Phil Cooke Podcast

Don't derail your career! These keys to success from Phil Cooke will help you last the long term as a creative leader. https://philcooke.com Find out what makes people get off track and explore the ways you can finish well and inspire others. Whether you're in media and communications, the film or television industry, these secrets gleaned from interviews with Hollywood studio executives, producers and directors will help you sustain your career.

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Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You

https://www.philcooke.com/maximize-your-influence/

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Get More Great Advice https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources: Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook at https://www.philcooke.com

Write it down. Get Phil's planner! Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

Get "One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do" https://amzn.to/2M2maTr

Get "Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You" https://www.philcooke.com/maximize-your-influence/

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

*More About This Episode* 8 Keys to Success for a Long-Term Career

1. Start writing things down. An idea, an interesting thought – successful people write it down.
2. Default to action. Be intentional and make decisions quickly.
3. Be willing to take the hits. Own your mistakes and move forward.
4. Be ruthless about your time. Dreaming is great, but execution is how you move things forward. If God's called you to something great, you need to say no to some things. Start protecting your time.
5. Stop making decisions. Be conscious of decision-fatigue. How many decisions could be delegated to others? What decisions are you making that don't need to be made at all?
6. Discover your one big thing. Let go of things that hold you back from doing what you are amazing at.
7. Understand the power of your story. Your story matters! Think of how your story could influence and impact the way you work.
8. Understand the power of teams.

The digital revolution isn't about technology; it's about changing the way we think. If you're a pastor or leader, these 5 keys to success from Phil Cooke will help you embrace digital thinking. The future is digital! https://philcooke.com

Please Like, Favorite and Share this video!

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Get More Great Advice https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You

https://influencematters.com

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

-Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook at https://www.philcooke.com

-Stop Giving Advice to People Who Don't Ask For It

--Blog: https://www.philcooke.com/stop-giving-advice-to-people-who-dont-ask-for-it/

--Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stop-giving-advice-to-people-who-dont-ask-for-it/id1439369056?i=1000431617159

--YouTube: https://youtu.be/JrC3sfATDLk

-Philip Yancey's book, "Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?" https://amzn.to/35eCdoW

-Get my book, "The Way Back: How Christians Blew Our Credibility and How We Get it Back" https://amzn.to/32zptHA

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

**More About This Episode** Digital Thinking: 5 Keys to Success

The future is digital! One of the greatest challenge leaders face today is grasping that the world is changing. You've got to rethink everything and start thinking digitally to survive and to continue to influence the world in a positive way.

Here are 5 keys to success to help you navigate this digital generation:

1. Digital thinking is about adaptation, not duplication. You can't just duplicate what you do in the physical space that you do in the digital space; you've got to adapt. For example, churches will do better on live streaming if they are conscious about the viewers on the other side of the camera.

1. Digital thinking is a two-way conversation; it's about welcoming feedback. Everything we do digitally needs to pass through that filter.

The early church is a good example of that two-way conversation. They engaged, they interrupted; it wasn't until much later in history that the pastor became elevated and a church gathering turned into a one-way conversation.

1. Digital thinking forces you to look outward versus inward. It forces you to look at things from other's perspective. It's no longer about how we want to reach our intended audience; it's how they want to reach us.

1. Digital thinking means everything doesn't have to be original; it can be a mashup. Take the best things that work and combine them into something unique!

1. Digital thinking means the launch is only the beginning. The launch is critical, but digital thinking helps us think post-launch as well!

Start thinking digitally. Embrace change and you can thrive in the digital age.

Social media is more than communication – it's ministry! Find out social media trends for ministries and churches as Phil Cooke interviews social media strategy expert, Nils Smith. Find out how to use videos to tell your story, common mistakes churches make (and how to correct them), plus how to use social media to launch your career. Includes post ideas for an easy Facebook strategy and more.

