The Beautiful Game

While, I have joy of tying fancy knots, my number one hobby and you could call it an obsession, is soccer.  What else would call waking up at 4:30am on a Sunday morning to make Fantasy League Transfers and staying up to watch an English Premier League game and that is regardless whether my children may have woken up at night or not.

Even though most soccer leagues in the world are on break right now, there is a lot of

The Layered Knot

international soccer between the Women's World Cup, Copa America (Latin American Countries), Euro 2016 Qualifiers or International Friendlies (games that have little meaning other than pride).  It has always been fun to see players who are on rival teams during their club season become best friends on their international teams.  They put their club differences aside to chase the cup for the betterment of their country.  Fundraising professionals in many ways are no different.

During the year, we all have our financial goals that we must meet.   Some institutions succeed others struggle.   We are very aware that there is a limited capacity for the Los Angeles Jewish Community and in many cases, there is significant overlap.  A Pressman Academy grandparent could have synagogue membership in one community but care deeply about their grandchildren's education.  They know they have a certain amount of dollars to donate, so now the two Development Departments are fighting for funds, however the next day, the Development Professionals could be out to coffee together sharing best practices with each other, helping each other be better, knowing that we all need to succeed in best interest in the future of the Los Angeles (and world) Jewish Community.

I love learning from other professionals and enjoy having the opportunity to share my insight with others as well.  Our ultimate goal is to reach our goals and if we can share new insights and ideas that help each other be successful than that is wonderful because it helps the community as a whole.  

Finding the balance of protecting one's own interest while also understanding the greater goals of the community is not easy, but it is a critical piece to not only being viewed as a successful fundraising professional, but also being respected.

CO-OPETITION