens of dioceses, in almost thirty states; we have not seen a single instance where the faithful didn’t respond abundantly. It has been humbling.
Looking back, this has been the most difficult year in my professional life; it has also been the most rewarding. I have never felt more proud of the work that our firm does, of our staff, and of the clients we serve. What we do is important because what you do is essential. This year has been humbling and empowering; difficult, yet, wonderful. I look to the future with a renewed spirit of optimism and a deeper belief in the work that we do.
Thank you for permitting Cunneen to assist your parishes, your dioceses and the people who you serve. Your work is important; it is essential! It remains a privilege to serve our Church.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My favorite case letter of the season.
This letter inspired by the words of our client-the pastor at Saint Francis-but credit for the writing belongs to Harry Colin of the Cunneen team.
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish is blessed in so many ways! We are an active, vibrant parish that accepts with great eagerness Christ's call to evangelization. We center our worship on the Eucharistic Liturgy and from this wellspring all of our ministries flow. It is sometimes instructive for all of us to review just how far and in what directions our outreach extends, so permit me to briefly review just some of the highlights of our parish life and to discuss some exciting plans for our future.
Our celebrations of the liturgy are infused with energy, passion and prayerfulness. Our music ministry is superb and in the words of Saint Augustine, “ one who sings prays twice.” To strengthen this integral component of our parish life we want to appoint a Worship Ministry Coordinator to make our celebrations even more powerful and consistent.
We educate children from Pre-K age all the way through the elementary, middles school and high school years. This process is critical to our future and requires adequate resources to insure our children are properly catechized to go forth into a challenging world. Our RCIA and adult education programs also are important to us.
Effective and Gospel- inspired social action is an important ministry for us here also. Among the most prominent programs are Americares, the Christmas toy collection, our food drive and our ongoing care and outreach to our sick. We also sponsor a number of social gatherings that are important to sustain and buildupon our fellowship here at Saint Francis.
Communication that is far-reaching and effective is required to link all of our people and ministries together. We want to revive the parish newsletter and strengthen our presence on the website to further this aim.
We have now reached an important, exciting yet critical point in our parish life. We must take the opportunity presented to us now to insure these ministries survive and prosper. All of these ministries require resources to operate. Our parish offertory collection is the lifeblood that nourishes the heart from which our actions draw their inspiration. That is why I am asking each one of you to prayerfully consider making a modest increase in your weekly giving.
The members of the parish finance committee and I understand these are challenging times. Such times, however, require more from our parish ministries, not less and a strengthened collection is the only way for this to occur. By making every effort to be a regular and consistent user of your envelopes, and by making the commitment to nudge your weekly gift upward a bit, we can survive and flourish in our parish life.
Please pray over this important request I have presented you and respond as best you can. We are good stewards of what you have given us and we ask that you in turn practice good stewardship with your blessings. As Sacred Scripture tells us, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16) Whatever your decision, I ask for your prayers and assure you of mine on your behalf.
This parish has recorded a 25% increase in weekly giving-the message worked!
Saint Francis of Assisi Parish is blessed in so many ways! We are an active, vibrant parish that accepts with great eagerness Christ's call to evangelization. We center our worship on the Eucharistic Liturgy and from this wellspring all of our ministries flow. It is sometimes instructive for all of us to review just how far and in what directions our outreach extends, so permit me to briefly review just some of the highlights of our parish life and to discuss some exciting plans for our future.
Our celebrations of the liturgy are infused with energy, passion and prayerfulness. Our music ministry is superb and in the words of Saint Augustine, “ one who sings prays twice.” To strengthen this integral component of our parish life we want to appoint a Worship Ministry Coordinator to make our celebrations even more powerful and consistent.
We educate children from Pre-K age all the way through the elementary, middles school and high school years. This process is critical to our future and requires adequate resources to insure our children are properly catechized to go forth into a challenging world. Our RCIA and adult education programs also are important to us.
