Therefore, I’m sending you along to that blog here.

And so, without further adieu, enjoy “What to Consider When Hiring a New Employee.”

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Last week, I wrote a piece for the Orlando Chapter of Young Non-Profit Professionals Network’s monthly enewsletter.  I’ve talked about writing for other publications before and the importance of sharing your knowledge with your target audience, and this was a perfect way to connect with peers.

If you’re looking for 5 easy tools to make your life a bit easier, check out the piece here.

Follow me on Twitter: @marashorr and @theleoneco.

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I highly recommend any industry professional with a passion for the pen do the same thing in their own industry.  We’ve found success with this for our clients and know it’s a fantastic tactic.  For example, this past year I’ve written several pieces for Orange Appeal Magazine (here, on Central Florida community leaders Flora Maria Garcia and Barbara Hartley and here on tips to get involved in your community)  and the Winter Park / Maitland Observer here on growing your business in a down economy.

Last week, I was able to publish another piece for the Winter Park / Maitland Observer, a weekly publication, titled “Stay positive, productive.”  While the essence was based off of this post, published right here on The Leone Company’s blog more than a year ago, it was updated and tweaked to fit the new audience.

I invite you to read the full piece here, and, of course, let me know what you think.  What would YOU add for a positive and productive day?  Go on… don’t be shy!  Let me know!

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Yes. Seven.

And the number one reason  a donor stops contributing to a non-profit isn’t because they start donated somewhere else.  It’s because they don’t feel the organization appreciates their support.

So, in the quest of donor recognition, consider these tactics shortly after a gift:

• A personalized phone call
• A personalized email
• Recognition in your event’s next printed program
• A hand-written note
• Tickets to an inexpensive, upcoming event
• Recognition on your organization’s website
• And, one of my favorites: a donor wall

The major donor recognition wall at the entrance of Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Boynton Beach, Florida. On a side note, they saved my grandfather’s life this December after he suffered a heart attack.

The major donor wall at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida.  In case you weren’t aware, there’s a strong citrus theme in Orange County.

I’d love to hear your ideas: How do you thank your donors?

Follow me on Twitter: @marashorr and @theleoneco.

Follow The Leone Company on Facebook here.

This year, I’ve been invited back to speak on “Social Networking to Market and Enhance Your Business,” open not only to founders of rescues but also anyone who has adopted a pet themselves.

(On a side note: The Leone Company actually established its first client from a similar lecture!)

See below for a short video from last year!  After all, how can you NOT love puppies?

Video by Henry Maldonado

And, if you’d like to join me in Lake Lily Park tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., you can see the full list of speakers here.

Follow me on Twitter: @marashorr and @theleoneco.

Follow The Leone Company on Facebook here.

See my piece on Flora Maria Garcia, executive director of United Arts of Central Florida, here.

See my piece on Barbara Hartley, executive director of Orlando’s Downtown Arts District, here.

Chosen to write these two pieces because of my connections with the Orlando arts community, it was a pleasure to work with both Barbara and Flora Maria.  Writing is something I absolutely love to do, so connecting my two passions was a great opportunity to learn from two incredibly influential women.

Follow me on Twitter: @marashorr and @theleoneco

Follow The Leone Company on Facebook here.

Photo Source

The Leone Company has a client that takes me out of town, on average, once every four to six weeks.  I now have him speaking regularly at industry conferences across the country, as sharing his expert knowledge with hundreds, if not thousands, of potential clients within his target market is the best way to cultivate new business.  (Side note: I’m happy to discuss opportunities like this for you!)

Without a doubt, this increased amount of business travel took a bit of getting used to.  I had grown accustomed to staying in town and, most recently, I had been used to working from my home office, enjoying organic snacks throughout the day with a set routine.   But, let’s be honest: there’s something exciting about breaking up a regular work schedule with the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Here are just a few tips, tricks and systems (would you expect any less from me?) I’ve picked up and created along the way:

1. Use travel time to catch up on reading.  For some people, a few hours on a plane may be an extension of regular office work, but for me, it’s pure, uninterrupted time to get those things done that have been piling up on my desk.  Literally.  Like that stack of industry publications that I love to read but always come in quicker than they hit the recycling bin.  (Driving instead of flying?  Audiobooks are still amongst my favorite ways to pass the time.)
   
2. BYOS.  Bring your own snacks.  One’s brain, stomach and budget can only survive on the mini-bar and sugary morning danish for so long.  My personal favorites include my own stash of herbal tea, apples, peanut butter with crackers and a few protein bars.  For others, it’s their own coffee with their favorite creamer.
3. Remain loyal to your hometown time zone.  As tempting as it may be, know that it’s just going to be harder to get back in the groove when you return to the office.  That series of late nights in Sin City hits harder than you think when returning to the East Coast.
4. Let your staff (and other clients) know of your change in schedule.  If you’re going to be generally unavailable for more than a day, make your staff and clients aware of the best way to reach you, even if you think they won’t notice you’re out of town.  When you’re new to the role of freelancer, contractor or agency employee, people sometimes forget they have more than just one company to report to.  And, let’s be honest, you’ll need to plan ahead with them anyway.
   
5. Be sure to get a few minutes of YOU time daily.  With conferences, client dinners and answering emails in the day’s remaining minutes, it’s easy to go a few days without a breath of fresh air, a walk to clear your head, or a few stretches to your favorite tunes.  In order to continue to be productive, make sure you re-group.

Have a favorite tip?  List it below!

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It’s no secret we often make New Year’s resolutions around becoming better people.  (I blogged about this last year as well… here.)  Whether it’s fine-tuning something old or creating something new, volunteering is on the top of that list.

I’m sharing a piece I wrote for Orange Appeal magazine, published in November around Central Florida’s National Philanthropy Day event.  (This was my second year as part of the committee, and, once again, I was honored to be a part of such an incredible group of fundraising professionals.)

Check out my three tips on how to become a star volunteer for the organization you dream about assisting.  And, let me know if there’s anything else you would add below!

And remember, you can always see more of my published pieces here.

Like my blog posts?  You can always find more great content when you “like” The Leone Company’s Facebook page here!

I’ve had an incredible amount of inspiring discussions outlining how, in its own way, The Leone Company has grown.  Amazing discussions with both casual colleagues and close friends, all over coffee, tea, juice, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and, on one occasion JUST after Thanksgiving, pie.  (Thanks for that delicious slice of homemade apple love, Emma!)

And so, this seems like a great time to share the piece.  Head on over to their site for the full story and incredible amounts of my wisdom, and let me know what you think below!

For a full list of previously published work, head on over here.

I’ve signed up and adore the task management system.  As The Leone Company grows, I need to make sure my “To Do” list stays in check and, after looking from system to system, this one does the trick.  It allows me to sort by client or project, by deadline, sends me notification if I’ve passed said deadline (gasp!), has an app to keep me in check on the go, and far, far more options.  There are even features to attach notes to contacts.  Score!

Check it out here, and let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

Do you have a software or productivity tip?  I’d love to hear it!

(But on your “To Do” list? No matter your candidate of choice, make sure to vote today!)