Thank you! To every person on the M team, the bootcampers, everyone who followed our journey! What a life changing experience this has been.
The meeting with Eileen Brown, Director of Institutional Advancement at Catherine McAuley High School was a wonderful way to finish. Please hear what Eleanor, Ginny and Jacki have been saying - Follow up is everything. Even though there were many letters, emails and phone calls, the one thing that made it through to Eileen was a hand scribbled note I left in the office one afternoon. It was so cold I could barely write legibly, but it's all it took. If I had not called the next week to follow up on my note, I'd still be waiting.
Eileen immediately saw the treasure that was in front of her. When we got through the presentation and logged onto the back office of my mall, she heard Ginny's voice recording(the one my kids all say now in unison every time it plays...Hi this is Ginny again, you know it's not enough.....)and saw her picture.
Eileen said "We're always telling the girls at the school, it only takes one good person to set something in motion that can change the world." How true.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
February 12, 2009
My friend Julie is the kind of person I like to work with. She's straight forward, honest and very good at seeing the big picture. Like most Directors of NPOs she is also underpaid for the long hours and dedication. Over ten years ago, we worked together on a mentoring program with schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters. I remember very clearly when I realized the difference between corporate and non profit budgets. Julie and I flew out to Escanaba, MI on the Mead private jet. To me, it was just another business trip. To her, it was leather seats, open bar, no waiting in airports, and VIP treatment. We stayed at a B&B with beds so fluffy she had to climb up onto hers. She thought she had gone to heaven.
We had a great time talking today - old friends catching up and moving right on to the purpose for the visit. I went through the background of TWCCTW, Ginny, My PowerMall and then went over the numbers with her. She said it was a lot to take in, but she just couldn't get past the fact that it looked like a pyramid.
"Julie, you know me. You know my history with funding and NPO partnerships. Would I drive 2 hours and waste your time with a bunch of crap?" ( I don't talk this way to everyone - we've known each other for 18 years!)
"No, I know you wouldn't. I just can't see how this can be real." She had just found out that the investments that provide their sustainability were down $30,000. "First, I hear that we lost a bunch of money and then you show me this! My head is spinning. So what do I have to do?"
We talked a bit about Mahoosuc Kids- that it was a fee for service program. "Can parents pay this fee with American Express?" I asked.
"Yes."
"So here's what you do... Tier 1 is Mahoosuc Kids, Tier 2 is your staff and board, Tier 3 are the families of the kids who use the program (100+). The kids can sponsor a NPO, and also earn money for college. This meets three of your program goals right here: fostering a community service ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit in the kids, and sustainability."
I also discussed how every time her staff and board promoted their own World Changer Malls, they would be supporting Mahoosuc Kids. She liked the part about providing income for her staff and board. I had her log onto my WCM and showed her around the mall and Biz site. I showed her how to sign up.
"Julie, check this out thoroughly as Jim and I did. ( I told her about the WCM for Mike and Betsy). When you do, you'll see just how powerful this can be for Mahoosuc Kids, your staff and the kids you serve. It'll click in your head and you'll be blown away."
We had a great time talking today - old friends catching up and moving right on to the purpose for the visit. I went through the background of TWCCTW, Ginny, My PowerMall and then went over the numbers with her. She said it was a lot to take in, but she just couldn't get past the fact that it looked like a pyramid.
"Julie, you know me. You know my history with funding and NPO partnerships. Would I drive 2 hours and waste your time with a bunch of crap?" ( I don't talk this way to everyone - we've known each other for 18 years!)
"No, I know you wouldn't. I just can't see how this can be real." She had just found out that the investments that provide their sustainability were down $30,000. "First, I hear that we lost a bunch of money and then you show me this! My head is spinning. So what do I have to do?"
We talked a bit about Mahoosuc Kids- that it was a fee for service program. "Can parents pay this fee with American Express?" I asked.
"Yes."
"So here's what you do... Tier 1 is Mahoosuc Kids, Tier 2 is your staff and board, Tier 3 are the families of the kids who use the program (100+). The kids can sponsor a NPO, and also earn money for college. This meets three of your program goals right here: fostering a community service ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit in the kids, and sustainability."
I also discussed how every time her staff and board promoted their own World Changer Malls, they would be supporting Mahoosuc Kids. She liked the part about providing income for her staff and board. I had her log onto my WCM and showed her around the mall and Biz site. I showed her how to sign up.