Effective and Gospel- inspired social action is an important ministry for us here also. Among the most prominent programs are Americares, the Christmas toy collection, our food drive and our ongoing care and outreach to our sick. We also sponsor a number of social gatherings that are important to sustain and buildupon our fellowship here at Saint Francis.
Communication that is far-reaching and effective is required to link all of our people and ministries together. We want to revive the parish newsletter and strengthen our presence on the website to further this aim.
We have now reached an important, exciting yet critical point in our parish life. We must take the opportunity presented to us now to insure these ministries survive and prosper. All of these ministries require resources to operate. Our parish offertory collection is the lifeblood that nourishes the heart from which our actions draw their inspiration. That is why I am asking each one of you to prayerfully consider making a modest increase in your weekly giving.
The members of the parish finance committee and I understand these are challenging times. Such times, however, require more from our parish ministries, not less and a strengthened collection is the only way for this to occur. By making every effort to be a regular and consistent user of your envelopes, and by making the commitment to nudge your weekly gift upward a bit, we can survive and flourish in our parish life.
Please pray over this important request I have presented you and respond as best you can. We are good stewards of what you have given us and we ask that you in turn practice good stewardship with your blessings. As Sacred Scripture tells us, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16) Whatever your decision, I ask for your prayers and assure you of mine on your behalf.
This parish has recorded a 25% increase in weekly giving-the message worked!
Monday, October 26, 2009
One of those fundraising stories.
This is one of those stories that fundraising people like me love to tell. I'll let the article do the telling but its one of thee good ones. Enjoy-and if you ever happen to be sitting in on one of my talks and I use this, please act surprised!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111091624
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111091624
Leadership! You know it when you see it.
Statement of Bishop Tobin in Response to Congressman Kennedy’s Attack on Catholic Church(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) -
The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, today issued the following statement in response to a Cybercast News Service article that reported: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I) told CNSNews.com that the Catholic Church is doing nothing but fanning “the flames of dissent and discord” by taking the position that it will oppose the health-care reform bill under consideration in Congress unless it is amended to explicitly prohibit funding of abortion.
“Congressman Patrick Kennedy’s statement about the Catholic Church’s position on health care reform is irresponsible and ignorant of the facts. But the Congressman is correct in stating that “he can’t understand.” He got that part right.
As I wrote to Congressman Kennedy and other members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation recently, the Bishops of the United States are indeed in favor of comprehensive health care reform and have been for many years. But we are adamantly opposed to health care legislation that threatens the life of unborn children, requires taxpayers to pay for abortion, rations health care, or compromises the conscience of individuals.
Congressman Kennedy continues to be a disappointment to the Catholic Church and to the citizens of the State of Rhode Island. I believe the Congressman owes us an apology for his irresponsible comments. It is my fervent hope and prayer that he will find a way to provide more effective and morally responsible leadership for our state.
The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, today issued the following statement in response to a Cybercast News Service article that reported: Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I) told CNSNews.com that the Catholic Church is doing nothing but fanning “the flames of dissent and discord” by taking the position that it will oppose the health-care reform bill under consideration in Congress unless it is amended to explicitly prohibit funding of abortion.
“Congressman Patrick Kennedy’s statement about the Catholic Church’s position on health care reform is irresponsible and ignorant of the facts. But the Congressman is correct in stating that “he can’t understand.” He got that part right.
As I wrote to Congressman Kennedy and other members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation recently, the Bishops of the United States are indeed in favor of comprehensive health care reform and have been for many years. But we are adamantly opposed to health care legislation that threatens the life of unborn children, requires taxpayers to pay for abortion, rations health care, or compromises the conscience of individuals.
Congressman Kennedy continues to be a disappointment to the Catholic Church and to the citizens of the State of Rhode Island. I believe the Congressman owes us an apology for his irresponsible comments. It is my fervent hope and prayer that he will find a way to provide more effective and morally responsible leadership for our state.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Our client in the news! Almost at goal...
