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 What Is It? Per Givelink's LinkedIn About section: "We're a transparent giving platform where donors pick real items needed by real people, give online, and see photo proof of their help reaching someone's life. Every donation is visible. Every item is tracked. Every life reached is real." Per Panos Kokmotos, one of three co-founders of Givelink, he describes Givelink as "helping nonprofits get the exact goods they need, and helping donors see where their money goes." What Do They REALLY Do? Givelink serves nonprofits coming and going.
Graphics that describe Givelink's advantages best as adapted from their website:
How Much Does It Cost?
As if this little gem could get any better, the generous folks of Givelink manage it! Use of this amazing service is free to nonprofits! Just be ready to provide your EIN for them to confirm your nonprofit status. Get to the Point As you can tell, I'm a bit over-the-moon excited for my recent discovery of Givelink! I've enjoyed chatting with Panos by zoom to get to know each other and email for continued discussions. This service meets a huge need in the nonprofit realm.
How Do I Sign Up? You can email Panos directly or head to Givelink's For Nonprofits page for details and ways to get started. Your Turn! Solopreneurs and authors—you likely work with nonprofits who may benefit from this service. Please share with them! Nonprofits—I hope you give Givelink a try! What are you currently using if you have in-kind donations needed? I'd love to hear if there are alternative options out there - Let's Chat (shoot me an email) or message me on LinkedIn or Substack!
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 What Is GeekPack?
GeekPack per the LinkedIn company page "is a business education company built for online business owners who are technically excellent—but revenue is inconsistent. We work with coaches, course creators, service providers, and agency owners who have the skills, the systems, and the clients—but not a predictable pipeline." Founder Julia Taylor, self-professed introvert "who'd rather be behind the screen than out in front," is a "business coach for tech-savvy women" (although I've seen a few gentlemen in the group), "helping you stop hiding in the backend & build predictable revenue." Special thanks to Julia Taylor for allowing me to interview her! Julia began GeekPack in October 2018, but started her first business in 2016. On becoming a military spouse with multiple moves, Julia started her business to manage her own career progression with flexibility to work from anywhere. As she shared on social media about her journey—teaching herself how to code, build websites, location independence with the RV life—she began hearing "I want to be able to do what you do—can you teach me how to do it?" “I wanted everything I did to be based around a supportive & encouraging community" as any time she asked any tech questions, she was made fun of. “I wanted to teach people how to build websites and start a business, but I wanted to wrap it around community—supportive, encouraging, and geeky," thus GeekPack was born. Who Is This For? Following and participating in the GeekPack programs are useful for solopreneurs, authors (writing books is your business!), and even nonprofits. I have seen a number of fellow nonprofit leaders in the GeekPack program. I asked Julia how she sees the match in her programs for nonprofit founders. “There are many parallels with nonprofit leaders and business owners—selling a service or funding, storytelling, marketing, letting others know you exist, have conversations, build relationships, networking—it's all the same. The only real difference is owner vs nonprofit, but I would argue most nonprofit leaders feel like owners, because they're probably the ones who started it, so there's not a huge difference. There are a lot of similarities.” GeekPack offers a number of programs:
Get to the Point I recently completed my second iteration of the 6-week foundation program--completion certificate achieved! I initially completed the program a year ago, year 3 of my business, where I gained insights that guided me forward, to ensure my business foundation was in place. Admittedly, I participated half-heartedly, thinking I knew more than I did and more focusing on the day-to-day of what I was doing in my business to build connections. I gained insights but not nearly as many as I did this year with many thanks to my instructor in GeekPack, Glenna Garcia. This time on year 4 of my business, I'm taking a step back to check my business foundation, and listening—truly participating this time each and every week—showing up live 2x/week with the cohort, watching the Verizon videos accompanying each lesson, doing the homework, and engaging with my classmates—all fellow solopreneurs. This year was more of an intermediate program—perfect for where I am in my business and for others in my cohort.
