Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

December 4, 2007

Core values are your organization's steady compass, continually pointing toward the moral imperative. They cannot be a weathervane, spinning and changing at the slightest whim.

Define them, confirm them, understand them, commit them to memory, put them in writing. Regularly refer back to them to regain focus and maintain a centered organization. They are your conscience and the standard against which all will measure your actions, attitudes and success.

Each member of your team must embrace your core values. Make them a central element of volunteer and professional recruiting, philanthropic cultivation and community outreach. Be proud of them and share them openly. And always remember - actions must match the promise.

• Core values guide you in making decisions: What programs should we add? Into which communities should we expand our organization? How can we better serve our clients? What is a decision's impact - and on whom?

• Core values guide you in how you communicate and interact with your clients, constituents and peers: How does this special event reflect our organization's heart and soul? Does this activity say to our clients "we respect you and your circumstances?" How many times did you thank donors this week?

• Core values guide your daily activities: Do you spend the majority of your time promoting your organization or yourself? When you answer the phone do callers feel welcomed or turned off?

Today, perhaps more than ever, it is important to focus on doing the right things rather than simply doing things right. That starts with a strong set of core values.

- Tami T. Druzba, MBA, Vice President (Fort Worth, Texas) tami@hartsookcompanies.com

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

"Write one thank you letter each day. It is the most important thing to do. Make it a personal letter. Find a reason to say thank you. Do this for your staff as well. Find reasons to reward people." - Suzanne P. Cabrera, CFRE, The Lord's Place (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

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.