We are pleased to report that St. Mary Star of the Sea in New London, CT, has crossed well beyond the $500,000 mark and are closing in on their $600,000 goal! No small accomplishment in this economy and in an economically challenged community. Father Washabaugh is an outstanding leader and his parishioners have really rallied to restore this historic church.
It's fun to celebrate the victories!
www.theday.com/article/20090921/NWS01/309219975
It's fun to celebrate the victories!
www.theday.com/article/20090921/NWS01/309219975
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A Widow's Might version 2.0
A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog. Jack London
Now THIS was a good question.
At a morning meeting with Monsignor Greico of Weston, CT we were discussing the "case for support" for his parish's upcoming offertory enchancement appeal. We covered the usual topics of budget vs. income, rising expenses, a slight dip in offertory due to the recession, the desire to expand ministries.
I thought we were doing pretty well-Monsignor didnt seem quite satisfied. As the discussion continued Monsignor became quiet, leaned back in his chair and seemed to settle into deep reflection. After a few moments he asked me this question:
"John, with all that is going on today, where do my people go to get hope?"
And there you have it...
I thought we were doing pretty well-Monsignor didnt seem quite satisfied. As the discussion continued Monsignor became quiet, leaned back in his chair and seemed to settle into deep reflection. After a few moments he asked me this question:
"John, with all that is going on today, where do my people go to get hope?"
And there you have it...
The Ask! A slightly different version.
How Am i Doing,v by Jack Canfield,
One of life's fundamental truths states, "Ask and you shall receive." As kids we get used to asking for things, but somehow we lose this ability in adulthood. We come up with all sorts of excuses and reasons to avoid any possibility of criticism or rejection. This is especially true when it comes to asking for opinions on our appearance, behavior, or performance. When is the last time you asked for a status report from a beloved or co-worker on your attitude, for example? How about a report card from a best friend? A grade on your parenting from your spouse or kids?
If you are not moving closer to what you want, you probably aren't doing enough asking. And you're probably not asking the single most important question that can help you achieve a higher level of success and personal fulfillment: How am I doing? This question can be asked in a variety of settings--at work, at home, with friends and colleagues, and even within yourself. The information you gather can be used to set new goals, refine your habits, and generally help you to make the improvements you know you need to make. Have faith that the person you ask will enjoy offering you truthful answers. After all, it's an opportunity to enrich that relationship and exchange very personal insights. You may even find yourself answering the same question back at the other person.
How to Ask
Some people don't enjoy the fruits of asking because they don't ask effectively. If you use vague language you will not be clearly understood. Here are five ways to ensure that your asking gets results.
1) Ask Clearly
Be precise. Think clearly about your request. Take time to prepare. Use a note pad to pick words that have the greatest impact. Words are powerful, so choose them carefully. If you throw the "How am I doing?" question out without specifics, it may take time for the other person to understand what you're getting at. Instead of being vague at the start, it may help to begin with a direct reference to exactly what topic you're referring to. For example, if it's your fitness habits, try "I really appreciate your thoughts on how I'm doing in my attempts to shape up physically. I'm hoping to drop a few pounds and eat better, but I'm wondering (since you're my husband and you see me more than anybody else) how you think I'm doing?" Later on, you can add something like, "Where do you think I could be going wrong, or could be doing better?"
2) Ask with Confidence
People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence. Don't be shy or feel intimidated by the experience. You may face some unexpected criticism, but be prepared for it with confidence. Try to have an open mind and heart. Don't get defensive if you hear something you don't like or that makes you uncomfortable. It's good to get a little squirmy once in a while upon the observations of others. They will inspire you to stop, reflect, and take steps to make a lifestyle shift for the better.
3) Ask Consistently
Some people fold after making one timid request. They quit too soon. Keep asking until you find the answers. In prospecting there are usually four or five "no's" before you get a "yes." Top producers understand this. When you find a way to ask that works, keep on asking it. You may, for example, want to ask a co-worker about your performance on an important team project, but you sense a reluctance from that person to offer an opinion. You can always ask another person who is more receptive to the question, or consider how you are asking it and try again. Because people don't normally go around asking others for opinions on how well they are doing, it's not a question typically heard. So be prepared to ask over and over again before you hear a clear--useful--answer.
