What I’ve Learned At the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference – Day 1

First and foremost, I should really walk a lot more – especially before coming to these things.  And that I’m 20 years older than I was when I lived in Chicago and 10 city blocks are a lot longer than they used to be.  But I digress . . . 

In no particular order:

• “Data isn’t numbers; its information” – Peter Drury
• “Organizational IQ – how much do your donors know abou your org?  Most donors have low Oranizational IQ.” – Jim Shapiro
• If you get the chance to hear Peter Drury or Jim Shapiro speak – run, do not walk.  But build stamina first and wear comfy shoes for the walking/running bit. #rookiemistake
• “You have to be sold out – to you BENEFICIARIES, your cause and your donors.” – Jim Shapiro again
• I want to be a sell out.
• Harvey McKinnon is as good in person as his books make you think he will be
• “Organizational Narcicism is the enemy of good fundraising.”  – Harvey McKinnon. 
• “Our donors want to be in the huddle, not on the sidelines cheering.” – Beth Ann Locke
• There are powerful stories out there and I’ve met hundreds of people who are out solving major problems every day.
• Fundraising in the arts is hard. 
• There is NO one size fits all approach to fundraising.  Everyone’s story is different and all are worth telling well.
• There are amazing people in this profession
• Believe the hype about the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference – it’s as good as you’ve heard
• Harrison Ford was here
• Chicago is still an amazing city.
• When you’re feeling a bit hopeless, being surrounded by 600 fellow fundraisers is the BEST place to be. 

And there’s far more than could be fit in a blog and still be ready for Day 2 tomorrow.