As a nonprofit leader, it can sometimes feel like you’re perpetually running on empty, struggling to balance numerous responsibilities while striving to create a positive impact in the world. With your attention divided between managing teams, securing funds, and tackling a myriad of other tasks, the obstacles you face are immense and time and resources are frequently scarce. In this blog post, we delve into a variety of productivity-enhancing strategies, including how to use ChatGPT for your nonprofit. From harnessing the power of AI-driven tools to refining processes and prioritizing tasks, we’ll provide you with essential insights to help you optimize your time and resources.

Grant Writing and Democritizing Funding: 

Krista Kurlinkus, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Krista Kurlinkus, LLC, is an expert in grant writing. She has won multimillion-dollar federal grants, global development grants, and corporate, private, and community foundation grants. Her consultancy helps nonprofits, government entities, and academic researchers improve their grant writing skills and get the funding they deserve. Kurlinkus’s work helps democratize grant funding for small organizations and provides university-level writing education to grant writers.

Focus and Productivity: 

Many nonprofit leaders struggle with focus as they juggle multiple responsibilities. Krista Kurlinkus, founder of Focus In, has created a program designed to help nonprofit leaders stay focused and productive. The program offers two daily sessions, Monday through Thursday, allowing participants to drop in whenever it fits their schedule. Kurlinkus incorporates body doubling in these sessions, where participants can see each other on video while they work, providing an added benefit of accountability and mirroring.

Investing in Ourselves: 

Investing in ourselves is critical to our success, and nonprofit leaders must prioritize their well-being and success. Kurlinkus’s program talks about self-care in a broader sense, focusing on how you put together your entire life rather than just taking bubble baths or other temporary self-care activities. It’s essential to change the perception that investing in ourselves is not as important in the nonprofit sector.

Financial Management: 

As a nonprofit leader, you know that funding and resources can be hard to come by. That’s why having a solid financial routine is so important. Stephanie Skryzowski, the Founder of 100 Degrees Consulting, understands the struggles that nonprofit organizations face and has created a free finance routine checklist to help. This tool outlines what to focus on monthly, quarterly, and annually, so you can stay on top of your finances and make a real impact. With this resource at your fingertips, you can ensure your nonprofit has the resources it needs to succeed.

The Potential of AI: 

Krista Kurlinkus believes that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the nonprofit sector. She recently spoke about her work with ChatGPT, a machine learning model that uses a deep learning technique called transformer architecture to generate human-like text. Using technology like ChatGPT in your nonprofit can streamline communications and reduce the need for certain positions, such as those in communications departments. It can generate fresh ideas and logical connections, making it a valuable tool for program design and grant writing. However, she cautions that ChatGPT is still bleeding edge technology and not a perfect solution, and ethical concerns should be considered.

So there you have it, a look into the world of nonprofit leadership, self-care, and AI. We hope this blog post has given you some insight into the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofit organizations today. From grant writing to financial management, it’s clear that nonprofit leaders have a lot on their plates. However, by investing in themselves and embracing new technologies like ChatGPT in your nonprofit, they can streamline their operations and stay ahead of the curve. We encourage you to continue learning and exploring new ways to improve your nonprofit’s impact and effectiveness. Thank you for reading!

Read the podcast transcripts here.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stephanie on Instagram
• Connect with Krista Kurlinkus on TikTok
• Understand (and maximize) your organization’s numbers with this free download.

Want more of the podcast?

• New episodes are released weekly! Find them all plus show notes and exclusive bonus content at 100degreesconsulting.com/podcast
• Leave us a review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about this episode!
• Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing

Have you ever experienced a situation where you feel intimidated by a challenge, unprepared or lacking the confidence to face it directly? You’re not alone. Many of us experience these emotions when faced with intimidating tasks. However, there are ways to build confidence and overcome these fears.

I recently encountered this scenario while preparing to give a TED-style talk at the ROI Millionaire Summit in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (You’ll get to listen to my talk in this podcast episode!) My journey towards building confidence in public speaking is a powerful testament that confidence often comes after persistently facing your fears and repeatedly taking on the challenge.