4) Ask Creatively
Everyone is busy these days keeping up with life and To Dos. Asking someone to stop and evaluate you can seem awkward or time-consuming. Your asking may get lost in the crowd, unheard by the people you hope to reach. There is a way around this. If you want someone's attention, don't ask the ordinary way. Use your creativity to dream up a high-impact presentation. Example: "If you wanted me to do one thing differently in our relationship, what would that be?" Find right time to ask the question.
5) Ask Sincerely
When you really need help, people will respond. Sincerity means dropping the image facade and showing a willingness to be vulnerable. Tell it the way it is, lumps and all. Don't worry if your presentation isn't perfect; ask from your heart. Keep it simple and people will open up to you.
If you own your own business or have a lead role at work in dealing with customers, the how-am-I-doing question can go a long way in bringing you priceless information. And don't for a minute think that this is only a question for Customer Service. Asking for feedback is critical regardless of one's position. How do you really know if your product or service, for instance, is meeting your customers' needs? Ask them, "How are we doing? What can we do to improve our service to you? Please share what you like or don't like about our products." Set up regular customer surveys that ask good questions and tough questions. It's a powerful way to fine-tune your business--and all the relationship you forge in that business.
Think about taking an inventory of "how-am-I-doing" from various people in your life at least once a year. Make it an annual habit. I trust you'll be surprised and delighted at what you discover about yourself in this process. And it will surely lead the way to higher, more satisfying levels of yourself.
(c) 2009 Jack Canfield
Jack Canfield is America's #1 Success Coach, co-founder of the billion-dollar Chicken Soup for the Soul brand
Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jack-canfield/how-am-i-doing-the-one-qu_b_268600.html?view=print
One of life's fundamental truths states, "Ask and you shall receive." As kids we get used to asking for things, but somehow we lose this ability in adulthood. We come up with all sorts of excuses and reasons to avoid any possibility of criticism or rejection. This is especially true when it comes to asking for opinions on our appearance, behavior, or performance. When is the last time you asked for a status report from a beloved or co-worker on your attitude, for example? How about a report card from a best friend? A grade on your parenting from your spouse or kids?
If you are not moving closer to what you want, you probably aren't doing enough asking. And you're probably not asking the single most important question that can help you achieve a higher level of success and personal fulfillment: How am I doing? This question can be asked in a variety of settings--at work, at home, with friends and colleagues, and even within yourself. The information you gather can be used to set new goals, refine your habits, and generally help you to make the improvements you know you need to make. Have faith that the person you ask will enjoy offering you truthful answers. After all, it's an opportunity to enrich that relationship and exchange very personal insights. You may even find yourself answering the same question back at the other person.
How to Ask
Some people don't enjoy the fruits of asking because they don't ask effectively. If you use vague language you will not be clearly understood. Here are five ways to ensure that your asking gets results.
1) Ask Clearly
Be precise. Think clearly about your request. Take time to prepare. Use a note pad to pick words that have the greatest impact. Words are powerful, so choose them carefully. If you throw the "How am I doing?" question out without specifics, it may take time for the other person to understand what you're getting at. Instead of being vague at the start, it may help to begin with a direct reference to exactly what topic you're referring to. For example, if it's your fitness habits, try "I really appreciate your thoughts on how I'm doing in my attempts to shape up physically. I'm hoping to drop a few pounds and eat better, but I'm wondering (since you're my husband and you see me more than anybody else) how you think I'm doing?" Later on, you can add something like, "Where do you think I could be going wrong, or could be doing better?"
