Getting Your Career on the Fast Track

As a professional fundraiser of more than 23 years, many development officers come to me and ask, "What can I do to take my career in fundraising to the next level?" I offer these tips:

Read as much as you can - Don't let professional journals and trade publications pile up until a rainy day. Each time I read an article or book about my profession I find something that is helpful and inspirational.
Get involved with professional associations - The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Planned Giving Council, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy. Local chapters throughout the country offer seminars and monthly meetings at which you can learn from others in the field.
Expand your position - Attend workshops to learn a new element of fundraising. If you started your career in special events or by expanding the annual fund, learn about soliciting major gifts, understanding the basic elements of planned giving or conducting an effective capital campaign.
Network with others in your field - Many fundraisers and development professionals willingly share their best practices when asked. Association chapter meetings offer educational opportunities but also are a great venue for networking.
Find a mentor - Some professional associations offer mentoring programs. Find one and get involved. If there isn't a structured program, identify a fundraising professional whose career you respect and enlist them as your mentor.

There is a plethora of information about fundraising available on the internet. You would be surprised how many great sample documents, worthwhile fundraising tools and interesting articles are available with just the click of your mouse.

- Emily Aldrich Barbour, Executive Vice President (Raleigh, N.C.) emily@hartsookcompanies.com

Another Smart Idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"I find that you never know what you might learn from your members and donors if you ask. I always ask what prompted their gift - no matter how small." - Alice Srinivasan, The Nature Conservancy (Washington, D.C.)

If you are interested in Best Practices and smart ideas, see these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

"Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers" by Robert G. Swanson (2007, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). This book shares proven strategies you can implement immediately to give Board members the confidence and tools needed to cultivate donors, solicit gifts and strengthen your organization's position in the community. To order this book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.
"Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.
"Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union.
"Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas.

For a free copy of "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM", please email Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.