"Julie, check this out thoroughly as Jim and I did. ( I told her about the WCM for Mike and Betsy). When you do, you'll see just how powerful this can be for Mahoosuc Kids, your staff and the kids you serve. It'll click in your head and you'll be blown away."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February 11, 2009
All set for tomorrow's meeting with Julie of Mahoosuc Kids. In reading about her program, I discovered that there are 34 partner programs throughout the state. These are currently federally funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. This is part of the 'No Child Left Behind' act. Part of their challenge for 2009 is to create sustainable funding.
I also prepared the proposal for the other private high school I'll visit on Friday. I'll be gone tomorrow from 8:30am until about 6:00pm. Jim is covering afternoon daycare (which is right up there with cleaning the garage on his list of favorite things to do )! He has a very good heart :)
I also prepared the proposal for the other private high school I'll visit on Friday. I'll be gone tomorrow from 8:30am until about 6:00pm. Jim is covering afternoon daycare (which is right up there with cleaning the garage on his list of favorite things to do )! He has a very good heart :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
February 10, 2009
I told Jim he'd better watch out! If the Law of Attraction continues operating the way it has been, George Clooney will show up on my doorstep any day!
A call I have been waiting months for happened today- Eileen Brown, Director of Advancement from Catherine McAuley HS! If you remember, I wrote 3 letters to private high schools during the early days of the bootcamp. I never heard from McAuley. Of course, I wondered why since our "daughter" Sungmoon graduated from there last year.
I called several times, stopped by and left a note, emailed......
Today, just as ten screaming children were entering my house for after school care, the phone rang. All I could hear before I managed to escape to a quiet room was "I'm so sorry that there was a lapse in communication but.....blah, blah, blah, blah, I'd love to have you come in and tell us about My PowerMall"
We're meeting at 10:00 Friday!
A call I have been waiting months for happened today- Eileen Brown, Director of Advancement from Catherine McAuley HS! If you remember, I wrote 3 letters to private high schools during the early days of the bootcamp. I never heard from McAuley. Of course, I wondered why since our "daughter" Sungmoon graduated from there last year.
I called several times, stopped by and left a note, emailed......
Today, just as ten screaming children were entering my house for after school care, the phone rang. All I could hear before I managed to escape to a quiet room was "I'm so sorry that there was a lapse in communication but.....blah, blah, blah, blah, I'd love to have you come in and tell us about My PowerMall"
We're meeting at 10:00 Friday!
Monday, February 9, 2009
February 9, 2009
Another iron in the fire today. I received an alumni email from my high school's Director of Institutional Advancement, Karen. We played basketball together in the 80's. I didn't even know she was working there. So I wrote a letter explaining what I was doing with high schools here. Their numbers are similar to those of Cheverus, so I know she'll be impressed.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 7, 2009
Tess wrote these words to me, and I am so grateful, I'll explain in a bit:
"Years ago, I read Deepak Chopra's book, "The Seven Spritual Laws of Success" and I recall he said that once we set our intention for what we want out into the world, we have to then let go of our attachment to its outcome. If we focus too much, then it becomes a tug-o-war, and it's stressful on us. So, while you're crafting your letter and walking the line you feel you're walking, between support and annoyance, FEEL your EMOTION like you evoked in us in your last email pertaining to your recently received Q. See and feel the end result you want, whether or not the words are written on the paper. Your message gets to all of them anyway. Then, let go of your attachment to their particular situation with regard to MPM --- let God and the Universe then do the work. F/U, sure. Answer queries, sure. Support the food pantry, sure. Grow your team, sure. Find others to support along the way, sure. But in your heart, know that you're trusting the outcome for Mike and Betsy, and for everyone there helping them and themselves, but that the outcome may not be in your own timing, but rather, in Divine timing."
About eleven years ago, when it became apparent that we would have to move to southern Maine, I went through a similar experience. Trying to choreograph every last detail of this life changing move was extremely stressful. My job at the time involved traveling and long hours. I came home at the end of each day mentally and physically exhausted.
I remember saying to Jim "I just want a slow, porch swing life." He was calm as usual, unfazed by the daunting changes about to occur. That Mother's Day, he gave me a gift that I still treasure. He found an print by Edward Gordon, an artist we both loved, called Porch Swing. He said to focus on this and let go of the outcome. We would be ok.
Even though we were going from two incomes to one, 3 children and a fourth on the way, I followed his advice. I would lose myself in the print, imagining how it felt to be there, carefree.
When I let go of the outcome, and let things unfold, beautiful, unexpected things happened. We built our dream house in a wonderful neighborhood - with a porch swing!
It's still my favorite place in the world to be. Jim and I sit out there evenings and watch the kids play and wave to neighbors.
As I look back, and go over the details of that time now in my head, I know it shouldn't have worked out as it did. On paper, things just didn't add up. But somehow, the pieces came together.