2) Ask with Confidence
People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence. Don't be shy or feel intimidated by the experience. You may face some unexpected criticism, but be prepared for it with confidence. Try to have an open mind and heart. Don't get defensive if you hear something you don't like or that makes you uncomfortable. It's good to get a little squirmy once in a while upon the observations of others. They will inspire you to stop, reflect, and take steps to make a lifestyle shift for the better.
3) Ask Consistently
Some people fold after making one timid request. They quit too soon. Keep asking until you find the answers. In prospecting there are usually four or five "no's" before you get a "yes." Top producers understand this. When you find a way to ask that works, keep on asking it. You may, for example, want to ask a co-worker about your performance on an important team project, but you sense a reluctance from that person to offer an opinion. You can always ask another person who is more receptive to the question, or consider how you are asking it and try again. Because people don't normally go around asking others for opinions on how well they are doing, it's not a question typically heard. So be prepared to ask over and over again before you hear a clear--useful--answer.
4) Ask Creatively
Everyone is busy these days keeping up with life and To Dos. Asking someone to stop and evaluate you can seem awkward or time-consuming. Your asking may get lost in the crowd, unheard by the people you hope to reach. There is a way around this. If you want someone's attention, don't ask the ordinary way. Use your creativity to dream up a high-impact presentation. Example: "If you wanted me to do one thing differently in our relationship, what would that be?" Find right time to ask the question.
5) Ask Sincerely
When you really need help, people will respond. Sincerity means dropping the image facade and showing a willingness to be vulnerable. Tell it the way it is, lumps and all. Don't worry if your presentation isn't perfect; ask from your heart. Keep it simple and people will open up to you.
If you own your own business or have a lead role at work in dealing with customers, the how-am-I-doing question can go a long way in bringing you priceless information. And don't for a minute think that this is only a question for Customer Service. Asking for feedback is critical regardless of one's position. How do you really know if your product or service, for instance, is meeting your customers' needs? Ask them, "How are we doing? What can we do to improve our service to you? Please share what you like or don't like about our products." Set up regular customer surveys that ask good questions and tough questions. It's a powerful way to fine-tune your business--and all the relationship you forge in that business.
Think about taking an inventory of "how-am-I-doing" from various people in your life at least once a year. Make it an annual habit. I trust you'll be surprised and delighted at what you discover about yourself in this process. And it will surely lead the way to higher, more satisfying levels of yourself.
(c) 2009 Jack Canfield
Jack Canfield is America's #1 Success Coach, co-founder of the billion-dollar Chicken Soup for the Soul brand
Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jack-canfield/how-am-i-doing-the-one-qu_b_268600.html?view=print
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
It takes a big shovel to fill an even deeper hole!
Approximately eighteen months ago, we were given the unique opportunity of conducting a diocesan-wide offertory enhancement appeal for the Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg, NY. Under the guidance of then Most Rev. Bishop Robert Cunningham (now Bishop of Syracuse) and with the careful attention of Vicar General Murphy and the Development office, we successfully raised the offertory by an average of 25% across their 113 parishes.
While I would love to spend the next several paragraphs expounding about the outstanding Cunneen process, that is not what this newsletter is about. We are proud of our work in Ogdensburg and they are very pleased with Cunneen. The purpose of this article is to challenge you, the reader, to think a bit bigger about parish and diocesan finance.
What impact would a 25% increase in giving have not just on the parishes in your diocese but on the entire diocese including all the programs and services funded through the Cathedraticum and diocesan assessment. A 25% increase in offertory at the parish level translates to a 25% increase in revenue derived from the Cathedraticum or assessment (without having to ask parishes for an even greater sacrifice).
Referencing the Diocese of Ogdensburg, they negotiated a 25% decrease from the regular fee and agreed to subsidize the remaining fee by one-third. This left the parishes with two-thirds of a greatly reduced fee. The diocese took it one step further and advanced this money to the parishes with the parishes reimbursing the diocese once their appeals were conducted. At that point, the new income was already flowing into the parish and the Cunneen guarantee met.
