Summary: Rachel Doyle addresses the challenges associated with starting a non-profit as a career option. To download this podcast, click hereRachel, founder of the nonprofit GlamourGals, shares some basic issues to watch out for when starting a nonprofit. Per Rachel, fundraising is always an issue because of the resources needed to create an organization. Secondly, recruiting and retaining good people is a challenge. Rachel finds that offering flexible work schedules, not ruling by fear, and other non-monetary benefits are essential in getting the most out of people, especially volunteers. She urges creativity in your management and leadership style. Thirdly, excellent communication is essential and difficult in a world where people work virtually. Rachel also stresses differentiating yourself by being creative and unique in your ideas. For example, GamourGals has “Hot Pink Parties” which are knitting and crocheting parties with the elderly and teenagers. In the current economy, expensive dinners aren’t plausible so this is an affordable and relevant event that meets her non-profit’s mission. Rachel continues by discussing how to approach corporations, either as an interviewer or as a nonprofit looking for a partnership. Professionalism is imperative and having done your homework is essential; you must be well read, relevant, and well prepared. Also, it is important to evaluate to make sure that the company is in line with the nonprofit goals (or with what you want to do as a profession if you are interviewing). In addition, you need to find the right person to connect with. Rachel also expands on how it is important to bring a business sense to nonprofits because that structure is important. Finally, Rachel stresses the importance of writing a thank you note. It is very meaningful and very rare these days, and will really make an impact on the person. As a passionate, motivated teen looking to honor her own grandmother, Rachel Doyle started the first GlamourGals chapter when she was only 17 years old. Today, Rachel has the same enthusiasm and drive for the cause behind GlamourGals that she demonstrated in high school and her ability to continually streamline, evaluate and redefine aspects of the GlamourGals allows the program to grow along with its volunteers. When Rachel was still in high school, she was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Since then, she has steadily gained national recognition in many media publications such as Montel Williams, The Christina Show, The New York Times, CBS’s The Early Show, Glamour Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Newsday. Rachel has also won many awards for her work for GlamourGals. She was named the first ever “Cosmogirl of the Year” by Cosmogirl Magazine. She accepted the National Group Volunteer of the Year Award from the American Health Care Association. Rachel was featured in the American Eagle Outfitters Spring 2005 national ad campaign, and in 2006 she was named one of four Fun Fearless Females by Cosmopolitan Magazine, beating out thousands for the title. The GlamourGals program was also featured in two textbooks: a McGraw Hill 7th Grade Health Textbook and the 2007 Prentice Hall College Management textbook.http://www.glamourgals.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=156&Itemid=106 http://www.glamourgals.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=51 http://twitter.com/GlamourGals Like this podcast, why not share it?
