If you set a resolution to read more books this year, you’re in good company. Most of us could all read a little more. Luckily, January is, in my opinion, actually one of the best times to start a lasting reading habit. The days are short, snow blankets the ground, and nothing sounds better than staying in with a warm mug and a good read.
It’s not a new book (it was published in 2006), but it is a book that will be a standout on your business bookshelf. Of course, it’s “stats” speak for themselves: Made to Stick has been translated into 29 languages and topped all the lists. It’s an easy, engaging, funny read that doesn’t plod or self-aggrandize like the narratives in some business books. With plenty of real-world stories, the authors Dan and Chip Heath explain how to communicate and build on creative ideas that take projects, programs, and products to the next level. Undoubtedly, a book like this can help nonprofit leaders take the execution of their missions up to the next level.
https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Screen-Shot-2019-01-12-at-11.04.50-PM.png687845Gordon Fischerhttps://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GFLF-logo-300x141.pngGordon Fischer2019-01-11 22:29:162020-05-18 11:28:49January GoFisch Book Club Pick
An estate plan is simply a set of legal documents to prepare for your death or disability. The specific documents you’ll need depends on various factors, including the number, size, type of your assets, and your overall estate planning goals.
If forced to list the top 10 major components and the associated goals of a comprehensive estate plan, I’d list the following (in rough order of importance):
A plan for orderly disposition of all your property of your choosing.
Naming fiduciaries to handle minor children’s assets.
A plan to help fund the charities you supported during your lifetime.
A financial power of attorney so you can name an agent to manage your financial decisions, if you are ever unable to do so, with as specific (or non-specific) directions to the agent as you desire.
A healthcare power of attorney so you can name an agent to manage your financial decisions, if you are ever unable to do so, with as specific (or non-specific) directions to the agent as you desire.
A plan for succession or sale of a business (often a close corporation or family business).
A plan to dispose of property in a tax advantaged manner.
Planning for life insurance to support those economically dependent on you and/or to provide liquidity for the estate.
Of course, any order of importance is unique to that individual. Someone with, say, minor children will find items #2 and #3 incredibly important. Someone else with adult children, or no children at all, but with a very large estate may look at #8 as quite significant. One list doesn’t fit all, just like there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for estate planning.
What are your estate planning goals? Feel free to share with others in the comments below.
Estate planning is a smart step you can take today. The easiest way to get started is with my free, no-obligation estate plan questionnaire. If you have questions or want to discuss your individual situation, don’t hesitate to reach me by phone (515-371-6077) or email.
For every Golden Globes show, a consensus emerges as to who The Big Winner was, the Biggest Winner of all the Big Winners. And, without any doubt, the most favored of the star-studded night (beyond the impressive Sandra Oh)…was “Fiji Water Girl.”
In case you haven’t heard, Fiji Water Girl (AKA model Kelleth Cuthbert) traversed the pre-show carpet in a bold blue dress and had a knack for finding the perfect camera angles while carrying a tray of Fiji Water. Her immediate job was to hydrate the stars on the red carpet, but, she went above and beyond. By working strategically, she made it into the background of photo after photo of high profile stars. Fiji Water Girl was so noticeable she soon became a meme-worthy “celebrity” herself, and her employer undoubtedly appreciated the free/extra publicity.
Fiji Water Girl’s moment of fame is also a moment for nonprofit pros to learn three important lessons.
I don’t have to tell you not every job in the nonprofit world is glamorous. Sure, sometimes you’re receiving accolades from your peers, scoring that massive grant, or your board is celebrating a particularly successful program you started. But, often your day is taken up by gobs of paperwork, stay atop of fundraising, field messages from donors and potential donors, and handling a veritable ocean of other administrative tasks. But, when you do have to do mundane tasks, do them unceasingly well! When you keep up an enthusiasm for tasks, no matter how seemingly small, your reputation for being dependable will bode well with colleagues, donors, and board officers.
Stay Current With Your Calendar
There are certain community events that nonprofit leaders must attend. You likely know what they are in your situation, for example, the grand opening of a donor or potential donor’s business or the big annual gala in your town. Make certain that you, or representatives from your nonprofit, are properly seen at these must-attend events. The vast majority of such events will be publicized well in advance, so it might be good to do a little brainstorming at a board meeting, to identify must-attend events and decide who’ll attend on your nonprofit’s behalf. Before anyone does attend on the nonprofit’s behalf it’s a good idea to be sure they are well versed on talking points, and fully understand the connection the nonprofit has with the event.
Think about doing conventional things in unconventional ways. As many have written before, sending a receipt to a donor is mandatory – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, imaginative, or convey a meaningful message in a memorable way. Make waves! Or, let’s say your fellow board members or staff are hesitant to invest in a set of influential, important policies. Maybe they’re dragging their feet on updating a set of outdated formational documents. Make your mark by explaining the many benefits and how it will further the organization’s mission. Or, bring in a speaker (like me!) to explain the legal consequences of NOT having quality policies and procedures in place.