What's Next? The timing for the most recent GeekPack/Verizon program was perfect to commit to investing in Revenue OS, which I also highly recommend. It is not necessary to take the GeekPack/Verizon program before jumping into Revenue OS, however, I found the programs a good match for me. Revenue OS provides:
Want More? Head here to sign up for GeekPack/Julia Taylor's email at a minimum. This will keep you posted of upcoming opportunities to join programs or learn about new options available. Head here to apply for the next GeekPack/Verizon program. Head here to learn more about the Revenue OS program. Your Turn! Have you found any business development programs you like and have participated in? Love to hear about them! We all grow by sharing resources! Let's Chat or message me on LinkedIn or Substack to share!  Have You Heard Any Good Podcasts Lately?
I'm a huge fan of podcasts! Audio options are my daily exercise companion. Podcasts have the advantage of fitting in a variety of time windows you may have, anything from 10 minutes long to 30 minutes, an hour, or more. Podcasts are fun and educational! I'm always keeping my ears open for new podcasts that mentors I admire recommend and often have on their podcasts. Podcasts for Nonprofits These are a number of podcasts available for those of us in the nonprofit sector. Most of these are on my To Listen list but I've seen good reviews.
Podcasts for Authors There is only one favorite on my podcast feed particularly for authors. Definitely check out my friend Gillian Whitney's Easy Peasy Books with her weekly podcast! She has additional content including monthly deep dives along with great articles on her LinkedIn. Podcasts for Solopreneurs/Business Tactics I have a number of favorites here on a variety of topics.
Your Turn! This scratches the surface of my podcast list. I've tried to focus on those I've actually listened to, although my nonprofit list is predominantly sharing available resources I have not heard yet as it's a rather niche podcast topic to find. What are your favorite podcasts right now and why? Love to hear - Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn or Substack!  What is "Networking"?
Let's make sure we start on the same page. According to Merriam-Webster, networking is "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions, specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business." That's a bit more broad than I had in mind, but that's fine. Forms of Networking Networking is simply any interaction with other humans. Pulling a few sources together from an online search, a rather varied list develops:
To me, it all comes down to two types:
Which is Better - In Person or Online? It depends. If you can manage opportunities to meet in person, all the better. However, online offers opportunities unimaginable until recently to connect with people from around the world! Event-Based Networking Opportunities These are available in person or online. The more in person opportunities you can create for yourself, the more satisfying it tends to be for folks.
But I'm an Introvert! Start small. One event at a time. Start with smaller events and work up to larger events. Many larger events, especially online, host networking "rooms" for a small group atmosphere. Some event hosts provide discussion topics to start conversations. Consider jotting your own conversation starters if you feel like you freeze when it's time to talk; these will help you feel more prepared. I've met a few self-professed introverted trainers on LinkedIn that you may wish to connect with as resources.Greg Roche, The Introverted Networker, is a great resource sharing on socials, a newsletter, and a podcast. (LinkedIn is hyperlinked; Substack newsletter is here) Human Connection - the AI Differentiator Networking and human connection will be what ultimately sets us apart from AI providers. AI can and will be able to do many of the tasks and services each of us provide. Some of our potential clients will be just fine or even prefer the output or convenience of AI providing services. Those are not the clients we're looking for. Networking is already a key deciding factor for employers when hiring staff. It's the primary way many in the job market are getting job opportunities currently. This article from OpenArc from October 2025 has a number of fascinating statistics.
What's the difference between you and AI? Human connection. Personality. Interaction. A sense of humor. The unique experiences that you bring to the discussion. Where Do I Start? You may consider an AI chat to help you focus your energy on where your ideal client may be. You'll likely want to consider in person and online opportunities depending on your business, time, and energy!
I've Networked - Now What? Build those new-found friendships and relationships! Keep in touch personally and in group activities. Consistent, regular participation builds your networking muscles and helps you be seen as a trusted resource. You won't typically find your new best friend in networking events, but you'll generally develop at least a passing awareness of others (if not deeper) to be able to chit-chat on occasion, refer client leads and opportunities, and support each other on the socials with comments and post engagement. You'll learn along the way, as many networking events are bundled with education opportunities—the best of both worlds in my book. Your Turn! Do you prefer in person or online networking events? Do you have a favorite resource or group to suggest to others? Love to hear about your networking journey! Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn or Substack!  Book Review
I just finished Simon Sinek's book "The Infinite Game." Have you read it? I read his books "Start with Why" and "Leaders Eat Last" this past year and saw good reviews about "The Infinite Game." A lot of the concepts he shares in "The Infinite Game" are very applicable to nonprofit leaders, solopreneurs, and authors. Let's see what we can learn from him. Basic Definitions Sinek shares examples throughout his book of businesses and systems with a finite and infinite game mindset.
