It’s been a month since me and Trista released How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar: 50 Ways to Accelerate Your Career. The response has been amazing, with over a dozen reviews from readers like you. It’s been extremely gratifying to hear that the book is proving useful to people in the nonprofit field or who want to be. People are even buying the book as Christmas gifts for their staff, friends and family! Now that is pretty awesome.

Last week, I got the chance to drive up to Ohio to spend Thanksgiving with my family there and enjoy way too much of my mom’s delicious sweet potato pie. As we held hands for the dinner prayer, I realized just how grateful I am to be able to contribute something to the world. I’m incredibly thankful to be able to help you by something I write or say or share with you.

So today, I just wanted to send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has bought the book, read the blog, shared the information and just overall supported the movement to help people excel in their nonprofit careers. Just because folks work for a good cause doesn’t mean they don’t desire the same job satisfaction and personal achievement that everyone else wants.

Recap of Nonprofit Rockstar Live in DC

So, I have to apologize in advance . . . I was too caught up basking in the evening to think about having someone take notes (or pictures, sorry!). We were too busy enjoying red velvet cupcakes and rose wine and great networking during the event! Thankfully, my assistant Chelsea was able to capture a few video clips of the conversation.

Here I am talking about me being an introvert (yes, I am!) and how social media allowed me to quickly build my personal brand in the nonprofit sector. If you can’t see the video below, click here.

And here is Elisa Ortiz talking about the importance of preparing for a nonprofit job interview – in her own tell-it-like-it-is, hilarious way. Love that woman. If you can’t see the video below, click here.

AND – the good folks over at Black Philanthropic Alliance (and our co-host) provided a neat recap of the event in their latest e-newseletter, which I’m sharing with you below. Much love to all the panelists who offered their time to share their stories!

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Rockstar Panel Offers Advice on Successful Nonprofit Careers

In celebration of the release of BPA member Rosetta Thurman and Trista Harris’ new book How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar, BPA and YNPNdc co-hosted an event at Busboys and Poets on November 18.  Thurman talked about her own experiences navigating the nonprofit sector and how she and Harris struggled with the lack of resources for young people who wanted to jumpstart their careers in philanthropy and nonprofits. Both had blogged about their career journeys for years and decided to turn their ideas into a book.

Building on the wisdom in How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar, Thurman moderated a discussion among four nonprofit panelists: Eliza Ortiz, Outreach Manager at SmartGrowth America; Christian Gonzalez, Outcomes Manager at CentroNia; Kimberly Palmer, author of the book Generation Earn; and Melissa Johnson, executive director of the Neighborhood Funders Group and a member of BPA’s board.

Ortiz offered tips for job hunting.

• Think like a job-seeker 24/7: always be thinking about what your next move is even when you’re in your current position.
• Always be able to offer examples of how you can help an organization succeed.
• Have your elevator pitch ready about what you want to do and where you want to go.
• Know what you want to do—the 60/40 rule—you should know 60% of what you’re good at and 40% should be what you’re looking to gain.
• Personalize everything: your cover letter and resume especially. Write every cover letter from scratch. Should have personal business cards, a LinkedIn account, Twitter account, be well-versed in networking.
• Prepare! Job hunting is about employers and they are selfish—they want to know what you can do for them. Always be ready to give concrete examples of how you can utilize your skill set to benefit them.

Getting a graduate degree to enhance your skills and earning potential was the gist of Gonzalez’ remarks.

Saving money is critical at any point in your career, but especially when starting out in the nonprofit sector, said Palmer. She told the audience to negotiate a good salary at the start of a new job. She offered tips on how to save:

• Focus on three main costs—food, rent, transportation; don’t upgrade your lifestyle even though you get a pay raise. Avoid using your car and cook your own food.
• Build an emergency fund.
• Earn extra money on the side to develop financial security.

Money can’t buy everything, though, and Melissa Johnson talked about the importance of maintaining great relationships as she progressed through her nonprofit career. Johnson stressed the importance of working in organizations that aligned with her values, and staying committed to the work and giving your job the best you have to offer.

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Thank you again to everyone who has supported the book thus far. You are truly appreciated!

P.S. I’ve recently changed email subscription providers for my blog. Today is the LAST DAY to get updates through the old service. Read this and subscribe again if you still want to keep getting my blog posts in your inbox. I hope you do