I recently turned 46 years old, and find myself in search of deeper meaning from my next 46 years.
Maybe this is it — my very own my mid-life crisis?
In lieu of trading in my 20 year marriage, 2 story Georgian, and Golden Retriever for a young blonde, red sports car, and downtown studio apartment . . .
I’m Opting For A Shift In Professional Direction — not a wholesale transformational change, mind you — but a meaningful shift, nonetheless.
Since the new year started, I’ve been learning as much as I can about the non-profit arena. What a fascinating world this is — and at the risk of sounding a bit immodest, a segment of our economy that would do quite well to invite me (and few more like me) to the table.
Much like the world of business training & consulting that I come from, I’m learning there’s a tremendous gap between the “have’s” and the “have not’s” in the non-profit sector as well.
And exactly like the private sector I come from . . . the place is over-run with throngs of very nice, incredibly dedicated, quite talented, well-intentioned souls generating distinctly mediocre results — and doomed to continue doing so until and unless they:
STOP blaming “the economy”
STOP screening / hiring so heavily on industry-specific (in this case, “non-proft”) experience
START “biting them in the neck” (making the calls, asking for the money)
START collaborating (instead of competing) with each other
** As you might imagine, this STOP / START list of mine is actually much longer. Hire me to run (or at least raise money for) your cause, and I’ll share it with you IN ACTION.
The Reaon I Mention It: I hope to report some day soon that in addition to the Speaking Engagements, hosting the High Velocity Radio Show, and helping Professional Service businesses go to market more effectively . . . I will also be “Director Of Development” (or maybe even Exec Director / Depty. Director ??) for a worthy cause based here in Metro Atlanta.
Yes — I recognize that at first glance, my resume’ doesn’t exactly scream “This guy should be doing non-profit work.” But read between the lines — and if your non-profit needs help (they do), let’s have a cup of coffee and talk it through . . .
In that conversation, I think you’ll discover me to be particularly well-suited for writing compelling grant proposals, motivating and mobilizing board members, inspiring community leaders and volunteers, collaborating with other non-profits in the area to craft a better philanthropic environment for all — and of course, looking a wealthy potential donor in the eye, calmly encouraging her to consider a gift of six or seven figures . . . and getting it.
This is my pursuit — my StoneQuest 2010, and I WILL succeed.
In the meantime . . . Todd and I both continue learning about so many important causes, and meeting the wonderful people behind them. And we plan to introduce them to you right here on the High Velocity Blog in 2 ways:
1. We’ve started the Making A Difference section of the High Velocity Blog — dedicated to promoting and supporting those among us who are serving the poor, the homeless, the battered, the addicted, the hungry, the ill, the brave who guard our freedom, the elderly who taught us to love, and the youth who hold our future.
In this section, we let you know about upcoming events, opportunities to serve . . . and of course, report on our escapades as we hang out with these passionate, inspiring people and learn more about their worthy causes.
** If you think we should be posting something about YOUR cause, simply call (770.518.1412) or shoot us a note at: stone@highvelocityblog.com
2. On Feb.22, we’ll air our first “Making A Difference” Roundtable on the High Velocity Radio Show, and plan to broadcast this same type of show featuring non-profits, corporate affairs reprsentatives, and cause marketing experts at least every quarter.
As of this writing, scheduled guests for for the Feb. 22 show include Molly Rhea with For Momentum, Megan Anderson, Executive Director for Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, and Brian Hermanson, Executive Director for the Cobb Symphony Orchestra.
Enjoy — And when you meet someone in the non-profit arena who you believe we might serve in some way, please help us get connected.
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I’m behind the StoneQuest 100%! Your video efforts with the Cobb Symphony Orchestra are going to make a difference – and soon.
Mr. Youngblood . . .
Thanks so much for your support on StoneQuest 2010 !!
P.S. Can’t make the Cobb Symphony 5k run on Saturday Feb 20 — doing a keynote that morning — but participating as a Phantom Runner (LOVE having that option!), plus . . . sending my minion, Todd Schnick to run in person.