"Barbara is a wonderful radio host. I am so glad we were on Making a Difference radio with JJ's List. It made for a great show with greater exposure for the issues we both care deeply about. Barbara's radio show helped raise awareness for people with disabilities. Thank you so much for inviting the Center for Enriched Living to participate on Making a Difference radio."

-Randi Frank, Director of Development
The Center for Enriched Living

"Barbara's approach to using Social Networking to help improve our fundraising efficiency is honest, straightforward, and most importantly, realistic. She is not trying to sell us on the next "raise money quick" scheme, but rather takes the time and effort to properly educate us on how social networking can complement an established communications plan and help generate continued interest in our organization. In this day and age of instant gratification, the toolbox is a refreshing, thought out and valuable assessment that encourages us to take a deep breath and think about our next Social Networking move, rather than rushing into an ill-timed and poorly planned venture."

- Nico Karagosian, MBA, CFRE, Vice President of Development
United Memorial Medical Center

"On behalf of the children who benefit from our services, I thank you for helping Bear Necessities make major improvements that will help us make larger impacts in these children's lives." 

Kathleen Casey, Founder and President
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation 

 

"Barbara presents compelling reasons for what to do and what not to do for nonprofits in the social media milieu. The webcast and the blog support fundraising and volunteering as objectives of nonprofits that should be managed and measured strategically.  Everyone's competing for the same dollars and the same skills; Barbara shares her skills to help you get those dollars and skills to work for your nonprofit."

- Molly MacBean
Community Liaison, Circle Center Adult Day Services 

Barbara was quoted in the Chronicle of Philanthropy Conference Notes:
http://philanthropy.com/news/conference/7635/fund-raising-lessons-from-china

"Barbara Talisman leads the thirsty nonprofit manager out of the desert with a wonderful workshop called "Empowering Your Board to Fundraise."  So straightforward and easy are these clever measures for igniting take-off of a successful fundraising board; and yet they require us to step back for a moment to consider how we interact with our champions-in-waiting. The Talisman workshop arrived at just the right time for me to inject a healthier, happier and more effective approach for my nonprofit.  It clarified how to optimize the good intentions of my board members into more rewarding performance from them. "Empowering Your Board to Fundraise" provides tools and sample documents that can easily be adapted to any nonprofit's use in beginning basic best practices.  Setting these Talisman principles in motion, our board members are already gladly sauntering down avenues we'd never dreamed they'd go.   Eureka!  I would encourage anyone interested in a nonprofit's development to listen to the podcast and buy the accompanying Talisman Tool Box - Empowering Your Board to Fundraise. It will help you start transforming your board in a powerful way."

- Greg Schlichter, CFRE

"Barbara Talisman is a dynamic, knowledgeable, and energetic speaker and facilitator on the subjects of leadership development, networking, volunteer management, and fundraising. She was the keynote speaker and main facilitator for a day-long seminar with over 100 local nonprofit fundraising professionals ---- we all learned a lot and had fun in the process. Barbara keeps it real as well as entertaining and is sought out for advice nationwide. Pay attention to what she has to say and your bottom-line will improve significantly. "

- Stephen J. Taylor, CFRE
Scout Executive, Northwest Suburban Council #751

"I have had professional associations with Barbara over about 10 years and I have heard her speak in Australia, North America and the UK. Barbara exudes warmth and approachability, what she presents is factual but wrapped in an enthusiasm that is contagious and meaningful, a manner that simply makes you want to listen. I am proud to acknowledge Barbara; a great speaker, with great style."

- Peter Fletcher
Fundraising professional and life coach

"POW! That describes the Talisman approach. As a Development Director for nonprofits for more than 15 years, I had my nonprofits contract with Talisman Associates, Inc. on a number of projects. Barbara's enthusiastic, energetic approach was always welcomed by the time we had run every idea into the ground. Her years and years of experience provided us with enormous insight and re-energized our staff and volunteer force. As President of my own company I still rely on Barbara to provide me with innovative ideas, fabulous seminars and always, always that experience. I highly recommend Talisman for any and all your fundraising and management needs. Save yourself the time, frustration and grief, Barbara will help you get through to the end...successfully!"

- Mary Beth Albright
Development Director 1995-1998
Tampa AIDS Network
President, MALBRIG & Associates, Inc 2000-2007

"Barbara is an awesome mentor, leader and fundraiser. She has truly been a role model to me. It is wonderful to be in the presence of a woman who knows her profession and understands and respects those around her."

- Danyale Ellis
Director of Development
Lawndale Christian Health Center

"Barbara is extremely knowledgeable and an expert in her field. She can quickly assess any situation and recommend a course of action which will get to the results needed for any organization."

- Liane Adduci-Urevig
President AD- Public Relations

"Barbara is one of the most energetic, dynamic people I've ever met. She really knows how to get the job done!"

- Dyana Flanigan
Flanigan Communications

"Barbara and I have worked together on countless projects. She always brings together a team of people that can work together and accomplish big goals quickly! Her energy is infectious. I have worked with her on small personalized campaigns and on much larger projects. Her attention to detail and personalization always exceed others!"

- Sarah Jolie
Owner, Hensley Mailing Services

"Barbara Talisman is extremely knowledgeable in her field. She enthusiastically and creatively tackles each project and delivers measureable and meaningful results. In addition, she is a pleasure to work with."

- Patricia Dudek, Manager
Community Relations, Chicago Sun-Times

"Barbara is an outstanding speaker who combines knowledge, expertise, and vivacious energy."

- Erica Schock

"Barbara is a highly respected leader in the nonprofit sector. She is an outstanding mentor and facilitator."

- Susan Mennenga
Executive Director, Provena Mercy Medical Center Foundation

"I invited our Board President and Executive Director to join me at a presentation Barbara made on board development. It was important that they felt their time was well spent. On the drive home we talked about how we could immediately put to use the ideas we took away from the session. It's said if you come away with one good idea, your time has been well spent. We came away with half a dozen good ideas. Thank you for the great session!"

- Randi Frank, CFRE
Director of Development
The Center for Enriched Living

"Thanks, Barbara, for the excellent and "empowering" presentation. The empowering theme is a great one especially when we talk about engaging our board in fundraising. I came away with a mantra to say three times into the mirror each morning, not only to our board members but to all our constituencies - "I want to empower them to succeed." I also noted how can I provide "education and opportunity", also very empowering words. Thanks for the inspiration."

- Kathryn McDonnell
Director of Resource Development
North Shore Senior Center