A Look Back at 2019: What I Learned & Where to Focus Next

January represents a new year and new beginnings. It is a time to embrace what worked, learn from and let go of what didn’t, and make refinements moving forward. It is also halfway through our school calendars when we compare how we’ve performed to goal and consider strategies to ensure success by year-end. Have you done this already in 2020 – with your team? with your board?

10 Things I Learned in 2019

I hope my list sparks ideas on what you learned and where to focus in 2020.

1. Invest in You

Are you constantly learning? Change is rapid. We really cannot afford not to. I see this in schools. We believe in the power of education, but get sidetracked with the care of students, boards, and funders – everyone but us. Yet, the big leaps in results often stem from setting aside time to learn, solve, and plan.

I spent early 2019 studying for my CFRE. A fundraiser for years, I was surprised by how much I learned – expanding my knowledge related to large development teams. When you dig into a podcast or workshop, it may help you solve a problem, offer a new perspective, or expand your toolset. How will you invest in yourself in 2020? Consider the opportunities at AFP, Candid, Elevate, and ProInspire.

2. Don’t Sell Yourself Short

Whether you’re making a major ask, writing a grant, or starting a business, it is human nature to let self-doubt win out on occasion. We may pull back a bold ask out of fear of offending a donor or hesitate to implement an idea when we’re in uncharted territory. Have you had a similar experience?

I spent months cultivating a donor and felt it could be a $100K gift. Then, doubt set in at the eleventh hour. Should I ask for less? I paused and asked internal stakeholders to confirm if I was on target. As fundraisers and leaders, we need to face the imposter syndrome head-on. You are an expert. Trust your research. Get validation from others. Let’s not leave resources on the table that can fuel our missions.

3. Work “On” Your Business

Last year, I took time to set up a brand and systems to bring efficiency to my work. For clients, I helped them evaluate and strengthen their systems. I see one in three charter schools miss opportunities because they lack the systems for success. Donors expect thank you’s, progress updates, and impact metrics. Parents and community advocates want consistent touches. It is hard to deliver these without a CRM or acknowledgment system. How can we be a data-driven school without data-driven fundraising? 

Do you have a tracking system? Excel isn’t enough. Have you developed a brand messaging platform telling how you’re unique from other schools? Just a few ideas on where you may want to focus in 2020.

4. Be Intentional about Equity

I put equity at the center of my work. Fundraising can be inequitable. The numbers are staggering… many fundraisers are white women. Let’s consider, how we can make a space for peers of color? 

For years, we’ve viewed philanthropists as wealthy, older, white men. Let’s not overlook other donors who are out there. Often, we just need to create new networks to reach more diverse donors.

Equity is key in our schools. We need to look at the data. Who are all the communities we serve? Do our boards and donors reflect these? Do our leaders and teachers reflect our students? Equity is being intentional to hire a diverse team and challenge internal biases. Consider investing in equity training, like ProInspire, for your board or team. Start conversations about new ways to reach diverse groups.

5. Build Future Relationships

Everything in life depends on relationships –, especially in schools AND fundraising. I met with a lot of people last year – 3-4 coffee meetups per week. Not sure you can afford the time. I cannot afford not to. I’m building relationships now that’ll become future donors, partners, and clients.

The same is true for heads of schools. Talking to community leaders, future staff, or parents are all valuable relationships that help us succeed. The next time someone asks you to a community event or for coffee “say yes.” You’ll make connections that lead to donations, volunteers, partnerships, and students.

Who are the people you need to know to achieve your goals? It is a great conversation to have with your board or staff in 2020. Relationships take meaningful interactions (that doesn’t happen online).

6. Take Small Bets and Celebrate the Victories

I recognize that making progress requires taking small risks and celebrating the victories. Looking at: what worked? How I got there? What went into it? Considering: can I replicate it?

When it doesn’t pay off, asking: why not? Creating a culture of small bets is key to innovation and racks up victories faster than focusing just on large ones. Consider discussing the book “Little Bets” as a team. 

This year, I adapted a network mapping tool for a client. It had some risk since I was piloting a new tool, but it has proven invaluable. Now, I use it often and learn something each time I deploy it.

7. Take Time to Reset

Many of us work independently. There may be no one to back you up. Know yourself and when you need a break. We all need time to recharge – to indulge in a book all evening, hit the trails for a bike ride, or take that much-needed vacation. The work will still be there when you get back.

2019 was a special year for me. I took a month off for my wedding and honeymoon. It seemed bold but my clients were so supportive. I came back with a renewed passion for my work and travel experiences that’ll last a lifetime. How do you like to recharge? I hope you’ll take time this year for self-care.

8. Give Back and Inspire Others

I believe in philanthropy. That’s why I’m in this business. I regularly give to causes that move me and make our future better. When I’m successful, I feel an obligation to give back to help others thrive.

These are conversations we should be having with our networks. Let’s inspire others on why it matters. How can we ask someone else to give if we aren’t giving ourselves?

9. Ask for Advice Early and Often 

Starting a consultancy was exciting and humbling. I asked for advice all the time. What are the needs of school leaders? What is a good CRM for small teams? How do other consultants handle scope expansion?

It is one reason I started a peer group of charter school development leaders who have met monthly for two years. Why would I spend so much time with peers? By sharing best practices and lessons learned, we all get stronger. We’re lifting up the sector, growing professionally, and creating partnerships.

10. Build Partnerships to Add Value

This past year, I gained tremendous value from building partnerships – adding value to my work, giving me new perspectives, and helping me land more business.

It reminded me of a favorite quote from business school. Michael Porter says it best: “Competition to be the best, leads to imitation. Competition to be unique leads to innovation.” Have you found this to be true?

There’s so much more we can do together in the education sector to achieve greater results. We’re not competitors in mission. We all do something unique. We all aspire to have better learning experiences for our students. How can we work together to achieve our common mission?

In the Coming Year

I aspire to grow professionally, continue to make equity part of my work, and achieve great results for the schools and boards I serve. I will continue to expand my network of meaningful connections.

What are your aspirations in 2020? I’d love to hear them. Let’s catch up soon. Coffee is on me.