In high school, college, and grad school, I never raised my hand to answer a question in class, fearing the prospect of speaking in front of people and possibly getting it wrong. But during the first few months of owning my business, when someone asked me to speak to a group of new entrepreneurs, I gathered the courage to accept the invitation. Even though I was terrified, I followed through, and by repeatedly putting myself on stage, I slowly built my confidence.

Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking Through Entrepreneurship

When preparing for the conference, I had to choose between delivering an informational or inspirational talk. Initially, I opted for the informational route, which I was comfortable with. However, after receiving invaluable feedback from a renowned speaking coach, I took a leap of faith. I stepped out of my comfort zone to rewrite my entire talk, making it more story-driven and impactful.

Although I didn’t have the confidence to immediately dive into this new format, I was committed to doing my best. If you’re holding back from doing something because you lack confidence, remember that readiness often comes from repetition. As I’ve discovered throughout my career, it’s crucial to keep pushing forward, and the confidence will follow.

Another critical aspect of building confidence is practice. Practice doesn’t make perfect; it makes confidence. I practiced my speech in various settings: the car, the shower, on the treadmill, and in bed. Each time I practiced, my confidence in delivering my talk grew stronger.

Building confidence in doing scary things comes from embracing opportunities, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and practicing consistently. I hope that my experience and the lessons I’ve learned along the way can inspire you to face your fears and build confidence in your abilities. Embrace the challenge, and you may surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

Read the podcast transcripts here.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stephanie on Instagram
• Understand (and maximize) your organization’s numbers with this free download.

Want more of the podcast?

• New episodes are released weekly! Find them all plus show notes and exclusive bonus content at 100degreesconsulting.com/podcast
• Leave us a review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about this episode!
• Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing

In today’s digital world, social media plays a crucial role in shaping how nonprofits share their stories, engage with supporters, and raise funds. Therefore, having a well-planned nonprofit marketing strategy for social media is essential. Leveraging social media platforms and utilizing Facebook ads effectively can significantly impact a nonprofit’s reach and success. So, we had Dana Snyder on the podcast to discuss how to choose the right social media platforms, the difference between organic and paid social media, debunking common myths about social media advertising, and how to effectively use Facebook ads for nonprofits.

Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms: 

Nonprofits should focus on a primary and secondary social platform rather than trying to be present on all platforms. Use Google Analytics to determine which platforms drive the most quality traffic to your website. Facebook and Instagram are common primary platforms for nonprofits but don’t overlook YouTube as it’s a search engine that can drive valuable traffic.

Organic vs. Paid Social Media: How to Decide? 

Organic social media refers to posts and engagement that occur naturally, without any financial investment, nurturing existing supporters. On the other hand, paid social media allows organizations to target specific audiences, reaching beyond their current supporters, which can be helpful in reaching new audiences, promoting events, and driving donations.

Are Ads Really Effective? 

Common misconceptions about social media advertising include believing that ads are expensive or ineffective. The truth is that ads can be cost-effective and reach a large audience on a small budget. Ads may be perceived as ineffective if the approach is wrong, such as asking for donations from cold audiences. Instead, warm up audiences through strategic ad campaigns that build relationships over time.

Building Relationships Through Facebook Ads:

Facebook ads for nonprofits are all about building relationships with your audience. It’s not just about asking for donations right away; it’s about letting people know about your organization, its mission, and its impact. This process takes time; the key is patience and consistency.

Targeting Warm Audiences:

Target your warm audience, such as Facebook followers or people who have engaged with your content, as they already have some familiarity with your organization. By targeting your warm audience, you can see a higher return on investment in your ad spend.

DIY vs. Hiring Help: 

Nonprofits can either learn to run ads themselves or hire someone to manage them. There are step-by-step courses available that teach you how to create and run visibility, lead generation, and donation ads. If you prefer to work with a third party, educate yourself about the process to ensure you’re working with someone knowledgeable. Understand the goals and strategies behind the ads.

Test and Optimize Your Ads:

 Running successful Facebook ads requires testing and optimization. Test different audiences, copy, and content to see what works best for your organization. Start with a lower ad spend, monitor the results, and amplify the ads that are performing well.

