It’s been an amazing, challenging, interesting year. One of my favorite people I’ve spent time with online this year is Seth Godin, marketing guru and all around brilliant guy. He says:

“Now, more than ever, we need to shake things up.

Now, more than ever, we need a different way of thinking, a useful way to focus and the energy to turn the game around. I hope a new ebook I’ve organized will get you started on that path. It took months, but I think you’ll find it worth it the effort.

Here are more than seventy big thinkers, each sharing an idea for you to think about as we head into the new year. From bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert to brilliant tech thinker Kevin Kelly, from publisher Tim O’Reilly to radio host Dave Ramsey, there are some important people riffing about important ideas here. The ebook includes Tom Peters, Jackie Huba and Jason Fried, along with Gina Trapani, Bill Taylor and Alan Webber.

Here’s the deal: it’s free. Download it here.”

I hope you’ll take the time to download Seth’s ebook and read each page. It’s a fast, fun read and a great conversation starter. Share it with others and start a chain reaction of excited, fresh thinking.

In my work I’m committed to providing a new lens to view all that we do to raise awareness and dollars for great social causes. Thank you to each of you who have worked harder and smarter this year than ever before. I’m proud to be a part of the social sector and I look forward to 2010 when together we will find more ways to challenge our thinking and more useful ways to focus our time and energy.

I welcome hearing your comments and feedback about Seth’s ebook.

Happy holidays!

Great article on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) website:

Check Your Mindset to Market Your Way Out of the Recession

I believe that getting into action, rather than reacting, is the best plan. In this article, Elaine Vogel provides some great tips on getting into action and getting into the mindset that we can engage in communication that is helpful and keeps our donors and volunteers connected for the long-haul.

Some tips from the article:

1. Do Some Primary Research

Talk to your current and prospective donors and stakeholders. How are they hurting? What can you do to help? What are their challenges? Listen and they’ll give you some valuable information.

2. Make Use of Secondary Research

3. Plan, Plan and Plan

4. Do You Have the Right Mindset?

5. Look at cost-effective marketing tactics

• Social Media
• Word-of-mouth marketing
• Develop professional marketing/fundraising materials
• Cause marketing

Click here to read the full article