5 Ways to Bolster Your LinkedIn Presence Today
16 Aug
Digital Marketing, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise, Productivity, Social Media

5 Ways to Bolster Your LinkedIn Presence Today

LinkedIn is an excellent channel to build your personal brand and establish yourself as a thought leader in a network of professionals. Gaining traction on LinkedIn isn’t easy, however. You need to understand how it works, how to work with its tools, and what type of content generates the best response.

1. Post Consistently

Consistent posting is the single most important aspect of success on LinkedIn. Posting too often can harm your presence and makes your followers feel bombarded with your content. Likewise, posting too infrequently can get your posts lost in the newsfeed.

Ideally, post two or three times a week, and no more than once a day. Depending on your audience, you may get more engagement if you post in the morning instead of the afternoon or evening. Be sure to research your followers to see when they’re most active.

2. Share Visual Content

LinkedIn may not be TikTok or Instagram, but it still thrives on visual content. Research suggests that articles with images receive up to 94% more views than text posts. And it’s not just images – you can try videos, slide shows, or infographics to capture the attention of followers.

3. Support Your Fellow Professionals

Don’t just share your own content. According to the 4-1-1 Rule, for every post that’s your own, you should repost one relevant post and share four pieces of relevant content written by others. When you follow this rule, you’re providing helpful, industry-relevant insights for your audience and supporting your fellow business owners.

Another benefit is that sharing a post also shares your opinion. No industry is without its controversy or differing opinions. When you share content you like, you’re subtly providing your opinion on a topic. If you wish, add your own caption to expand on the topic and offer your own insights.

4. Don’t Be Salesy

The point of getting on social media is to promote yourself, but that doesn’t mean you need to turn into a pushy used car salesman. You’re there to provide value to your community, first and foremost.

For example, avoid posting directly about your business, products, or services. This just comes off as blatant promotion and may turn people off. 

Before you can self-promote, you have to engage in valuable discussions with your community and share information that may be interesting to them. If you make an impact, that can drive people to visit your website and your products.

5. Create Specific Content

If you’re active on social media, there’s a good chance you have followers on just about every platform. Instead of having them see the same things on all your social accounts, create specific content just for LinkedIn.

This is the perfect platform for it as well. You may have customers as followers on LinkedIn, but you probably also have a number of industry professionals on your page that you can update and share insights with.

Get Your Business on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is only growing in popularity and becoming an increasingly powerful platform. If you’re not on LinkedIn yet, or you’re struggling to boost your activity, use these tips to attract and engage followers.

Looking for guidance in marketing or scaling your business? Work with Allison directly to develop the skills you need to succeed with your business!

08 Aug
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise

How to Start Speaking at Conferences as a Business Owner

As your business grows and you establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry, you’ll have more opportunities to get up in front of an audience and share your wisdom. Whether a keynote or a panel with peers, speaking at conferences and trade events is a great way to promote your business and boost your exposure.

It can still be a challenge to find the right speaking opportunities, however. Here are some tips to get the ball rolling.

Be Specific

If you’re thinking that you just “want to start speaking,” that’s not enough. You should know the types of venues and audiences you want to speak to.

Do you want a small venue and audience with industry people? Would you prefer to speak locally at conferences? Are you looking for an audience of college students and young entrepreneurs or established business professionals?

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of speaking opportunities to consider. Narrow your focus to start and look for opportunities that meet your criteria. Once you’re specific, finding the ideal venues will become much easier.

Search for Speaking Opportunities

The internet can be useful for finding speaking engagements. You can search by location, event, or venue to find the right fit. You should also follow speakers and events on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to find new avenues for events that may be of interest.

Here’s where being specific helps. Instead of searching for “speaking opportunities,” which will get you nowhere, you can search for specific events like “veterinary conferences,” “food and beverage conferences,” and ”automotive trade show.” Make a list of the events that you may want to pitch for later.

Create Your List

In a document on your computer or phone, create a list of possible events and conferences that you can pitch. Be sure to include links, dates, and contact information for each one.

Until you become a major name in your industry, it’s unlikely that anyone will approach you with speaking opportunities. You’re going to have to make your own luck and find the right events. Remember, some of these events book months in advance, so make sure you pay attention to the timeline and put your pitch in on time.