As we come to the end of the bootcamp, I am going to take Tess' advice and let go of the outcome. I will still do what's necessary to set things in motion, but I will not try to control the end results. I realize that by doing that, I am limiting what could be.
I have a new focal point now, an impressionist print of a summer villa in Tuscany that hangs in our family room. I was drawn to it a few years ago, and would love to visit some day. Today, I will start to lose myself in this new place, imagining how it would feel to be there in person.
Thanks Tess!
"Years ago, I read Deepak Chopra's book, "The Seven Spritual Laws of Success" and I recall he said that once we set our intention for what we want out into the world, we have to then let go of our attachment to its outcome. If we focus too much, then it becomes a tug-o-war, and it's stressful on us. So, while you're crafting your letter and walking the line you feel you're walking, between support and annoyance, FEEL your EMOTION like you evoked in us in your last email pertaining to your recently received Q. See and feel the end result you want, whether or not the words are written on the paper. Your message gets to all of them anyway. Then, let go of your attachment to their particular situation with regard to MPM --- let God and the Universe then do the work. F/U, sure. Answer queries, sure. Support the food pantry, sure. Grow your team, sure. Find others to support along the way, sure. But in your heart, know that you're trusting the outcome for Mike and Betsy, and for everyone there helping them and themselves, but that the outcome may not be in your own timing, but rather, in Divine timing."
About eleven years ago, when it became apparent that we would have to move to southern Maine, I went through a similar experience. Trying to choreograph every last detail of this life changing move was extremely stressful. My job at the time involved traveling and long hours. I came home at the end of each day mentally and physically exhausted.
I remember saying to Jim "I just want a slow, porch swing life." He was calm as usual, unfazed by the daunting changes about to occur. That Mother's Day, he gave me a gift that I still treasure. He found an print by Edward Gordon, an artist we both loved, called Porch Swing. He said to focus on this and let go of the outcome. We would be ok.
Even though we were going from two incomes to one, 3 children and a fourth on the way, I followed his advice. I would lose myself in the print, imagining how it felt to be there, carefree.
When I let go of the outcome, and let things unfold, beautiful, unexpected things happened. We built our dream house in a wonderful neighborhood - with a porch swing!
It's still my favorite place in the world to be. Jim and I sit out there evenings and watch the kids play and wave to neighbors.
As I look back, and go over the details of that time now in my head, I know it shouldn't have worked out as it did. On paper, things just didn't add up. But somehow, the pieces came together.
As we come to the end of the bootcamp, I am going to take Tess' advice and let go of the outcome. I will still do what's necessary to set things in motion, but I will not try to control the end results. I realize that by doing that, I am limiting what could be.
I have a new focal point now, an impressionist print of a summer villa in Tuscany that hangs in our family room. I was drawn to it a few years ago, and would love to visit some day. Today, I will start to lose myself in this new place, imagining how it would feel to be there in person.
Thanks Tess!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
February 5, 2009
I spent a few hours doing some research that I think will be helpful. There are several e-malls available for non profits to choose from as their funding vehicle, as you all know. So, why should NPOs look at My PowerMall?
My PowerMall is the only one that I have seen that is self propagating. The concern of NPOs is that promoting an e-mall becomes just another thing on their plate.
By allowing staff, board and supporters to earn a sustainable personal income also, the burden is lifted. As Ginny said, people want to help others, but really need to help themselves also.
This morning, I called the Director of Advancement at McAuley High School again. I have sent several emails, letters and even dropped by the school and left a note. Still no response. Today's voice mail was " Hi, this is Andrea C, following up with you on the information I sent regarding funding for the school. I'd love to set an appointment for us to meet. Did you know that just since I first contacted you, McAuley HS has missed out on several thousand dollars of potential income? Yes,it's true - if your parents had just been paying tuition using their own World Changer Malls, and American Express gift cards, the school would have earned over $3000. I hope to meet with you very soon!"
I also sent Rus at St. Dom's the like to the income calculator so he could play around with it in preparing his own presentation to the principal.
I have to admit, I am getting frustrated by the lack of support from the Troopers. I am just not sure why they won't sign up with a mall to help Mike and Betsy. I decided to send followup emails to individuals asking what was preventing them from doing this. These guys are usually so supportive of each other. I am walking a fine line between supporting and annoying, so I will choose my words carefully.
My PowerMall is the only one that I have seen that is self propagating. The concern of NPOs is that promoting an e-mall becomes just another thing on their plate.
By allowing staff, board and supporters to earn a sustainable personal income also, the burden is lifted. As Ginny said, people want to help others, but really need to help themselves also.
This morning, I called the Director of Advancement at McAuley High School again. I have sent several emails, letters and even dropped by the school and left a note. Still no response. Today's voice mail was " Hi, this is Andrea C, following up with you on the information I sent regarding funding for the school. I'd love to set an appointment for us to meet. Did you know that just since I first contacted you, McAuley HS has missed out on several thousand dollars of potential income? Yes,it's true - if your parents had just been paying tuition using their own World Changer Malls, and American Express gift cards, the school would have earned over $3000. I hope to meet with you very soon!"
I also sent Rus at St. Dom's the like to the income calculator so he could play around with it in preparing his own presentation to the principal.
I have to admit, I am getting frustrated by the lack of support from the Troopers. I am just not sure why they won't sign up with a mall to help Mike and Betsy. I decided to send followup emails to individuals asking what was preventing them from doing this. These guys are usually so supportive of each other. I am walking a fine line between supporting and annoying, so I will choose my words carefully.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
February 4, 2009
While driving to the grocery store this morning, a name suddenly filled my thoughts... Julie H.... a friend for 20 years and a partner in a school mentoring program through Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mead. Of course! Why hadn't I thought of her earlier? Julie's whole career has been with NPOs. Right now, she is the Director of Mahoosuc Kids, an after school program in rural Maine. Her husband Dan is the principal of Telstar High School. Both are very well connected and very well liked.
So, as I picked up my groceries, my head was spinning with ideas. I got home at 10:45 and immediately called her. We caught up on family and careers and then I told her why I was calling. I said I was an ambassador for a company whose sole purpose was to create sustainable funding for NPOs, schools and the people who support them. I told Julie that I had found my dream job, and knew she'd want to hear all about it. We set an appointment right then for next Thursday.
So, as I picked up my groceries, my head was spinning with ideas. I got home at 10:45 and immediately called her. We caught up on family and careers and then I told her why I was calling. I said I was an ambassador for a company whose sole purpose was to create sustainable funding for NPOs, schools and the people who support them. I told Julie that I had found my dream job, and knew she'd want to hear all about it. We set an appointment right then for next Thursday.
Monday, February 2, 2009
February 2, later
Here's what I sent in an email to the folks I am asking to help with Mike:
Someone asked me a great question about My PowerMall, so I thought I'd share it with all of you...
The person asked "Who else is making money from all of the people who sign up with World Changer Malls for Mike and Betsy?"
The answer so exemplifies the goodness of spirit of this company.
Well, directly above them is the Buxton Food Pantry. Above them are three good friends who are in need. One is Ed, my next door neighbor. His wife Donna died this past December from cancer. Small world - Ed worked with Mike at Lowe's when Mike had to leave the MSP. They would all see each other at chemo sessions.
Another is a neighbor who is my best friend. She's a second grade teacher and shares my dream of providing clothes for school children in need. They're struggling right now.
The third is my son's best friend, Taryn and her family. Taryn and Ian have known each other since 6th grade. She was there for him when he was terribly bullied throughout middle school. I love her like my own daughter. Her family is having a tough time, too. Then us.
Do you know people in your life that are struggling right now? You can help them just as my family is helping all of the people I mentioned. Just by becoming a World Changer and spending what you are planning to spend anyway!
Someone asked me a great question about My PowerMall, so I thought I'd share it with all of you...
The person asked "Who else is making money from all of the people who sign up with World Changer Malls for Mike and Betsy?"
The answer so exemplifies the goodness of spirit of this company.
Well, directly above them is the Buxton Food Pantry. Above them are three good friends who are in need. One is Ed, my next door neighbor. His wife Donna died this past December from cancer. Small world - Ed worked with Mike at Lowe's when Mike had to leave the MSP. They would all see each other at chemo sessions.
Another is a neighbor who is my best friend. She's a second grade teacher and shares my dream of providing clothes for school children in need. They're struggling right now.
The third is my son's best friend, Taryn and her family. Taryn and Ian have known each other since 6th grade. She was there for him when he was terribly bullied throughout middle school. I love her like my own daughter. Her family is having a tough time, too. Then us.
Do you know people in your life that are struggling right now? You can help them just as my family is helping all of the people I mentioned. Just by becoming a World Changer and spending what you are planning to spend anyway!
February 2, 2009
We're coming out the other side of a yucky long weekend filled with children and stomach bugs.....
New World Changer today - one of the Troopers. Several calls from others wanting to know what's going on. I sent out another very specific email with the action steps again. One rule of communications, people need to see something at least 8 times before they remember it.
New World Changer today - one of the Troopers. Several calls from others wanting to know what's going on. I sent out another very specific email with the action steps again. One rule of communications, people need to see something at least 8 times before they remember it.
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