For nonprofits looking to maximize their impact, a strategic approach to social media and Facebook ads is essential. By focusing on the right platforms, leveraging both organic and paid strategies, debunking common myths, and employing a long-term approach to Facebook ads, organizations can harness the power of social media to drive growth, engagement, and success.

Read the podcast transcripts.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stephanie on Instagram
• Connect with Dana on Instagram
• Don’t let finances hold you back from achieving your nonprofit’s mission. Download our free income forecasting and budgeting template today! With this tool, you’ll be able to confidently plan for the future and avoid any unexpected financial surprises.

Want more of the podcast?

• New episodes are released weekly! Find them all plus show notes and exclusive bonus content at 100degreesconsulting.com/podcast
• Leave us a review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about this episode!
• Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing!

Welcome to the Prosperous Nonprofit, the new version of the 100 Degrees of Entrepreneurship podcast. 

If you’re a longtime listener, don’t worry – all previous episodes are still available, and you can continue to enjoy them in our feed. But with our recent shift, we’re taking the opportunity to serve you the most inspiring content in a fresh new way.

Our host, Stephanie Skryzowski, is the Founder & CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting. She is passionate about empowering leaders to better understand their numbers, grow their impact, and their income. In this podcast, Stephanie is discussing innovative, disruptive, and entrepreneurial approaches to building financially sustainable and impactful nonprofits.

Along with sharing the journey from 100 Degrees of Entrepreneurship to The Prosperous Nonprofit, Stephanie shares the backstory behind the rebranding of the podcast. 100 Degrees Consulting used to work with nonprofits and small businesses, but we made a decision to focus exclusively on nonprofits, which led to rebranding the podcast to reflect this change.

Although the podcast now focuses on nonprofits, small business owners can still gain value from the content since many of the strategies and lessons discussed apply to them as well.

The show will not exclusively be about money; rather, the concept of prosperity will encompass time, balance, flourishing, and more. Expect a mix of interviews and solo shows with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and new approaches to nonprofit management.

With the introduction of the Prosperous Nonprofit, we’re excited to embark on this new chapter in our podcast journey. We hope you’ll join us in discovering groundbreaking ideas and strategies for building successful, financially sustainable, and impactful nonprofits. 

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes and inspiring conversations with leaders in the nonprofit sector.

Read the podcast transcripts.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

Want more of the podcast?

• New episodes are released weekly! Find them all plus show notes and exclusive bonus content at 100degreesconsulting.com/podcast
• Leave us a review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about this episode!
• Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing

If you’ve been a fan of the 100 Degrees of Entrepreneurship podcast, we have some exciting news for you. After 100 amazing episodes, we’re rebranding and changing things up to bring you the most inspiring content in a fresh new way. Introducing the Prosperous Nonprofit podcast, a show dedicated to leaders who are building financially sustainable and impactful nonprofits while changing the world. I’m Stephanie Skryzowski, Founder, and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting. My personal mission is to empower leaders to better understand their numbers, grow their impact, and increase their income.

On this show, we’ll be talking to people leading the nonprofit sector in new, innovative, disruptive, and entrepreneurial ways. We’ll feature organizations that fuel their lives, hearts, and communities.

We’ll officially launch the new show next week, with three episodes dropping on launch day. 

From there, we’ll return to our regular schedule of releasing new episodes every Monday morning. We have a fantastic lineup of insightful, innovative guests and content planned for you. Topics include using ChatGPT to increase your impact, building a thriving organizational culture, and how co-creating leads to nonprofit innovation.

If you still need to subscribe to the show, be sure to do so now so you will get all of the exciting episodes we have in store. And if you’ve enjoyed the podcast, we’d love it if you could leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach our goal of 100 reviews.

A final note for business owners and entrepreneurs: don’t be put off by the word “nonprofit” in the title. The strategies and tactics we discuss on the Prosperous Nonprofit podcast are 100% applicable to your business. We’re confident you’ll find immense value in the upcoming episodes.

So, get ready for the official launch of the Prosperous Nonprofit podcast next week. Make sure you’ve subscribed, and we’ll see you then!