Contact Coordinators

You have your list of events and contact information and it’s time to pitch! Don’t send out a generic pitch to everyone on the list with only the names changed – take the time to personalize it.

If you’ve attended the event in the past, mention it. Share details about how the event had a positive impact on your life. You don’t want to jump right into asking for an opportunity. Take time to build the relationship.

Share a bit about yourself, inquire about the event, ask specific questions, and most importantly, keep it short and sweet. For example, ask when they’ll be taking speaker applications for the event. After you’ve built a relationship with a few emails, you can mention that you’re looking for speaking opportunities, what you speak about, and how it’s valuable to the audience.

Book Your Speaking Event

Getting booked as a guest speaker is a huge opportunity for yourself and your business. These opportunities don’t just fall into your lap, however – you have to put time, energy, and work into the process.

What could you do with more confidence? Work with Allison directly to gain the confidence you need to achieve your dreams!

6 Places to Get Your Voice Heard
11 Jul
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Digital Marketing, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise, Marketing

6 Places to Get Your Voice Heard

Have you ever attended a keynote and been moved? Watched a Ted Talk over and over? Liked and shared a social media post that was powerful?

You have a voice, too, and you can be empowered to share it with others. All of us have the power to be influential, whether in the digital world or the real one.

Here are 6 places to get your voice heard and spark change.

1. Your Blog

Blogs may have started with moms sharing their experiences, but they’ve become a vital part of business. In fact, many people make money sharing their expertise on their own blog and industry, such as travel.

If you have a blog, start sharing your thoughts and ideas. If you don’t, get started! This is a great way to get your voice heard and establish yourself as an authority. It may take time, but it’s worth the payoff.

2. Email

Despite the rise of other types of marketing, email is still an effective way to share content with an audience and capture their attention. You can begin with a newsletter that comes out once a month, or a few times a month, to build your audience.

3. YouTube

Video is a persuasive medium that many have leveraged for success. Whatever your business venture or cause, just about anyone can create professional videos or promos to share on YouTube. The cleverer and more creative the idea, the more traction you’re likely to receive, but don’t be afraid to just jump into it.

4. Social Media

Social media is incredibly powerful. From politicians to brands to influencers, just about everyone is using social media to connect with others and share ideas and opinions, and you can do the same.

Major platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are excellent places to start, but you could also share your expertise on platforms like Quora and Reddit. People often use these platforms to ask questions or seek discussions within certain industries or topics, and that’s your time to shine.

5. Publications

Most publications accept pitches from writers to feature in their upcoming issues. With the rise of digital publications, you have more opportunity than ever before to get a feature article with the right pitch and audience.

Pitching takes time, however. You may not get published at the first try, or the second, or even the 10th, but keep going! Eventually, you’ll find the right fit for your article. And even if you’re rejected once, don’t be afraid to pitch again in the future! Maybe your article is a good fit, but not for right now.

6. Local Venues

Similar to pitching publications, you may be able to book local speaking engagements at small venues. Like publications, venues typically have a long lead time and specific guidelines and requirements for speakers.

You may need to approach a dozen different venues before you get booked, but that’s just part of the process. Don’t get discouraged! Keep trying.

Get Professional Coaching

Learning how to channel and share your voice isn’t easy, but you have plenty of outlets to be heard. The most important thing is having the confidence in yourself, and coaching from an expert like Allison Todd can help! Work with Allison Todd directly!

Contractors vs. Full-Time: The Small Business Guide
03 Jun
Business Coach, Entrepreneurship, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise

Contractors vs. Full-Time: The Small Business Guide

One of the most effective ways to scale your business is to grow your team. But that can be a difficult undertaking with several considerations before you even start taking applications or interviewing contractors. 

The Difference

A freelance contractor works for you independently and covers taxes on their own. An employee is an in-house team member that answers to you. You’re responsible for reporting their earnings to the IRS. 

You hire a contractor as a 1099 employee after the terms and scope of services provided are agreed upon, as well as the cost. In this role, you will not have control over their process, pricing, or working hours, unless these were stipulated in the agreement. 

