Posted 8/14/22 While working for an organization in a smaller community, I was responsible for gathering resources that helped raise funds in support of events. This not only involved securing sponsorships, but also auction/raffle items to raise money. Nothing special, just something that is typically the responsibility of fundraisers when working on events. One day, […]
A Valuable Lesson in Gratitude Read More »
Posted: 5/7/22 While not an exact science, I often find myself influenced by the training in psychology when working as a fundraiser, sales person or relationship-builder. Sometimes therapy practices can be very helpful, and other times challenging. Regardless, you still need to be yourself and let your natural personality shine through. It might be part
Meet Where They Present Read More »
Posted 3/20/22 Do you remember prior to the pandemic, when the multiple “talking heads in a box” appeared on newscasts and talk shows? It was a “new thing” to interview several people at once. The big problem developed when everyone wanted to get their message out and cared little for what the other person was
Somebody Needs To Listen Read More »
Posted 2/21/22 When I was considering a career move to the nonprofit, after significant experience in sales, customers service and account management, and before I was hired to start as a fundraiser in a temporary role, I was all-over the literature and “how to” books, articles, Youtube, regarding fundraising. Because it is not an exact
“Don’t Overthink It” Read More »
Posted 1/26/22 This is a topic that may seem obvious to fundraisers, but it is an easy trap to fall into, especially if you are in a slump, have gone some time without securing donations, or the organization decides that fundraising needs to increase. The pressure is on! This blog post is meant to be
You Can’t Force It Read More »
Posted 1/10/22 It is obvious that the expression of gratitude is important in both business and nonprofit. For business customers specifically, who are typically looking to satisfy some kind of need, thanking them is important due to the fact that they chose your product or service over the competition. However, there is no guarantee that
Gratitude Needs to Be Genuine Read More »
Posted 12/23/21 A colleague from my network, whom I respect very much, is a corporate realtor focusing on the sale / rental of warehouse and office space. When discussing business development, he always said “90% of sales is showing up.” At first I had to think about it, but soon realized he was right, it
“Showing-up” Works in Both Sales and Fundraising Read More »
Posted 12/6/21 There is a saying in the fundraising world that says: “It is difficult to secure a donation if you don’t ask.” This is absolutely true, but in my experience, it is not the whole story. The first position I was fortunate enough to land, upon making a career transition to the nonprofit, was
The Difference Between “Asking” and “Moving” Read More »
Posted 11/29/21 When I made a career change to the nonprofit sector, there seemed to be a subtle stigma regarding nonprofits hiring people from the business world, but it was not obvious (and it might even be changing somewhat). I am certainly not claiming to be an expert in this comparison, but I have observed
A Tale of Two Cultures Read More »
Posted 11/15/21 When dealing with fundraising relationships (or any relationships for that matter), and you run into an unexpected stumbling block along the way, there really is no manual to look up how to get the relationship back on track. I struggled with this when beginning a job search in sales where the interviewer
Fundraising is Art as much as Science… Read More »