What do we want most to sustain our nonprofits? Loyal donors, natch! How do we get them? Oh, that’s simple. We badger them for gifts. When they give, we warehouse them in our database. We then send a form letter (pretending it’s personal because we use their given name and indicate their gift was earmarked…
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How do you show donors you’re thankful? November culminates [in the United States] with a feast of Thanksgiving for all with which we are blessed. Our greatest blessing in the public benefit sector is the donors who support our work and enable us to fulfill our vital missions. Last month I talked a lot about…
DetailsFull confession. Seth Godin is getting to me. Every day he inspires me and I just have to act (aka blog). A recent post goes to the heart of what makes a business brilliantly successful. And it’s not the strategy or the product. It’s Feet on the street. And, I would add, it’s not just…
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Give me one moment in time When I’m than I thought could be When all of my dreams are a heartbeat away And the answers are all up to me Give me one moment in time When I’m racing with destiny Then in that one moment of time I will feel I will feel…
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In Part 1 we talked about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of going undercover to stand in our customers’ shoes. In Part 2 we lo at the ‘what’ — the ways we can WOW our prospects by getting creative and discovering ways to set us apart from the competition in our constituents’ minds. As long as…
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Tried and true fundraising strategies are great. Layering on social media can pump them up and make them better. Think of social media as putting your mother’s fundraising on steroids. Don’t we want to be the best? And it not only makes you stronger; it’s completely legal! Innovation takes us to the next level –…
DetailsListen up. In “No” is not the end of the conversation Chuck English channels the old Dale Carnegie manifesto, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and reminds us of the significance of listening — showing genuine interest in others and encouraging folks to talk about themselves. This has always been the key to success,…
DetailsToday I have an article in The Bridge discussing the importance of actively embracing strategic donor relationship-building management. Seriously, there is nothing important you can do this year. It’s all about relationships – and it takes some work to build and sustain them. What are you doing to show your donors you know them?…
DetailsThe last post was about asking. Now we turn to the equally important task of thanking. Where do we go astray? Member # 83,457 Dear Friend, Oh behalf of the board of our charity, thank you so much for your gift. It means a lot and will help us continue to fulfill our mission.…
DetailsI’m pondering the difference between ‘customer service’ and ‘social engagement.’ When we think of the former, we think Marshall Fields and Nordstroms – very early 20th century — the granddaddies of a strong, retail service mo where “the customer is always right.” When we think of the latter, we think decidedly 21st century – social…
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