This category would include:

  • – Freelancers
  • – Consultants
  • – Temp-to-hire
  • – Agencies

A W2 employee is usually a long-term arrangement where you provide consistent direction and supervision. You dictate their hours, their job expectations, and pay. For a W2 employee, you may also have to offer other benefits or insurance.

There is also no competition for their time. A contractor will have other clients and projects in the works that require their attention, whereas an employee is someone you don’t have to share. 

The Cost

Independent contractors typically get paid with a flat fee for any services rendered or deliverables provided. This is usually determined in contract negotiations prior to any work taking place. 

With a contractor, you’re paying for their talent and expertise. While you’re in control of your overall project, they will play a more collaborative role, like a consultant. As a business owner in their own right, consider them a partner in your business, not an underling.

For a W2 employee, you can pay an hourly wage or salary that fits within your budget. Talent that is interested in that pay scale will apply and may or may not negotiate pay. Keep in mind that when you hire a W2 employee, you will also have to cover any benefits, 401K, as well as cover tax payments.

Contractors will typically cost you more upfront with deposits and initial fees, whereas employees will require very little upfront but could cost you more over time. 

The Bottom Line

What do you want most out of this new team member? Do you want total control over their schedule? Are you looking for someone you can train up who will buy into your company culture and mission? 

Do you want exclusive access to their attention and talents? Are you hoping this person can wear multiple hats to take even more tasks off your plate? If you can afford all of the incidentals that come with an in-house employee, this may be the best path.

Or are you more interested in saving on hiring costs and benefits? Do you need more flexibility with short-term contracts? Is your need more immediate, and you don’t have time to train someone? 

If you’re not sure what you need or who to bring on, let’s chat! Helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses is my sweet spot! Book a consultation!

Break the Cycle of Toxic Productivity with Self-Love 
10 May
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Grow Your Expertise, Productivity

Break the Cycle of Toxic Productivity with Self-Love 

With our always-on, always-available, fake-it-til-you-make-it hustle culture, there’s glory in being the workaholic, the go-getter, the workhorse.

We’ve normalized hustle culture, made it so that if you’re not always rushing, busy, and stressed, you’re not trying hard enough. Always go the extra mile.

Answer an email late in the evening? Sure! Put in extra hours on the weekend? No worries, you didn’t have plans anyway.

That’s not glory. That’s a fast-track to burnout and toxic productivity.

Being stressed and overworked is a toxic mindset skewed positive to keep you pushing harder and harder. But once you recognize it, you can prioritize self-love and break the toxic cycle.

What Is Toxic Productivity?

In recent years, our culture has been about the hustle and the grind. The “first-in, last-out” type is the one who gets the promotion.

The shift to hybrid and remote work only worsened this mindset. The boundaries between our work lives and our personal lives blurred more and more. Our phones and laptops are always on, we’re always available – and expected to be.

It’s difficult to turn the notifications off, especially with no physical separation between work and home. Our home office, couch, recliner, or even our beds may have become the new workspace, so of course we can’t just turn our work minds off.  

With no rest, no downtime, and no boundaries, we can’t enjoy our free time or focus on self-care and self-reflection. We may prioritize a project over date night, our child’s sports game or recital, or our own sleep.

Productivity is important, for sure, but it can be detrimental if it consumes our lives. If we think work is more important than anything else, to the point that we can’t relax and enjoy our families, hobbies, or time relaxing on our own, that’s when productivity builds to burnout.

Balance, rest, and self-love are vital to true productivity. If you’re running on fumes or struggling with concentration and focus, are you truly productive? Is the work you’re doing the best quality it can be?

Probably not. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

My Struggle with Toxic Productivity

“Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

We’ve all heard some variation on this quote, implying that if you’re passionate about what you do, it’ll never feel like work. You can’t get overworked, stressed, or burned out doing what you love, right? Wrong!

I was nearly claimed by my own toxic productivity. I worked all the time. It was easier to be productive.

Then COVID-19 hit. The lockdowns, stillness, and the claustrophobia of the pandemic made me feel like I had to move faster, produce twice as much, and push toward my ultimate goal.

I was buried in toxic productivity without realizing it – only to be buried by the bad news avalanche.

