Steve Jobs, the former CEO and co-founder of Apple Inc., is quoted to have said, “Get closer than ever to your customers. So close that you tell them what they need well before they realize it themselves.” I’ve reflected on this counterbalance to “the customer is always right” perspective for years. I can recall, for…
Category: Financial Aid
The Nuanced (But Key) Lesson Behind Robert F. Smith’s Gift
Amid all of the publicity regarding Robert F. Smith’s announcement to repay the student loan balances for each of the Morehouse College graduates a Sunday ago, there is a key lesson to ferret out, if advancement and nonprofit leaders are willing to look (and listen) closely. Yes, the gift is wonderful and should be applauded. …
The 5 Characteristics of Mature Development Programs
Annual Funds are successful prior to the start of the fiscal year. Campaign goals are achieved before they are announced. Tomorrow’s planned gifts were solidified years ago. Our successes today depend on how mature our development program was yesterday. The more mature our programs, the more optimistic we can be regarding success today and…
And we wonder why college costs continue to soar
According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (and many others) the higher education system in the United States is already out of financial reach for many in our society. Taking on debilitating debt is the primary way (if not the only way) to fund college for most families. But not so…