√ 100% of the parishes participated, and
√ 100% of the parishes realized a significant increase
Eighteen months later, pastors completed a survey and indicated that their increases were holding. The base was solidified, all parties benefited greatly, and the Church in Ogdensburg is stronger.
We, as a Church, as well as The Cunneen Company cannot keep trying to solve the same problems with the same solutions. We need to move beyond just fixing individual problems at individual parishes. Local solutions just aren’t big enough. If the will to conduct an appeal, diocesan-wide, does not exist, perhaps it does city-wide, deanery-wide or regionally. If the parishes who need it the most won’t or cannot conduct an appeal, perhaps the diocese can under- write the fee or subsidize its most needy parishes.
Cunneen remains ready to partner with your diocese, your parish, your deanery, or all of the parishes in your city on BIG solutions that solve BIG problems.
While I would love to spend the next several paragraphs expounding about the outstanding Cunneen process, that is not what this newsletter is about. We are proud of our work in Ogdensburg and they are very pleased with Cunneen. The purpose of this article is to challenge you, the reader, to think a bit bigger about parish and diocesan finance.
What impact would a 25% increase in giving have not just on the parishes in your diocese but on the entire diocese including all the programs and services funded through the Cathedraticum and diocesan assessment. A 25% increase in offertory at the parish level translates to a 25% increase in revenue derived from the Cathedraticum or assessment (without having to ask parishes for an even greater sacrifice).
Referencing the Diocese of Ogdensburg, they negotiated a 25% decrease from the regular fee and agreed to subsidize the remaining fee by one-third. This left the parishes with two-thirds of a greatly reduced fee. The diocese took it one step further and advanced this money to the parishes with the parishes reimbursing the diocese once their appeals were conducted. At that point, the new income was already flowing into the parish and the Cunneen guarantee met.
√ 100% of the parishes participated, and
√ 100% of the parishes realized a significant increase
Eighteen months later, pastors completed a survey and indicated that their increases were holding. The base was solidified, all parties benefited greatly, and the Church in Ogdensburg is stronger.
We, as a Church, as well as The Cunneen Company cannot keep trying to solve the same problems with the same solutions. We need to move beyond just fixing individual problems at individual parishes. Local solutions just aren’t big enough. If the will to conduct an appeal, diocesan-wide, does not exist, perhaps it does city-wide, deanery-wide or regionally. If the parishes who need it the most won’t or cannot conduct an appeal, perhaps the diocese can under- write the fee or subsidize its most needy parishes.
Cunneen remains ready to partner with your diocese, your parish, your deanery, or all of the parishes in your city on BIG solutions that solve BIG problems.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Do you have to? YES! Blogging, Facebook, Twitter and you…
I had hoped never to have to write this article but alas the time has come.
It is time for Catholic parishes to move beyond bulletins and websites as the sole methods for communicating with their parishioners. Yes! This article is about embracing blogging, Facebook and dare I say Twitter.
As a society we are experiencing a major and rapid change in how we seek, acquire and ultimately consume information. We are migrating away from traditional sources such as the home delivered newspaper, the news magazine and the evening news. We are visiting websites of our choosing from our computers or our smart phones. We are simultaneously narrowing our focus to specific types of news or specific viewpoints while at the same time using technology to keep us informed on a remarkably broad range of subjects.
Want to know if a severe thunderstorm is approaching your area? No problem sign up for a weather alert and your phone will notify you with a warning. Are you interested in up to date scores of your favorite team? Instant notification is about ten keystrokes away. Ever wonder what happened to that funny kid who you bunked with in summer camp? She is on Facebook-waiting for you to “friend her”.
Modern technology has changed much about how people interact with each other and connect with their community. There is much to be concerned about; there is no question that “new” comes with a fair amount of “not quite as good as it was”.
Embracing the new technology, however, can also be extraordinarily powerful. It can bring people together; it can dramatically expand the ease and speed in how you communicate with your parishioners, area Catholics, or supporters. Effective use of this technology also provides a forum for disseminating real content, for having real conversations, for tackling important topics.