It was time to reconnect and recharge, focus a little on me. Time for a reset.

How to Overcome Toxic Productivity

The most important tool for overcoming toxic productivity is knowing how to recognize it.

Are you always focused on work – always checking email, even during time with your family or friends?

Are you checking or answering communications during off-hours, such as nights and weekends?

Are you measuring your self-worth through your work? Is excelling at your job or career the most important thing to you?

Are you missing out on quality time with your family, friends, pets, or hobbies in order to work?

Are you using work as a way to escape difficult life situations, such as a significant death or conflict with your partner?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you may be struggling with toxic productivity.

Fortunately, you can break the cycle of overworking.

Take an Extended Recess from Work Responsibilities

If you’ve been going and going, it’s time to take a break. Taking time away from work responsibilities to focus on fun and passions is important at any time, but it’s even more important after the tumult of the past two years.

We experienced a collective trauma together during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s time to take a moment to breathe, reflect, and shift the focus back to yourself for a bit.

Spend time recharging and reconnecting. Feed your soul, reflect, and reset. Rediscover a lost hobby, or take up a new one.

Go for a walk or a drive with no destination in mind. Lie in the grass and watch the clouds. Do the least productive things you can think of to give your mind and body a rest.

However you choose to spend your time, it’s important that it’s about what you want, not the professional you, but the personal you – the multifaceted you. Close your laptop, turn off your phone, and just enjoy.

Over time, you’ll get used to unplugging and enjoy some much-needed time for yourself.

Prioritize Work-Life Balance

Even if you work from home, you need clear boundaries between work time and private time. You can set a work schedule for yourself, much like office hours, or designate time slots when you can be productive that work around your family’s schedule.

Whichever you choose, it’s important to stick to your schedule. Adjust as needed but be disciplined in your work time and your personal time.

During your personal time, do the things you enjoy. Practice your hobby, spend time with family, cook yourself a meal, watch your favorite television show, meditate, or do whatever makes you happy. When you return to work, you’ll be refreshed and ready to go.

Create a Self-Love Box

We all need reminders to develop healthy habits, and the self-love box is just that. Having a self-love box on hand can reinforce the message and give you tools to prioritize you.

Drawing from my experience as a confidence and business coach, I put together a self-love box that has all the tools and resources you need to love you greater! I’m always telling clients to create flashcards for their niche, and now I’ve taken that idea 10 steps further to build the ultimate toolkit to end your toxic productivity.

End the Toxic Cycle with Self-Love

Toxic productivity can sneak up on you, but when you know what to look for, you can promote better work-life balance and unplug to unleash your true productivity.

Are you struggling with your career or business? Let’s chat! Schedule a discovery call with me!

how to automate your business
09 May
Digital Marketing, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise, Productivity

3 Things to Automate in Your Business Right Now

Those menial, tedious tasks you hate doing every day? Automate. The technology to make your life so much easier is out there! You will boost your productivity and relieve yourself from the pressure of all the “to-dos” that you don’t really have to do. 

Let’s review my top 3 things you should automate in your business right now!

#1 Client Onboarding

Different from welcome emails, this is your internal process. It’s something you can create and set up once but use again and again. 

Using a productivity management system to send contracts, welcome packets, questionnaires, and client portal information automatically saves you time and puts the client at ease that you have it all together! It also ensures that everything is accomplished as quickly as possible, and nothing is ever missed. 

My Favorite Productivity Management Systems:

  • – Monday.com
  • – Airtable
  • – Asana
  • – Trello
  • – Zapier 

#2 Welcome Emails 

Did you know welcome emails usually have the highest open rates? These emails are your first access to direct contact with a potential client and are extremely valuable. Use them to engage with the lead and ask how they liked your resource. 

Using your CRM or email management system, set up welcome emails to fire off after a new contact is received and drip out over the following days and weeks. This keeps you at the top of their inbox while your name is fresh on their mind.

Leverage these notes to further establish who you are, what you do, and why they should care by providing practical, tangible value in their inbox. Slowly introduce other ways to connect with you and your higher-ticket offers. 

#3 Social Media Content

Automating content production can reduce the pressure on you or your team to be creative every day at the optimal posting time. While the content still has to be physically created or curated, there are tools and software platforms that help you automate the process. 