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/b6PtMJ0Xyos

Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You

https://influencematters.com

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

*More About This Episode* Social Media Trends for Ministries and Churches: Interview with Nils Smith, Social Media Strategist

Nils Smith is the Chief Strategist Social Media + Innovation at Dunham+Company helping Christian ministries around the world accomplish their goals through cutting edge technologies. Prior to joining Dunham+Company, Nils served as the Innovation Pastor at Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas launching the ministry of OnlineChurch.com which reached more than 15,000 online worship attendees weekly and grew and online Facebook community to more than 800,000. Nils is the author of the "Social Media Guide for Ministry," "The Social Media Guide" and "Crypto for Good." He lives in New York City with his wife Katie and two daughters, Shelby and Emery. Website: https://www.nilssmith.com/

Follow Nils Smith:

https://facebook.com/nilssmith

https://instagram.com/nilssmith

https://twitter.com/nilssmith

How do you get on the radar and grow if you're a small ministry or nonprofit? In this episode, Phil Cooke interviews Calvin Smith, Director of Lift Up Jesus, the TV and radio ministry of Shepherd Church and Pastor Dudley Rutherford. Find out the steps they took to grow from a local to a national media ministry that began with a fundraising campaign. https://philcooke.com

Please Like, Favorite and Share this video!

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/30xqOodSyIg

Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You

https://influencematters.com

Read the blog: Church Planters: How Do You Find the First 50 here: https://www.philcooke.com/church-planters-how-do-you-find-the-first-50/

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

*More About This Episode* Fundraising for Emerging Ministries on Broadcast TV: Interview with Calvin Smith

Phil Cooke and Calvin Smith discuss the process of expansion from a local to national television broadcast ministry. Here's a quick overview to help you get started:

1. Be on the same page as the pastor. What are the top 10 cities he would like to broadcast in? Determine your strategy based on ministry goals, places the pastor may have friends in or has preached in, places where his influence is already established in some way.

1. Fundraise for expansion by engaging with potential donors and supporters. Combine old school as well as new digital ways to connect and share the vision of expansion.

1. Be consistent. Build trust with potential supporters by letting them know you are in this for the long haul, not just a few months.

Also, remember that it takes time to grow a television ministry and be ready to commit at least a year to a new market. You never know who's watching or the impact your show can have.

Bonus: Remember that Facebook live is free! If you're small with a limited budget, Facebook live and even YouTube can be great starting places.

Find out more about Lift Up Jesus with Pastor Dudley Rutherford here: https://www.liftupjesus.com/

Career changes have become commonplace in today's volatile marketplace. Whether you've lost your job or are considering a job change, Phil Cooke offers tips to help you invest in yourself to have a successful career of your passion or calling. Bonus: if you have a creative career, you'll especially appreciate Phil's insight as a Hollywood producer and media consultant. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/VjztZDwcH5E

Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You

https://influencematters.com

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

*More About This Episode* Staying Power: The Secrets to a Long and Successful Career

As a Hollywood producer and media executive, Phil Cooke shares specific tips to help you manage a successful career or career change in today's market.

1. Invest in yourself. Take your job and your dream seriously. Get the tools, the resources and the information to expand your knowledge and your skills. And, think about how you're perceived and dress like where you're going, not like where you've been.

1. Fix your resume. No matter how secure you think your job is, you should keep it updated.

If you're in a creative career, that extends to your portfolio, your demo reel and your bio. Hollywood is a story-driven business, so consider what tells your story best?

When creating a demo reel in the film and television industry as an actor, film director or DP: show a finished project. Can you tell a story?

1. Create an elevator pitch for your career:
2. Who are you?
3. What do you do?
4. Where do you want to go?
5. How will you get there?
6. How can you help them?

1. Think less about your job title or your business and more about your specific skill.

While you're waiting for your dream project to happen, think of other ways you could use your skill. Have a bigger vision for your life.

1. Stop talking. Being a listener can have a big difference in your career.

1. Learn to say no to good things so you can say yes to great things. Start being selective about the projects you do, the organizations you work for.

1. Understand your zone: where you're most creative and productive and what time you're most creative and productive.

1. Stop with the lame excuses.

1. Become an expert, an authority in your field. Study and work at it; become the go-to person.

1. Stop ignoring your story. Integrate your unique past and who you are into what you do.

Books Phil recommends:

"Daily Rituals: How Artists Work" by Mason Curry https://amzn.to/3cIzw0T

"One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do" by Phil Cooke https://amzn.to/2G6wHuM

"Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry and You" available now with a donation of $25 or more to The Influence Lab here: https://www.philcooke.com/maximize-your-influence/

Too many creative people waste time, energy, motivation and attitude on things that don't matter. As a result, when it's time for big ideas, they come up empty. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers 5 tips to help you conserve brain power and think creatively.

Please Like, Favorite and Share this video!

Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You

https://influencematters.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/R6g6E2RVWS8

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

*More About This Episode* **More about this episode: ** Creatives – How to Protect Your Creative Space

"White space" matters in design (the idea that too much clutter overwhelms the viewer) and it's the same in our personal and professional lives. So in order to save your creative jet fuel for when it's needed, here's a few things to remember:

1) Avoid energy vampires: Every office has a person who loves to walk in, plop down in the chair, and just talk – they just want to waste time. You know them, so start avoiding them. Nothing sucks the life out of you faster than energy vampires.

2) Cut back on email: If you spend your day answering email, you're actually spending your day responding to other people's priorities. Respond only when you have to and make those emails short and sweet.

3) Avoid meetings: Research indicates that most meetings are a waste of time. First of all, question the need for the meeting, and if it's being called by a superior, ask if you really need to be there. If not, skip it and do some work.

4) Stop rushing: Give yourself some margin and pad your schedule. Having an extra 30 minutes between meetings, conference calls, and other activities allows you to catch up, reflect, and plan.

5) Finally – Guard your creative time: Don't just assume you'll have time to write that script, fix the artwork, or make the final video edit. Block it out on your calendar. Priorities matter – especially when it comes to creative leaders. If you don't get intentional about your own time, other people will fill it up with their projects and priorities.

Read more here: https://www.philcooke.com/creatives-how-to-protect-your-mental-space/

COVID has moved us into the online digital world for conferences, lectures, meetings and teaching. Whether you're using Zoom or Bluejeans, the digital platform requires a different level of professionalism over in-person classes, lectures or preaching. Phil Cooke offers tips for teaching kids and adults for best engagement and success. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/VjztZDwcH5E

Get my new book: Maximize Your Influence – How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You

https://influencematters.com

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

*More About This Episode* How to Zoom: Teaching Online Classes

You can be a Rockstar online! Here are Phil's techniques to help you overcome nervousness and gain professionalism and confidence for your next online event. First of all…

-Recognize the distraction factor. Remind your students or viewers to get a notebook and take notes to help keep them engaged and focused.

-Eye contact matters. Look at the camera as you speak.

-Get in tight to frame your shot.

1. Set the profile name in your Zoom account. Make sure your name is showing.
2. Choose a quiet location. Plan on a place free of extra noise from kids, dogs or other distractions.
3. Take a look at your background. Does it reflect who you are as a professional?
4. Close all the computer programs for the best internet connection.
5. Lighting is a big deal! Make sure your face is lit and add an extra light if necessary. In Zoom, you can also choose "touch up my appearance" under video settings for a better look.
6. Think about your microphone. Consider an outboard mic for a higher quality presentation. (See link below for what Phil uses.)
7. Frame for professionalism. Get close enough so viewers can see your facial expression for better engagement.
8. Relax and have fun!

BONUS TIPS:

Don't get stuck looking down at your notes.

Don't get caught up in looking at the screen.

Login to your even early to make sure everything is working. Check your settings!

Download the Zoom app and practice ahead of time. Try different looks and find the environment where you feel comfortable and that best reflects on who you are as a professional.

Think "adaptation." You don't have to duplicate what you do in the classroom, lecture hall or church sanctuary. Adapt to the online setting.

Here's My Zoom Equipment:

Digital Microphone with Stand: https://amzn.to/3goF5lp Here's a Light/Webcam/iPhone Stand: https://amzn.to/31npNsY Use your iPhone or if you need an exterior camera, try this web camera: https://amzn.to/3li8QIb

With this webcam stand: https://amzn.to/3hE7t4F (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, fundraising events are going online. Phil Cooke shares key tips on how to take your live physical fundraising event online. Your virtual fundraiser can be successful! https://philcooke.com

Donate to The Influence Lab and get Phil's new book! "Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, And You" is available for pre-order here: https://influencematters.com

Find out more about The Influence Lab: https://influencelab.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/IXQH4i9dI6o

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: ** Successful Online Fundraising

If you're planning on online fundraising event, here's key points you need to know:

• Learn to adapt! This is not about duplicating your live physical event, but more about an adaptation of that event. Consider what elements will work best for your online event.
• Celebrity-driven events may work well for physical event, but you'll need to consider your audience if you use a celebrity for your online event.
• Leader-driven events allow the leaders to share the genuine story of what they do. Consider who you are inviting to join you online as you made the decision between a celebrity and a real leader of the organization driving the event.
• Pretaped or live event: The audience doesn't typically notice. Do what you feel most comfortable with as statistics don't necessarily show a difference between the two.
• Last year's rundown won't work. Take the essence and the goals of your event and adjust it for online.
• It doesn't have to be perfect. Keep your online event authentic and real.
• Plan key emotional moments. Show the story of your organization of lives that have been changed because of what you do.
• As you plan out the event, create one story arc, one overarching story of how your ministry is impacting lives.
• It's not about you – it's about the result of the work you're doing. That's what will inspire people to get behind what you do.
• Keep your event between 1-2 hours. With attention the currency of this moment, determine: What can you present that will be so compelling that it will keep people with you online for the entire event?