Blog sites, Facebook and even twitter are all tools that Catholic Dioceses as well as parishes need to be investigating. A quick search on the term “Catholic Parish” on the Facebook website yields dozens of parishes who have built their own “groups” to promote the parish, to connect members of their youth programs, to discuss their faith. Some parishes have several hundred members in their groups that they can communicate within seconds, several hundred members who are learning about their parish, their youth group, parish activities or important elements of their faith.
An investigation of the www.Blogspot.com blog hosting company provides dozens of examples of blogs being maintained by Catholic pastors where important topics related to our faith are being discussed. There are blogs from business managers, youth ministers and energetic lay people. Discussions are happening, people are sharing, and people are connecting!
Most of these sites are free and have tools which allow for privacy, access and content control.
As for Twitter it is worth looking at if only to get a preview of where things may be heading. Essentially it is a real time, running dialog, of very short messages from an individual to a community of people who have elected to be kept informed of the individual’s activities.
The big message of this article is blogs, Facebook and even Twitter are important tools that individuals, leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations and churches are using to communicate, to build community and to connect people with common interests and ideas to each other.
Sounds familiar, sounds relevant, sounds important!
John
(note: article to appear in an upcoming Cunneen Company newsletter, I am well aware that anyone reading this knows about blogs!)
It is time for Catholic parishes to move beyond bulletins and websites as the sole methods for communicating with their parishioners. Yes! This article is about embracing blogging, Facebook and dare I say Twitter.
As a society we are experiencing a major and rapid change in how we seek, acquire and ultimately consume information. We are migrating away from traditional sources such as the home delivered newspaper, the news magazine and the evening news. We are visiting websites of our choosing from our computers or our smart phones. We are simultaneously narrowing our focus to specific types of news or specific viewpoints while at the same time using technology to keep us informed on a remarkably broad range of subjects.
Want to know if a severe thunderstorm is approaching your area? No problem sign up for a weather alert and your phone will notify you with a warning. Are you interested in up to date scores of your favorite team? Instant notification is about ten keystrokes away. Ever wonder what happened to that funny kid who you bunked with in summer camp? She is on Facebook-waiting for you to “friend her”.
Modern technology has changed much about how people interact with each other and connect with their community. There is much to be concerned about; there is no question that “new” comes with a fair amount of “not quite as good as it was”.
Embracing the new technology, however, can also be extraordinarily powerful. It can bring people together; it can dramatically expand the ease and speed in how you communicate with your parishioners, area Catholics, or supporters. Effective use of this technology also provides a forum for disseminating real content, for having real conversations, for tackling important topics.
Blog sites, Facebook and even twitter are all tools that Catholic Dioceses as well as parishes need to be investigating. A quick search on the term “Catholic Parish” on the Facebook website yields dozens of parishes who have built their own “groups” to promote the parish, to connect members of their youth programs, to discuss their faith. Some parishes have several hundred members in their groups that they can communicate within seconds, several hundred members who are learning about their parish, their youth group, parish activities or important elements of their faith.
An investigation of the www.Blogspot.com blog hosting company provides dozens of examples of blogs being maintained by Catholic pastors where important topics related to our faith are being discussed. There are blogs from business managers, youth ministers and energetic lay people. Discussions are happening, people are sharing, and people are connecting!
Most of these sites are free and have tools which allow for privacy, access and content control.
As for Twitter it is worth looking at if only to get a preview of where things may be heading. Essentially it is a real time, running dialog, of very short messages from an individual to a community of people who have elected to be kept informed of the individual’s activities.
The big message of this article is blogs, Facebook and even Twitter are important tools that individuals, leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations and churches are using to communicate, to build community and to connect people with common interests and ideas to each other.
Sounds familiar, sounds relevant, sounds important!
John
(note: article to appear in an upcoming Cunneen Company newsletter, I am well aware that anyone reading this knows about blogs!)
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