You can batch create your social media text and graphics using the free tool, Canva. If you run out of ideas, scroll through the feed of your ideal client or competitors and see what they’re engaged with. Use this to fuel your creation! 

Pre-made content calendars are also a dime a dozen, but apps like PostDeck also offer daily prompts and conversation starters to essentially generate content for you. 

When you’re ready to publish, upload your content to a platform like Sprout Social, Buffer, or Later. These services help you schedule content out for the week or even the month so you can “set it and forget it” and focus on engagement. 

Consider implementing Facebook’s “out of office” auto-responder for after-hours to connect with anyone who may reach out. Or, set up a chatbot to keep the conversation going and assist potential leads. 

Work Smarter, Not Harder!

Automation can be tech-heavy upfront, but the payoff is literally buying you more time! If you’re overwhelmed by manual processes and need support and encouragement to confidently make good business decisions, let’s talk! Book a consultation with me!

3 Mistakes Women Make in Their Business Communications
02 May
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise

3 Mistakes Women Make In Their Business Communications

Language and speech are what separates us from the animal kingdom. It’s a powerful tool when wielded properly. 

But it can also just as easily deflate our power as women when we fall prey to some of these common mistakes in business communications.

#1 Lack of Confident Language

You know I love to talk about confidence! Phrases and words that imply hesitation or fear are more common in women’s communications than men. 

Hedges, qualifiers, and tag questions siphon the power from your language and thoughts. You appear indecisive and ill-equipped. 

Phrases To Avoid:

  • –“It should be…, shouldn’t it?”
  • –“I’m not an expert, but…”
  • –“I just think…”
  • –“I actually think that maybe…
  • –“Am I making sense?”

These phrases all introduce “shrinking” language — an attempt to make your thoughts and words less intrusive or confrontational. You’re preemptively avoiding criticism by suggesting that even you think that what you said may not be right or coherent. 

If you don’t agree with a point or concept, you can still be diplomatic without being unnecessarily aggressive. “I don’t see it that way, here’s why.” or, “I think there’s a better way. Here’s my idea.” are easy phrases to infuse into the meetings that display confidence in yourself and what you bring to the table. 

If you’re attempting to invite feedback or spark further discussion, ask for it without denigrating your contributions to the conversation. “What are your thoughts on this?” or “I look forward to hearing your perspective.” are more confident ways to elicit connection and discussion.

#2 Over-Explaining = Asking Permission 

Many women are still working to earn their place in their career fields. This breeds a desire to over-explain their positions and thoughts in an attempt to prove they deserve a seat at the table.

If you’re waiting for someone to tell you that you deserve a seat at the table, we have a little work to do! I’m telling you, here and now, you don’t have to write the textbook to prove you deserve to be where you are. 

How do I know this? 

Because you’re there! 

Your ability to confidently communicate your thoughts and position will advance you much farther than simply filling the space with words. If you can say in ten words, don’t use twenty.  

Pauses are powerful. Use them to your advantage. 

#3 Deflating Tone and Emphasis

English is one of the most complicated languages on planet Earth, but like most languages, tone plays a significant role in emphasizing our meaning or intent. When you raise the pitch of your voice at the end of a statement, your language automatically sounds like you’re questioning your own words. 

It makes you appear tentative, as if you were unsure of your opinion or even yourself before you ever opened your mouth. Practice lowering the tone of your voice at the end of sentences and see what a difference that makes in how you sound and feel. 

Clear and Confident For The Win

Helping women take fearless action is what I do. Book a confidence consultation and learn  how to boost your business communications.

SAHM And Business Owner? Yes, You Can Do Both
18 Apr
Business Coach, Entrepreneurship, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise

SAHM And Business Owner? Yes, You Can Do Both

It can be overwhelming for anyone to start and grow a business, let alone someone who is already managing a household. You’re in charge of housekeeping, child-rearing, meal planning and preparation, running errands, constant chauffeur duties, and a kiss for any boo-boos. 

But in the midst of all that chaos, are YOU getting lost? Do you crave something that is all yours, with your stamp on it? Something to eventually make your life easier?

Friends, you can do both. And I’m going to show you how!

