My End of Year Appeal
“(Help) I need somebody
(Help) not just anybody
(Help) you know I need someone, help…”
At this this time of year, I’m usually inundated with “End of Year Appeals”. Actually, it’s a whole quarter and season that begins in October: including galas, brochures, pamphlets, and personal solicitations from friends, colleagues and organizations to buy a table, or make a substantial “gift”, or do them a “favor”.
They were always done up in glitz and glamor, and/or stats, graphic visuals and heartstring pulling language. And they usually worked, especially when I was in New York surrounded by the pressure of giving and doing for others because I could. And because I should. I’ve always been the one “with means” to lend a hand or write a large check or host a benefit or fundraiser for others. And I’ve embraced that role. Loved it, even. Because those moments have GIVEN ME the opportunity to demonstrate how much I value others, their work, their organizations in some way other than saying it over and over.
And in some ways, taking that role has allowed me to avoid something I hate doing. Asking For Help. Especially when it’s important. Because that’s when I feel most vulnerable and least in control of the outcome of the conversation, because if “I can do it myself” or I’m the one asked, I know how to ensure a “yes”.
But this year, I’m writing to you, my readership. And my simple request is HELP! But it’s NOT financial. And it will be pretty straightforward.
When I began 2020, I was just venturing out into a new life and career path in a new country surrounded by very welcoming people who quickly convinced me to stay. Conversations were easier to start here, because I had no baggage. Tied to this place or these people. So, I started lining up what I thought would be local clients.
And as I started out on this very promising new path as a transformational life coach in what I thought would be an ideal time to support this community as they contemplated transitioning from their pre-Covid past to rebuilding their new lives, I had not anticipated immigration laws and limitations, which I only learned of AFTER I moved here, even though I had asked and was assured it would be fine previously. But the truth is that as a non-Bermudian, I’m not allowed to solicit business on the ground unless I’m employed by a Bermudian, which then requires a work permit and hiring person or company to sponsor me.
So, I’m feeling very vulnerable right now as my request goes out to you to help me build my audience, business and practice. Because I believe what I do and bring to others is truly valuable and can lift many up. In fact, I know it can, because I’ve seen it and felt it happen.
If my writing has been valuable to you.
If it has helped you make some tough decisions, or enabled you to see a new path or way forward.
If it has given you hope when you were struggling.
If it helped you change some habits you’d wanted to change.
If it has enabled you to see a different perspective on a situation, person or experience.
Even if it all it has done is enabled you to smile on a dark day, PLEASE TAKE THE PLUNGE.
Forward this email to someone you think would benefit from my writing and/or a complimentary conversation
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And please reply to this post to let me know what you read is valuable
And thank you in advance, for spreading the value forward. I truly hope to speak in-person with you very soon.
Holly Lynch is a 20+ year communications veteran and life-long social impact advocate and strategist who has helped individuals, educational leaders, and companies tackle the toughest challenges in their worlds.
Having survived countless life setbacks and two rounds with terminal cancer, while seeing the country-wide collapse of the systems and safety nets for the most vulnerable in and outside our communities, she is now shifting her life and career trajectories to focus on coaching those facing down fundamental shifts and transitions as they try to navigate and rebuild their lives, institutions and businesses during these unprecedented times.