In short, when you’re working with a nonprofit, you could just keep to the status quo. Or, you can seize this moment, your moment, to find your light and shine. Sure, the Internet may not make a meme of you, but you can smile knowing you’re making a difference where it matters. Want to strategize? Don’t hesitate to contact me or to read more information useful for nonprofit pros.
https://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Screen-Shot-2019-01-09-at-10.50.48-AM.png697972Gordon Fischerhttps://www.gordonfischerlawfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GFLF-logo-300x141.pngGordon Fischer2019-01-08 08:44:542020-05-18 11:28:49What Nonprofit Pros Can Learn From Fiji Water Girl
January GoFisch Book Club Pick
Book ClubIf you set a resolution to read more books this year, you’re in good company. Most of us could all read a little more. Luckily, January is, in my opinion, actually one of the best times to start a lasting reading habit. The days are short, snow blankets the ground, and nothing sounds better than staying in with a warm mug and a good read.
So far, the GoFisch Book Club has added a variety of titles to the list, ranging from fiction relating estate planning to charitable giving nonfiction. This month all readers and especially nonprofit professionals can benefit from diving into Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die.
It’s not a new book (it was published in 2006), but it is a book that will be a standout on your business bookshelf. Of course, it’s “stats” speak for themselves: Made to Stick has been translated into 29 languages and topped all the lists. It’s an easy, engaging, funny read that doesn’t plod or self-aggrandize like the narratives in some business books. With plenty of real-world stories, the authors Dan and Chip Heath explain how to communicate and build on creative ideas that take projects, programs, and products to the next level. Undoubtedly, a book like this can help nonprofit leaders take the execution of their missions up to the next level.
What books would you like to see selected by the GoFisch Book Club in the coming months? I always love to hear reviews, so shoot me an email at gordon@gordonfischerlawfirm.com!
Top 10 Estate Planning Goals
Charitable Giving, Estates & Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney, Wills, Trusts & EstatesAn estate plan is simply a set of legal documents to prepare for your death or disability. The specific documents you’ll need depends on various factors, including the number, size, type of your assets, and your overall estate planning goals.
If forced to list the top 10 major components and the associated goals of a comprehensive estate plan, I’d list the following (in rough order of importance):
Of course, any order of importance is unique to that individual. Someone with, say, minor children will find items #2 and #3 incredibly important. Someone else with adult children, or no children at all, but with a very large estate may look at #8 as quite significant. One list doesn’t fit all, just like there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for estate planning.
What are your estate planning goals? Feel free to share with others in the comments below.
Estate planning is a smart step you can take today. The easiest way to get started is with my free, no-obligation estate plan questionnaire. If you have questions or want to discuss your individual situation, don’t hesitate to reach me by phone (515-371-6077) or email.
What Nonprofit Pros Can Learn From Fiji Water Girl
NonprofitsFor every Golden Globes show, a consensus emerges as to who The Big Winner was, the Biggest Winner of all the Big Winners. And, without any doubt, the most favored of the star-studded night (beyond the impressive Sandra Oh)…was “Fiji Water Girl.”
In case you haven’t heard, Fiji Water Girl (AKA model Kelleth Cuthbert) traversed the pre-show carpet in a bold blue dress and had a knack for finding the perfect camera angles while carrying a tray of Fiji Water. Her immediate job was to hydrate the stars on the red carpet, but, she went above and beyond. By working strategically, she made it into the background of photo after photo of high profile stars. Fiji Water Girl was so noticeable she soon became a meme-worthy “celebrity” herself, and her employer undoubtedly appreciated the free/extra publicity.
Fiji Water Girl’s moment of fame is also a moment for nonprofit pros to learn three important lessons.
Everything you do, do well
There’s an old saying in Hollywood regarding bit parts, “there are no small roles, only small actors.”
I don’t have to tell you not every job in the nonprofit world is glamorous. Sure, sometimes you’re receiving accolades from your peers, scoring that massive grant, or your board is celebrating a particularly successful program you started. But, often your day is taken up by gobs of paperwork, stay atop of fundraising, field messages from donors and potential donors, and handling a veritable ocean of other administrative tasks. But, when you do have to do mundane tasks, do them unceasingly well! When you keep up an enthusiasm for tasks, no matter how seemingly small, your reputation for being dependable will bode well with colleagues, donors, and board officers.
Stay Current With Your Calendar
There are certain community events that nonprofit leaders must attend. You likely know what they are in your situation, for example, the grand opening of a donor or potential donor’s business or the big annual gala in your town. Make certain that you, or representatives from your nonprofit, are properly seen at these must-attend events. The vast majority of such events will be publicized well in advance, so it might be good to do a little brainstorming at a board meeting, to identify must-attend events and decide who’ll attend on your nonprofit’s behalf. Before anyone does attend on the nonprofit’s behalf it’s a good idea to be sure they are well versed on talking points, and fully understand the connection the nonprofit has with the event.
Go Ahead and Rock the Boat
Think about doing conventional things in unconventional ways. As many have written before, sending a receipt to a donor is mandatory – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, imaginative, or convey a meaningful message in a memorable way. Make waves! Or, let’s say your fellow board members or staff are hesitant to invest in a set of influential, important policies. Maybe they’re dragging their feet on updating a set of outdated formational documents. Make your mark by explaining the many benefits and how it will further the organization’s mission. Or, bring in a speaker (like me!) to explain the legal consequences of NOT having quality policies and procedures in place.
In short, when you’re working with a nonprofit, you could just keep to the status quo. Or, you can seize this moment, your moment, to find your light and shine. Sure, the Internet may not make a meme of you, but you can smile knowing you’re making a difference where it matters. Want to strategize? Don’t hesitate to contact me or to read more information useful for nonprofit pros.