Be Flexible

Your LIFE is your priority, not your job or your business. If you are inflexible with your schedule or roles, you could end up making unnecessary sacrifices that will cost more in time, energy, and money. 

I know the “mom guilt” comes on strong, and it’s easy to feel trapped between two worlds. Stay the course! When things crop up, and they will, that threaten to disrupt your progress, stay flexible and open. 

Remember your priority. As a business owner, you are in charge of your schedule. You CAN make choices that suit your lifestyle. 

Designate a Business Zone

Hotels have them, and so should your home! Whether it’s a tucked-away corner where you can still hear the children or a sound-proofed office with a do-not-disturb sign, your space should be treated like your working sanctuary. 

When you sit in your sanctuary, focus on what you must do, decide what else you can do, and put off whatever is left. A separate space for only work-related tasks keeps you from being unnecessarily distracted. 

Draft a Clear, Ambitious Plan That’s Still Achievable

If anyone can do it, a mom can! But if you don’t have a map, how do you know where you’re going? Of if you’ll get there? 

Map out your big goals for the year.  Where do you want your business to be one year from now?

Great! Now you know where you’re going, let’s create the route to get there. Break down your yearly goals into smaller steps that you can realistically achieve each month. When you reach the beginning of a new month, map out an overview of each week. 

Intentionally schedule times when you can work uninterrupted but remember to stay flexible. Do not squeeze every spare moment of your day, or the slightest inconvenience will set you back. 

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

Yes, you can do both, but you also don’t have to. It’s also okay to admit that you can’t, or don’t want to, do it ALL. Something can give, I promise. 

Your kids can hang out with a sitter or grandma on occasion. You can hire a freelance assistant or specialist to help you execute tasks in your business. You can work with a consultant that will help you make intentional decisions and stay on target. 

Friends, whether you’ve launched your business or aren’t sure where to start, you can reach your goals faster with the compassionate support of someone like me: a confidence and clarity coach for business owners. Let’s chat!

5 Ways Business Women Can Avoid Burnout
17 Apr
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Grow Your Expertise, Productivity

5 Ways Business Women Can Avoid Burnout

As busy businesswoman, it’s hard for us to take a step back and put ourselves first. IT’s especially difficult when also faced with other demands on your time, such as children and family. 

Burnout is often hard to pinpoint or acknowledge. In a post-pandemic world, many of you may be running on autopilot because your cup is empty and dry. This leads to unaddressed trauma, unresolved emotions, and burnout that leaks into other areas of our lives.

Here are my top tips for avoiding burnout in your business and in your life. 

#1 Regularly Take A Well-Deserved Break

This one shouldn’t be surprising, but I know firsthand that when you have a jam-packed schedule, it feels impossible. Friend, you have to schedule time off intentionally. You have to choose yourself.

Block out time for a break on your calendar as if it were an incredibly important meeting that you cannot miss. This time should be at least 30 minutes to an hour every week or bi-weekly if that’s not possible. 

Sit outside and meditate in the fresh air, lay down and listen to an audiobook to rest your eyes, or go for a walk. Choose any relaxing or leisurely activity you enjoy. 

#2 Delegate

In order to preserve as much energy as possible, it’s essential to delegate tasks you don’t have to do yourself. This is the best use of your time and skills. 

Determine the tasks you’re weak in or that you simply don’t enjoy. What are the time-consuming little things that drive you crazy every week? What projects never quite turn out how you like, and you wish they were better? 

Assign these to your team or a virtual assistant who can ease the burden on your time and your energy. 

#3 Say No With Conviction

Burnout often shows up when you’re trying too hard to multitask on too many projects and are overwhelmed. Even the top performers in your industry, or any industry, must prioritize their time and manage projects efficiently. 

When new projects spring up, it’s ok to say no if it will help you avoid burnout. This is true for any stage of your career. Whether you work for someone else or own your own company, you need to focus on what matters. 

#4 Learn To Unplug

Unfortunately, most working women still perform as if we have something to prove. We take on projects that drag into the night and eat up our weekends. We miss out on things we value to “stay on top.”