Read the podcast transcripts here.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

Want more of the podcast?

• New episodes are released weekly! Find them all plus show notes and exclusive bonus content at 100degreesconsulting.com/podcast
• Leave us a review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about this episode!
• Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing

It’s the craziest time of the year! If you’re feeling pressure to close Q4 really strong, take a deep breath. Set aside a few moments to grab a cup of coffee or tea and listen to today’s podcast episode.

We all have phases in business where we feel stagnant and unsure of our next move. Today on the podcast, you’ll hear from Stephanie Skryzowski. In this episode, Stephanie talks about those moments you feel stuck in your business and shares the 3 things she does to help her break out of that rut. 

Maybe the end doesn’t seem like it’s in sight, but we do know that it will be over before we know it. Thinking about what is next in your business is a really great way to kind of clear your brain of all the junk that’s happening in there right now and think about the future.

I have found that I don’t get my best ideas when I’m running from one thing to the next, or in those 30 minute chunks in between Zoom meetings. That’s not where I am feeling my best. I like to create space for innovation. – Stephanie Skryzowski

Stephanie’s top 3 tips to get “unstuck”:

1. Forward thinking: Set aside some time to cllear your brain of all the “right now” junk and think about the future of your business and what could be next. Brain dumping is a great way to do this. 
2. Create space for innovation: Actually block out time on your calendar to allow yourself the opportunity to generate momentum by looking at what’s currently working and considering ways to innovate what you’re already doing.
3. Practice gratitude: It may sound cliche, but if you can get into the practice of thinking about one thing each day that you’re grateful for it will feel like a breath of fresh air. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stephanie on Instagram
• The Profit Playbook
• Cultivate What Matters PowerSheets

WANT MORE OF THE 100 DEGREES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP PODCAST?

Follow me on Instagram: @stephanie.skry (Tag me in your screenshots of the podcast and I’ll be sure to share!)

Are you feeling stuck with what to do next to manage the money in your business?

Maybe you’ve logged into QuickBooks once or twice, but got instantly overwhelmed. Or you started to set revenue goals, but don’t know where to go from here. Maybe you simply know that managing your numbers is the right thing to do, but you don’t know what that actually means. Don’t worry, friend! I’ve got just the thing.

Managing Your Business Finances Like a CFO is my brand new 10 step checklist that will help you manage your business like a CFO without making it your full time job.

READY TO STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT?

Click here to subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing!

Click here to read the full transcript.

If you’re a small business owner who is considering pivoting in your business, today’s episode is full of helpful information and tips on how to do it successfully.

Most of us will reach a point in our business where we will wonder if we need to make a change. Maybe it’s revenue, maybe it’s a shift in passion, or maybe it’s temptation of the next big thing everyone else is doing.

Stephanie Skryzowski shares her tips for how to pivot with a plan, breaks down what things to consider as well as what to look at from a numbers perspective. 

We’re all going to pivot, we’re all going to shift. And I think that’s important to keep us fulfilled as professionals, as creative human beings in general. That is what is going to help us continue to thrive and continue to be lit up by our business. – Stephanie Skryzowski

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Consider if you’re thinking about pivoting for a verifiable reason or due to burn out
• Make sure to pivot with a plan
• Pay attention to your instincts but most importantly, run your numbers. 
  • Run both best case scenario numbers and realistic numbers
• Assess where you are right now
• Determine what you are pivoting away from as well as what you are pivoting towards

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stephanie on Instagram
• The Profit Playbook
• The Finance Pro Quiz

Want more of the podcast?

• New episodes are released weekly! Find them all plus show notes and exclusive bonus content at 100degreesconsulting.com/podcast
• Leave us a review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about this episode!
• Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing
• Download the full episode transcript here

In the early days of starting a business, most business owners find they have to be involved in all the big and small decisions. As you start adding team members to your payroll, you may reach a tipping point that necessitates bringing on a COO.

In this episode, Stephanie Skryzowski discusses when she realized that it was time to hire a senior leader in her business. Handing over the reins may seem a little scary, but if your team feels overloaded by the growth of your company, it’s time! 