A Just Cause Sinek lists five characteristics of a just cause:
Referring to his books "Start with Why" and "Find Your Why," the difference between a Why and Just Cause:
Rivals Rivals have different aspects in finite and infinite games.
Get to the Point How are these concepts useful for nonprofits, solopreneurs, and authors?
Your Turn As you can tell, I enjoyed and related to Simon Sinek's book, "The Infinite Game." If you've read the book, what did you think? Do you tend to focus on finite games or infinite games? (no wrong answer and no judgement - there's a time and place for both) Have you found your "just cause" or "worthy rival"? Feel free to leave a comment or Let's Chat! You can also message me on LinkedIn or Substack. Thanks for reading!  What is Community?
This is pertinent to nonprofits, solopreneurs, and authors: define your "community" and build it. This is marketing at its finest! Merriam-Webster defines community as:
Stanford Social Innovation Review puts it succinctly: "It's about people." Why Community Matters A Gemini AI overview compiles these factors, admittedly not seen in any one source, but they seem globally valid.
Inspiration to Discuss Community This article created by Tasha Van Vlack of The Nonprofit Hive and posted on Nonprofit Tech for Good grabbed my attention. The focus is on nonprofits, but the sentiments and suggestions are pertinent to all of my clients including solopreneurs and authors. The sentiment is really at the crux of what marketing should be. The entire article is fabulous but I'll highlight key aspects that pertain to my clients to consider. Community is Far More than Clicks We have become so focused on clicks, open rates, lists, and membership numbers, that we've lost the point of it all - relationships. People. Truly listening and hearing each other. Tasha makes a great distinction: "An audience consumes. A community interacts. An audience receives updates. A community creates momentum. An audience may appreciate your content. A community helps carry your mission further because people feel connected not only to the organization, but to one another." She proposes we find ways to "move from passive presence to real participation." I couldn't agree more. It is far too easy to become a one-way push of information. Members watch and don't interact or communicate. You'll get an occasional reaction or "like." But your audience doesn't really feel belonging or invested. Questions to Consider I'll share some of Tasha's questions geared to nonprofits to include what's pertinent to small business owners and authors as well.
That's Nice - But HOW? Consider how you build relationships. You'll see many overlaps as a business or nonprofit. The key is connecting.
Your Turn! What is "community" to you and how are you building it? I'd love to hear! Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn or Substack!  Beyond the Basics
This post will share updated information from this post from a year ago based on my own experience and adding insight from a couple of resources. Are Newsletters Useful? "Is it worth my time to create a newsletter?" - yes! Let's review some statistics. From this Stripo article, January 2026:
But What About AI? Newsletters remain useful in this developing AI world—I suggest more than ever! From The Current's February 11, 2026 post:
Newsletter Options There are a number of platforms to consider for your newsletter once you've determined your strategy and market. Many, including me, provide a newsletter on multiple channels, including all three listed below. Consider your audience for what your best strategy should be.
Your Turn! Do you have a newsletter? Do you offer it on one or more platforms? I'd love to hear how it's going for you and I love to subscribe to newsletters! If you'd like to talk strategy or need a hand creating a newsletter, Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn or Substack!  What's the Big Deal?
