Monthly Archives: February 2009

Which way to Newark?

Posted on February 27, 2009 by

I was walking up 6th Avenue around 26th street last night, talking to a friend on my cellphone.  A guy pulled over in a black SUV, rolled down the window and called out, “Hey, excuse me, can you tell me, … Continue reading →

Posted in storytelling | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

What would Alice do?

Posted on February 26, 2009 by

Today was a day for me to spend some time with my family, so I’m short a post.  But reflecting on Barack Obama’s speech on Monday night reminded me of the open-ended hope so many felt when he was elected … Continue reading →

Posted in Barack Obama | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A touch of genius

Posted on February 25, 2009 by

By all reports, one of the most celebrated talks at this year’s TED conference was by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love.  Elizabeth starts with a compelling question she gets asked a lot lately, “Aren’t you afraid you’re never … Continue reading →

Posted in Genius | Tagged , | 1 Comment

How we say ‘thanks’

Posted on February 24, 2009 by

Though I’m not plugged in to popular culture, I do try to catch the Oscars.  Like the Superbowl and the Olympics, it is a chance for the whole world to tune in and dream of a simpler world full of … Continue reading →

Posted in Gratitude | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Ask and ask again

Posted on February 22, 2009 by

Ira Glass, host of the NPR show This American Life, has a new twist on getting people to give to NPR.  As part of NPR’s funding drive, Ira is calling people on the phone and having them “turn in” family … Continue reading →

Posted in Generosity | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Would you rather work for change?

Posted on February 20, 2009 by

Sooner or later, you have to choose.  Are you going to work for change or just complain? Funny thing is, once you start working for change, you usually don’t have much time left to complain.  There’s just so darn much … Continue reading →

Posted in Change | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Twoverwhelmed

Posted on February 19, 2009 by

I’m feeling twoverwhelmed.  It’s not Twitter’s fault – it’s just another tool.  But I did get on Twitter this week.  The Twitter roar (“you don’t use Twitter?”)* was getting deafening, and I know enough about myself to know that the … Continue reading →

Posted in learning | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

I’m hiring

Posted on February 18, 2009 by

I’m looking for someone great to join my team at Acumen Fund.   I’m looking for a great marketer — a storyteller, a tribe-builder, someone who knows how to connect with people in a real and genuine way and help them … Continue reading →

Posted in Acumen Fund | Tagged , , | 33 Comments

What do philanthropists care about?

Posted on February 18, 2009 by

Continuing a conversation from last week, I again have to acknowledge Seth Godin for understanding as well as anyone how REAL buying decisions (philanthropic, b2b software sales, you name it) are made.  You should read the full post, “The rational … Continue reading →

Posted in philanthropy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Change minds, change lives

Posted on February 14, 2009 by

It’s daunting to see the world’s problems.  It is hard to know what you can do to make a change. Here’s a great opportunity.  A chance to spread the word about a book full of fresh ideas and an authentic … Continue reading →

Posted in The Blue Sweater | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments