Joanna Vahlsing

HR Tech Vendors – from Foe to Friend. Over the years, Phase 3’s relationship with software vendors has changed dramatically. When I set up the business we intentionally positioned ourselves against the vendors. We said we were more affordable, we offered continuity of resource, we were independent (all of which we were) and this was our ‘in’ with the customers. We’d throw however much mud we could and hoped it stuck. The vendors didn’t like us as they lost quite a bit of business to us in those days. I headhunted consultants out of the vendors and got them contracting for us so it's not really surprising we weren't on their Xmas card list. This is the time where legal letters were common (at least a couple each quarter) and they tried their very best to make it difficult for us to operate. They were protecting their business as i was protecting mine. To be fair, we still get the odd letter from a certain vendor – can anyone guess who? I’ll give you a clue, we’ve probably saved them over 50 clients, a minimum of ten million pounds in customer renewals (conservative figure) yet they still treat us like a pariah!! How dare we work with their customers 😲 shock/horror! A thank you would be nice…..Oh well, they’ll survive and so will we. Fast forward to today and our (and my) outlook is totally different. Vendors are now our partners and we work together, in collaboration to add value to our joint customers. They pass us work, we pass them work and I believe in the triangle of Vendor, Client & Partner to deliver the best possible outcome for all parties involved 🤝. Not all vendors operate this way and some maintain their PS teams internally which is absolutely fine. For these guys, we may offer client-side support around PM or data migration for example. New and innovative solutions are popping up all the time and HR, Payroll & Finance remain incestuous markets where people float around from one vendor to another – this hasn’t changed in 20 years! Time and experience has changed my approach to many things at Phase 3 and those true partnerships where it feels like a 50/50 approach and not just in the benefit of one side are to be cherished, nurtured and cultivated. That’s what we do at Phase 3.

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Great strategy starts with honoring Pivot Points as facts to construct around, not weaknesses to 'fix.' And not even “strengths” necessarily, I’m sorry to tell you. How does your current approach leverage your unique Pivot Points? Where are you fighting against your nature? This is the path to the best strategy, and the best life.

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Remember that in 9 of the last 10 presidential election cycles, fundraising for nonprofits has actually gone up! Just remember to LISTEN to your donors. We're seeing bad behavior in digital fundraising on both sides right now, so don't chase money by treating everyone as an ATM. You already know this, but we all need the constant reminder. Read more on our blog!

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Check out Ep 14 of The #JDEConnection podcast: Emerging Leaders Program with Ken Piddington: https://bit.ly/49asiyZ - very appreciative of Ken taking the time to sit down with Chandra Wobschall and me to discuss our responsibility for developing the next generation of leaders and share details about this exciting new program!

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At Primary Talent Partners, we believe that addressing social challenges isn’t just about talking—it’s about acting. The issue of underrepresentation in the workforce is one we take seriously, and we are committed to making a real difference. Our founder, Tinisha Bookhart, PMP, CSM, explains in this new video how we are confronting the underrepresentation of certain demographic groups by providing scholarships aimed at increasing graduation rates among underrepresented students. By directly supporting education and career pathways, we are helping to build a pipeline of talent that will ultimately expand the diversity of those entering the workforce. This is not just about advocacy—it’s about action. We are committed to creating tangible impact, because real change is built on the resources and dedication we invest today. Watch the video to hear more about how we’re doing our part in solving this critical challenge. 📹 #DiversityAndInclusion #ActionForChange #SocialImpact #WorkforceEquity #EducationMatters #RealChange

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Wondering what it takes to succeed in IT leadership? Darlene Reina, MBA of Calendly shares her journey from eager newcomer to seasoned IT leader. Darlene talks about her early career, where she put forward countless ideas with great enthusiasm, only to realize that true success lies in aligning with stakeholders and vendors. Click the link below. #DisruptiveInnovation #Innovation #DisruptiveTech #DigitalBusiness

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💡🔄 Every donor matters! Explore FIVE powerful strategies for re-engaging lapsed donors and discover how nurturing existing relationships can drive long-term fundraising success for your nonprofit. 📈💬 If you want to maximize donor retention and minimize fundraising costs, it's time to focus on re-engaging lapsed donors. Learn how to reignite their passion for your cause and transform them into active supporters once again! 🔗💰 Explore our expert tips and start re-engaging lapsed donors today ▶️ https://bit.ly/49NCAG0 #RallyCorp #Nonprofits #Donors #DonorRetention

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First rule of product marketing: don't talk about product marketing.