Greater productivity is unlocked while you work only when you completely unplug when you’re not. Turn off your notifications and delete apps from your phone if you have to. Resist the urge to “check-in” after hours. 

#5 Get Compassionate Support and Accountability

I help businesswomen like you everyday to grow through burnout without sacrificing their careers or business. It’s my job! I love it, and I’m not ashamed to say I excel at it. If you’d like to take advantage of compassionate support and avoid burnout, let’s chat! Schedule with me here!

Mitigating the Impact of Inflation on Fundraising
15 Apr
Business Coach, Confidence Culture, Entrepreneurship, Grow Your Business, Grow Your Expertise, Productivity

Mitigating the Impact of Inflation on Fundraising

Everyone is seeing the impact of inflation, from a trip to the grocery store to monthly utility bills. In the past year, inflation amounted to 7.9% — the fastest pace since 1982 – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Inflation isn’t likely to resolve anytime soon, especially with the increasing energy costs due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This is especially troubling for nonprofits. Many charitable organizations receive a significant amount of funding at the fiscal year’s end – June 30 – and the budget implications are only just now obvious.

Nonprofit leaders need to navigate uncertainty and position the valuable work as critical, regardless of what economic indicators show.

What Is Inflation?

The simple definition of inflation is that it’s a sustained upward movement in the price of goods and services in an economy. If all else stays constant, this reflects a loss of purchasing power for a currency. It takes more currency units to buy the same goods and services.

Simply put, your money doesn’t go as far. You can’t buy as many groceries or essentials for the same amount as you did previously.

Many consumers associate inflation with the rise of a few key goods or services, such as oil or the real estate industry. but inflation is only present when the overall price of goods and services is increasing across the board.

When inflation increases faster than wages, it leads to a decrease in purchasing power that causes people to put up more money to buy necessities, but getting less for it. For the average consumer, this can create financial strain and reduced discretionary spending.

The problem here is that many people don’t understand what inflation really is. They believe the prices are increasing, when that’s not what’s happening. The value of each dollar is declining.

Why the distinction? If people believe that it’s prices, not dollars, donors may unknowingly reduce the value of their donations because they don’t regard inflation as the reduced value of money.

They’re not deliberately giving less – they’re accidentally giving less because they’re failing to recognize the diminished purchasing power of their donations.

Even if inflation were to return to its previous levels, it would take time before we see the effects of that. With the end of the year approaching quickly, fundraisers need to take a proactive approach to combat the effects.

Plan Ahead in Thinking, Giving, and Strategy

Donors want to make a difference – that’s why they donate. They’re not trying to decrease their gift, but they just don’t appreciate that it doesn’t have the same purchasing power.

We can’t expect them to know this on their own, however. They can be politely reminded that inflation affects nonprofits, too, and the cost of staffing, supplies, services, and more. It also impacts the lives nonprofits serve – if it’s this difficult for the people who can pay, imagine what it does for those who can’t?

Bottom line – we need more money to make the same impact. We need to ensure donors understand the need for the work and how the dynamics of the world impact it. Donors want to hear stories about those served by their donations, and how, so highlight some of your top stories.

If possible, show metrics of how donations allow impact. Whether the nonprofit is focused on food security, education, literacy, clean water, or support for families, showing the metrics ensures that donors know the impact of their investment – and why it matters if money doesn’t go as far.

How Can We Help?

External pressures like inflation can be a big catalyst for creativity and collaboration. How can we, as community leaders, partners, and corporations, plan ahead and be proactive in our efforts?

The simple solution is to increase the gift to account for inflation and ensure that nonprofits have equivalent purchasing power. But writing a check isn’t the only thing we can do.

Inflation not only decreases what can be done with the donations, but increases the costs for the nonprofits. Volunteering helps nonprofits do more with less, reducing the burden and ensuring that help goes where it’s needed.

Finally, there’s advocacy. You can spread the word about the efforts of nonprofits and encourage others to get involved. Whether they offer monetary gifts, volunteer their time, or spread the word themselves, it all makes a difference. 

Let’s Talk About It!

I’ve had wonderful conversations with innovative leaders ready to grow their community and “put their back in it.” I’d love to talk to other leaders and business owners who feel the same. Schedule a 15-Minute Discovery with me and let’s get started!

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