I needed somebody who was both a strategic thinker who could sort of help me sit with me at 30,000 feet and see the big picture, but also somebody very tactical that would know how to create a project plan and how to put all of the wheels into motion and support the team to actually get things done.

– Stephanie Srkyzowski

Key takeaways mentioned in this episode:

• How to recognize when team growth exceeds your ability to manage the team well
• When to take stock of unfinished projects – no one to handle them, no capacity for taking on something new
• Knowing when you need a senior team member to handle strategy/2nd in command
• How to: come up with a title, understand the impact on the budget/bottom line

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with Stephanie on Instagram
• The Profit Playbook
• The Finance Pro Quiz

Want more of the podcast?

• New episodes are released weekly! Find them all plus show notes and exclusive bonus content at 100degreesconsulting.com/podcast
• Leave us a review! Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about this episode!
• Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing
• Download the full episode transcript here

Do you feel like you are living on the edge when it comes to your finances? Does budget and money talk make you want to run for the hills? If you feel like a hot mess with your money, you’re not alone! 

In this episode, Stephanie Skryzowski shares her top 7 tips for gaining clarity and confidence around handling your money. Grab a pen and paper because this episode is packed with helpful tips and information to help you find stability and stop living on the (financial) edge. 

You might feel like one chargeback or one client not paying you, or one expense getting pushed through too soon is going to break you. I don’t want you to feel like that. I don’t want you to feel one gust of wind away from falling off a cliff.

– Stephanie Skryzowski

Stephanie’s Top 7 Tips:

• Have a plan
• Know your numbers
• Create a cash reserve
• Handle your bookkeeping
• Understand your revenue
• Edit your expenses
• Review relationships

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

•  Profit Playbook

WANT MORE OF THE 100 DEGREES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP PODCAST?

Follow me on Instagram: @stephanie.skry (Tag me in your screenshots of the podcast and I’ll be sure to share!)

Are you feeling stuck with what to do next to manage the money in your business?

Maybe you’ve logged into QuickBooks once or twice, but got instantly overwhelmed. Or you started to set revenue goals, but don’t know where to go from here. Maybe you simply know that managing your numbers is the right thing to do, but you don’t know what that actually means. Don’t worry, friend! I’ve got just the thing.

Managing Your Business Finances Like a CFO is my brand new 10 step checklist that will help you manage your business like a CFO without making it your full time job.

READY TO STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT?

Click here to subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing!

Click here to read the full transcript.

What are the takeaways from our team retreat? In this episode, Stephanie Skryzowski shares her thoughts and her biggest takeaways after the recent 100 Degrees Consulting team retreat. Team retreats are a great way to foster community by giving employees time to connect, inspire and educate each other. If you’re considering doing something similar for your team, you’ll love listening to Stephanie walk us through what went into planning and executing a productive, fun and encouraging retreat for the 100 Degrees Consulting team.

It was such a worthwhile investment in our business and our team. They all got amazing professional development and got to not only strengthen their knowledge and their professional expertise, but also their bonds with their team members.

– Stephanie Skryzowski

Takeaways from this episode:

• How to plan for a retreat ahead of time
• Things to consider when choosing what activities to include
• Why you may want more downtime than you think you do!
• The value behind professional development as well as highlighting individual successes
• Things to do to take advantage of your time all together as a team

WANT MORE OF THE 100 DEGREES OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP PODCAST?

Follow me on Instagram: @stephanie.skry (Tag me in your screenshots of the podcast and I’ll be sure to share!)

Are you feeling stuck with what to do next to manage the money in your business?

Maybe you’ve logged into QuickBooks once or twice, but got instantly overwhelmed. Or you started to set revenue goals, but don’t know where to go from here. Maybe you simply know that managing your numbers is the right thing to do, but you don’t know what that actually means. Don’t worry, friend! I’ve got just the thing.

Managing Your Business Finances Like a CFO is my brand new 10 step checklist that will help you manage your business like a CFO without making it your full time job.

READY TO STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT?

Click here to subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a thing!

Click here to read the full transcript.