Category Archives: On-the-Job Lessons

Work Aprons

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Sue Edison-Swift

Getting ready for a shift staffing the admissions desk at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum means wearing one of the Scandinavian-looking aprons I purchased the the museum gift shop. I attach my name tag and put essentials in the front pockets, … Continue reading →

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Working Birthdays

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Sue Edison-Swift

It started innocently enough. One year, my colleague Faith and I, each with single-digit April birthdates, realized our combined ages added to 100. Since a centennial birthday doesn’t come around every year, we decided to spring for cake. There were … Continue reading →

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If you’re going to use my name, get it right

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Sue Edison-Swift

The other day, a Ranger Rick subscription offer arrived our mailbox, a print version of a cold sales call. No doubt the National Wildlife Federation, publisher of Ranger Rick magazines, got our name by purchasing a list of recent subscribers … Continue reading →

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New/Young

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Sue Edison-Swift

“We need more young [volunteers, donors, subscribers, participants]!” Whenever I hear some version of “we need young,” I usually counter with, “No, we need new.” New is not necessarily young. If your organization’s current base skews over 70, instead of running … Continue reading →

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Under Over

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Sue Edison-Swift

“Under promise and over deliver,” former boss Kristi Bangert taught me. It’s a lesson I immediately took to heart. Examples of under promising and over delivery: If a quarterly newsletter will be mailed in February, date it “Spring.”  While no … Continue reading →

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Don’t be cheap with the cupcakes

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Sue Edison-Swift

Long ago and far away, the perfect cupcakes were ordered for a celebration at a convention. Since the cupcakes were expensive and the budget was tight, it was important to order just enough. Unfortunately, on the night of the celebration … Continue reading →

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Organizational Underwear

Posted on August 29, 2011 by Sue Edison-Swift

Yippie Skippy! My nonprofit marketing and fundraising hero Katya Andresen features this blog post in her 4/30/2013 Advice Carnival. Please visit and share the link. For related posts, filter for the category “On-the-Job Lessons.” Blessings! Sue When asked to create … Continue reading →

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