"I have great faith in a seed. Convince me you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect miracles." - Henry David Thoreau
After nearly seven years at Boston Medical Center, today is my last day. It’s been quite a ride. I could tell you all about my time here, but you can read about it for yourself on this blog, which I started shortly after I arrived at BMC.
Most of my experiences are chronicled under the category Cause Marketer’s Journal on the right sidebar.
I have a lot of people to thank for making my years here interesting, productive and successful.
My boss, Norman Stein, showed a lot of courage in starting the cause marketing program here at BMC. He’s been an avid supporter for building BMC’s brand and finding news ways to raise money. I thank him for the opportunity he gave me, for his confidence and for letting me explore new areas of opportunity, even when the hospital didn’t directly benefit from them.
Joanna MacDonald has been my closest friend and colleague here at BMC since 2005. But I’ve known her since 1998 when we worked together at the Greater Boston Chamber. She’s also the co-author of our upcoming book!
Joanna is the yang to my ying! I simply could not have done my job here without her. And everything we did together was made more meaningful because of her. Joanna will be stepping up to lead the cause marketing team and I’ll continue my tradition of passing the baton to someone more qualified than I am.
Holt Murray and Jessica Orndorff have also played key roles through the years. In addition to being a wonderful professional and excellent cause marketer, Holt is one of the greatest guys in the world. Jessica has planned numerous events for the team, and I know of no other staff person that has had a more physical or demanding job than she’s had. But personally, she’s given me so much more as from being the little sister I never had. I’ll miss teasing her. But I bet she won’t!
I also want to thank the other members of my team that have moved on to other positions through the years, but made my time at BMC enjoyable and rewarding. Andria Silva, Kayla Rogers, Beth Pfeil and Ashley Zolenski.
To the rest of the team in BMC’s development office, I have one thing to say. Thank you. You have absolutely been the best people I ever worked with. I’ll carry a bit your spirit with me wherever I go.
I also want to thank the many partners I’ve worked with, especially iParty, Ocean State Job Lot and Finagle-A-Bagel. These three companies have been the backbone of our cause marketing program and have given me many successful campaigns to blog about. Sal, Marc and Laura and everyone that works for their companies are wonderful and giving people.
My next move is to stay in cause marketing and do the things I love: writing, speaking and teaching. I want to write more books, speak at more conferences and teach nonprofits and companies about the wonderful opportunities that cause marketing and social media offer.
Of course, I’ll continue writing Selfish Giving, and may even start a new blog.
Thanks to cause marketing and social media, and to all the people I’ve met that are explorers like I am, I feel like I’ve found my place in the world.
Thankfully, even though I’m moving on from a job I’ve had for many years, and will have to build a different life for myself, the love of my family, the strength from my relationships and enthusiasm for my work fill me with hope, warmth and security for the journey ahead.
Home truly is where the heart is.
Good luck, Joe!
Oh, I know you'll still keep up the teasing about my love of beer, pride in being from WV, and self-inflicted punishment of working in events via Twitter. Don't think you can go away that easily! __Seriously though, things will be a little less bright without you in my daily life! Hugs! J
I look forward to hearing and learning more for your new experiences. Best wishes, Joe.
Best wishes Joe as you embark on a new adventure! It's been amazing (both at BMC and from afar) to watch you grow and create a brand for yourself! You're an inspiration and look forward to continuing to learn from you! All the best, Beth
You were such a big part of the cause marketing program in the beginning, Beth. Just you and I! Remember those heady days?!
Good luck in your new endeavorer Joe! I'm so excited for you!
See you at Starbucks – where we will concoct our plan for world domination! Good luck friend!
Congrats Joe! I've enjoyed learning from this blog and glad you'll continue to share your knowledge!
Joe, you will be missed but not forgotten here in the BMC Development Office!
Joe – good luck in all your future endeavors!
Good luck, Joe. Thank you for everything you have done to advance discussions regarding cause marketing. Wishing you great success in this next chapter of your career.
- Jen @PhilanthropyInk
Joe — A classy farewell post from a classy guy. Thanks for letting us in on your adventures in cause marketing at BMC over the years. Looking forward to being a part of the next exciting chapter of your life. Now stop basking in the accolades and get that book done!
– David Hessekiel
Cause Marketing Forum
Joe-Thank you for always looking out for our Jessica. She will miss you. I wish you good times and great success in your next step in this thing called, "work." There is nothing more dear to a mother of an adult child but to know that someone at work was kind to her child especially when that child lives over 12 hours from home. Thanks.
Cathy, she endured much abuse! It really was like having a little sister. We were both "born" at BMC at just about the same time. We had birthdays a day apart. And we were either all love or driving each other crazy! But there was a real close attachment and we always knew that we were there to support each other. And that's the way it's always going to be.
Joe – I have very much enjoyed and benefited from your blog, presentations via the CMF and overall valuable contributions to the cause marketing field. Thank you! I wish you well in your future endeavors. Jenny
Thanks, Jenny!
Congratulations, Joe. Let us know how we can help.
Please send money. Lots. Thanks. HAHAHA
Congrats Joe and I look forward to reading your book!
First cause marketing, now on to the Great American Novel!
How about the story of an ambitious young development officer who leverages social media into an appointment in the White House, and really does end up changing the world?
Best wishes on your next move. Will definitely be watching.
Cheers, Mike (and The Geronimo – vacation rentals for charity team)
Best of luck, Joe. Don't forget us folks in the trenches
Joe, best of luck! This sounds terrific. Look forward to seeing this blossom even further!
congratulations Joe, and best of luck with the move!
Good luck Joe! I met you at the Cause Marketing Forum a few years back. I attended your presentation about a successful Staple's pin ups promotion. You convinced me that if pin up promotions are executed in multiple locations with high traffic, and you have a motivated employee base they can work like gangbusters. Before that I never thought twice about pin ups as an important promotional driver. Since then I've been an avid reader of Selfish Giving. Glad you'll still be blogging, and I'll look forward to learning from what else you do in the field.
Joe
Here's to continued success! Glad I'll still get to be in on your blog life.Always insightful and entertaining!Grateful for the opportunity I had to work with you and your wonderful goup !Who knows, maybe some day we'll work together in putting the Pin into Pin ups! Will wait to hear more about the direction of your journey.Best,Ronna
Thanks for all you do Joe. You are truly one of my solid virtural mentors. I'm happy that you are going through the door of multiplied multiplicity. Certain seeds just have it like that! Success to you and your family.
P.Jackson
Looking forward to reading about your new endeavors and adventures!
Thanks for all the comments! You guys are too nice. I knew I could count on you. I'm always here if you need anything (Well, except money. But I will buy you a SBUX!).
Thanks again.
Congratulations! What an exciting time…. I know you will be successful!
Congrats and best of luck in your new endeavors, Joe! Looking forward to continuing to read your great lessons and tips, and hearing more about your work on the writing and speaking circuit.
I just so happens the Providers’ Council is accepting workshop proposals for our convention in November… :p
Cool Kevin and thank you. I will Google that but if you have a link let me know!
Joe, what a bittersweet goodbye it must have been. Wishing you much success in your continuing journey of life!