An author client asked for assistance to determine how to sell pdfs of stories - digital products - as frictionless as possible, preferably without the vendor asking for a customer's mailing address. Turns out, it's not as easy as you may think. There are a number of laws to consider, especially if you may have international sales, let alone considering different tax laws among 50 states of the US. (eeek!) Selling digital products adds yet another layer of complexity. Keeping It Simple This post will not go into heavy technical detail to set up your online store. I'm happy to assist you - Let's Chat! - but the intent of this post is to share a few points to ponder and a few resources available, aiming for the most simplicity to get my nonprofits, solopreneurs, and authors heading in the right direction. Useful Terminology
Online Sales Vendor Options
Thinking Ahead - Newsletter Building Enable an Opt In button on your sales platform which will legally allow you to add name and email of your buyer to your email list. Just because you made a sale, does not give consent to receive ongoing communications, especially per European standards. Get to the Point If you'll be doing online sales and are not a nonprofit (501c3's do not require tax collection if they have gone through the IRS approval process), you have a few things to consider.
Your Turn Have you done any digital sales and worked through this process? Love to hear your experience, what platform you selected, and why - Let's Chat! Or find me on LinkedIn or Substack!  Internal AND External Fraud Risk for Nonprofits
Nonprofits face the unique threat of scams, fraud, or theft—whatever you wish to call it—from both internal and external sources. This has the potential to be even more costly than scams faced by solopreneurs and authors as discussed in the linked blog posts. PBMares notes a median reported loss in 2024 of $76,000-$85,000 - egad! Bear in mind, "nonprofit" covers a range of organizations from those small enough to not have any salaried staff to large hospital chains for where such large numbers may come from. Internal Fraud Examples noted can occur in any size organization. The PBMares article and Church Mutual Insurance are resources for this information.
Red Flags These are things to pay attention to with staff and volunteers:
Detection
External Fraud In this digital era, outdated security mechanisms, AI helping scammers sound very convincing, and trusting volunteers open the door to risk for nonprofits. Lack of documented policies about fraud or theft responses and what/how to share information with external agencies increase nonprofit risk according to the same PBMares article. According to Nonprofits Insurance Alliance, "losses tied to voluntary transfer of funds are not covered under standard insurance terms." There are a number of examples shared on the post from those impacted by scammers. Information from Intermixit and Church Mutual Insurance are included in this list of scams as well. Types of scams
How to Protect Your Nonprofit Per The National Bank of Indianapolis and Nonprofits Insurance Alliance:
Your Turn This concludes our series about scams facing solopreneurs, authors, and nonprofits. Any hard lessons you've learned or heard from others? Love to hear to keep each other aware! Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn or Substack to continue the conversation!  What Is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising?
Let's start with a basic frame of reference. Bloomerang, a donor management system, offers this guidance. Peer-to-peer fundraising is when volunteers/supporters take an active role to encourage friends and family to also support a favorite organization. Organizations recruit supporters to widen the reach by encouraging their network to participate in a fundraising activity or event. Crowdfunding campaigns are similar but different.
Types of Peer-to-Peer Campaigns Per the same Bloomerang article:
Starting Your Peer-to-Peer Campaign
Campaign Styles Peer-to-peer campaigns can take a variety of forms.
Is It Worth It? Many say yes. People give to people - friends support friends. There's an element of peer pressure to peer-to-peer campaigns that does fuel donations. According to Kindsight, this style of fundraising has continued to grow since 2023. This type of fundraising is currently appealing to the Millenials and Gen Z crowd which value flexibility and the ability to align with their identity and values. Mobile-first platforms, speedy downloads and website access, clear donation button options, and easy payment methods are key to success according to GoFundMe. GoFundMe tempers the excitement with news that dollar amounts are declining on Facebook and, while a-thons may draw a crowd, the amount raised is declining. GoFundMe also indicates peer-to-peer campaigns are evolving into more community fundraising where volunteers/donors take on campaign activities more actively. · Supporters want to help you reach your fundraising goals, but they’re not always sure what to do next, when to share, or how to succeed. Providing coaching and ongoing support is one of the most critical elements of a successful community fundraising strategy. Get to the Point Peer-to-peer and crowdfunding fundraising options are great tools for any nonprofit organization. However, they take time to plan and prepare for.
Have You Tried Peer-to-Peer or Crowdfunding Campaigns? How have they gone? Love to hear your successes and challenges so we can learn and grow together! Let's Chat or find me on LinkedIn! |
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