Several years ago, the director of a non-profit I support invited me to come to have a cup of coffee. I was told the team wanted to share about some new programs and the progress the non-profit was making. The meeting was set up as if they were only going to share about their latest news. However, in the end, the reason for my visit was revealed and they started talking about my annual contribution. I was caught off guard and somewhat offended by the surprise solicitation for money and felt it would have been better if I had known it was coming.

I learned recently that I’m not alone with feeling this way. I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Lynette Zimmerman, president and CEO of Key Elements Group, LLC last week. Lynette consults with non-profits on strategic fundraising. She said what I experienced was unfortunately common mistakes people make when asking for support: asking too soon and not being straightforward about it.

Do you have a presentation coming up? Google just made it easier to engage with your audience.

Too many presentations are dry one-way affairs, with obligatory Q&A at the end of the drone fest. Here is a very simple way to turn a dry presentation into a conversation. Google Slides now allows people in the audience to ask questions using their handheld devices. The speaker receives these questions in real-time.

Would it surprise you to learn that most people don’t quit their jobs because they found a higher paying job? 

While many managers believe people primarily leave for more money, it is actually not the case. Money can be part of the reason, but it is rarely the primary factor.

Have you ever participated in a meeting and there were no introductions?

What about those meetings where there is a back row of participants who sit quietly throughout and it never quite becomes clear why they are there?

Have you ever participated in a meeting that seemed to have no direction or purpose?

How was the energy in the room?