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I'm reposting this for visibility. Are you a leader in transition in #HRtechnology or #HRservices? Would you like to see whether a big idea of yours might be a fit for "Small Talk Window," Open Window Strategies' #podcast at WRKdefined? Ping me here and potentially get into the queue. #worldofwork #futureofwork

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🚀COMING OCT 21, 2024: MsElaineous Change with Purpose 🚀 ✨BETA QUICK LAUNCH SERVICE FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM BUSINESSES (SMBs) PREPARING FOR COMPLEX CHANGE ✨ Limited to 7 participants (U.S. only) WHY Check Us Out?  o 📈 Growing beyond your break room or on a single Zoom screen. o ➕ Investing in a major change that requires your team members to work differently. o 🤔 Concerned about your team members’ adoption and confidence in their new world. Our service can increase your odds of successfully implementing your major change from <23% to >70%*. 🔎 Want to know more? SIGN UP NOW—SPACE IS LIMITED! Join us for a ½ hour Sneak Peek on October 21 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time: Change with Purpose Quick Launch. >>> Request the Zoom link and calendar invitation at https://lnkd.in/ghj5xeAq Want to know more even if you have a conflict? Complete the invitation request and we’ll send you the recording. The countdown has begun! Looking forward to seeing you there. 👀Be on the lookout for more updates next week. *Source: Prosci #ChangeManagement #SMBSuccess #BusinessGrowth #Transformation #Leadership #Innovation #TeamSuccess #FutureOfWork #SmallBusinessSupport

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🎙️ Hear it from Armando! Armando shares how the executive mastermind group meetings significantly improved his leadership performance and positively impacted his team. If you're interested in joining our executive mastermind group, book a meeting with me to learn more. Click here: https://lnkd.in/gVpHviCS #networking #executivemastermind #businesstransformation

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11 Ways Nonprofits Can Maximize Tech To Reach More Members and Donors https://bit.ly/4fMqAHQ Summary Thoughts: If you are going to invest in technology, whether free or through SaaS subscriptions, be sure you have a resource with technical expertise to realize the full value of your tech stack. A knowledge-based consultant or staff can ensure your technology will provide the desired outcomes and apply necessary integrations to be sure your technology is aligned for efficiency, ensuring data integrity and utilizing the tech to its fullest. #TechIntegration

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Prioritizing tasks is an essential part of getting things done. By structuring your day and tackling the most important items first, you'll be able to accomplish more in less time. But how do you know which tasks to prioritize? The key is to get better at estimating how long they take. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. I shared my insights with Renegade Marketing this week on Drew Neisser's #TuesdayTips. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's using an AI tool or prioritizing your own thoughts, taking the time to get organized can save you time in the long run. And for the rest of your to-do list, consider delegating tasks to others who can help. Remember, it's all about working smarter, not harder. What are your tips for prioritizing tasks? Share in the comments below! #productivity #timemanagement #prioritization

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Growing up, dreaming and designing were part of who I was. Eighteen years ago, architecture school honed my ability to translate those passions into tangible creations. Yet, in the "real world," bringing visions to life became much more challenging without the luxury of endless studio hours. However, I've discovered that this constraint has been a blessing in disguise. (Who really wants to spend all day at a desk, metaphorical or not? At least, for sure I don't!) I've learned to create so much more with limited time, and the time I do have has become incredibly potent. This journey started two years ago, with writing a children's book a few minutes each day on my phone, in a group program designed and led by Leeanne Brennan – and this skill has become foundational in my creative practice and in general how I approach my work and wider life. I recently had the pleasure of sharing my experiences on The Creative Threshold podcast with Leeanne. We delve into how I navigate achieving my goals (including launching a coaching business!) amidst life's demands, and I'd love for you to tune in. 🎧 Let me know your thoughts! How do you bring your creative endeavors and goals to life when life is happening? cc: Wayshow Collective #creativeprocess #architecture #personalgrowth #podcast

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🎙️ Excited to share my recent chat on Maxio’s SaaS Expert Voices podcast! It was a fun and interesting discussion with Randy Wootton where we dove into what makes product leaders successful, how to establish a winning strategy, and the journey that led me to write a children’s book about product management! We covered a lot of ground, including: 1️⃣ Why everything—yes, even you—is a product 2️⃣ The importance of aligning your team to a powerful vision 3️⃣ Balancing innovation with a strategic focus If you’re a product leader aiming to excel, this episode is for you! Link in the comments if you’d like to listen.

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There are many CRM options for nonprofits to store their data, but I only know of one that actively coaches and nudges you to engage with your donors based on that data. Stewarding donors is more than storing their data to use for end-of-year emails and reports, it's knowing when and where you should be engaging with your supporters.

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