Do your creative ideas make people think? Are you playing it safe instead of taking risks with your creativity? Phil Cooke offers 8 checkpoints to help you embrace your creative calling, with tips on meeting deadlines, brainstorming techniques, idea development and pitching. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/kqoBdaI_Roc

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Get Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

More about this episode: Confrontational Creativity

What happens when we value safe creativity over risky creativity? The more we do safe creativity, the more we fall in line and all do the same thing.

Let's not forget the creativity that force people to think. Here is an 8 point checklist to help you embrace your creative calling with ideas that force people to think.

1. When was the last time you took a real creative risk? What physical risk have you taken recently – emotional or creative risk to tell the story well? As a creative person, we cannot settle! Push harder, be more confrontational.

1. Understand that confrontational creativity doesn't happen by committee. Brainstorming may be good for executing ideas, but not for creating. Radical revolutionary ideas happen when the door is shut and one individual is staring at a blank piece of paper.

1. Comparison doesn't ignite radical creativity. Comparison creates copycat creativity! Start delivering what people aren't expecting.

1. If you want to get noticed for your confrontational creativity, takes the projects nobody else wants to take and make them rock!

1. Learn to sell controversial ideas. Learn people skills, how to pitch an idea… how to make your dream their dream, particularly when it comes to unusual or out of the box ideas.

1. Understand it takes experience to know how far to push a confrontational idea.

1. Creativity is not about the Eureka moment. It's about the days, weeks, months, years of preparation that go into making that idea happen.

1. To make our creativity more provocative, more confrontational – we need to worry less about keeping our job and more about doing an amazing job.

If you have a creative calling, rise up and embrace it. Be the creative person God has called you to be.

Hiring at your church or nonprofit organization? If you're looking for a donor development or marketing person or even a media producer, hiring from the for-profit world or Hollywood may not be your best choice. Here's insight from Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com that will help leaders hire well.

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/Vt6fq7el9yg

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

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**More about this episode: ** Be Careful Hiring For-Profit Employees in the Non-Profit World

Read more here: https://www.philcooke.com/hiring_for_nonprofits/

When economic problems hit the business world, or executive careers get in trouble, we often see a flood of people from the business world looking for jobs in the non-profit and religious sector. But before you jump at the chance to hire a highly regarded executive from the for-profit world at your church, ministry, or non-profit organization, here are a few things to consider:

1) The business models are dramatically different. To switch from selling products retail or wholesale to donor development is a big leap. It requires a completely different mindset. Just because you successfully ran a division at IBM or Paramount Pictures doesn't necessarily mean you can transition to non-profits.

2) Non-profits don't have the cushy perks businesses have. We turn our own lights off, our benefit plans are smaller, and most important – our resources aren't as big.

3) The non-profit world is a calling and career, not just a "bridge" until you get another "real" job. Too many executives think that during difficult times they can just jump into a church or ministry job for the short term.

4) We work long hours too. But we don't have the incentive of bonus pay (even overtime), or a car service to take us home after hours.

5) Sure you did the occasional pro-bono TV spot at the big agency in New York, but every spot we do has a micro or zero budget. Can you negotiate vendors down to nothing, work with college interns, or maintain equipment with rubber bands and bailing wire?

6) Is there something you're not telling us? I have trouble believing that if you're REALLY a successful Hollywood producer or business leader, you actually want to come and work for our church's media department.

Don't get me wrong. I'm thrilled that people value non-profits enough to want to help. But the truth is, over the last 10 years – and especially during a financial crisis – I've seen numerous big time executives switch to non-profits with catastrophic results.

Pastor, ministry leader, or non-profit executive – take the stars out of your eyes. You work in a specialty field that takes a special kind of experience, discernment, and expertise. Don't always assume that a Hollywood producer, advertising agency whiz, or former Wall Street hot shot will get it. Chances are, they won't.

Maybe we should think the other way around. If non-profit leaders ran Wall Street, I doubt we'd have so many financial problems to begin with…