Posted 6/11/23 Have you ever been in a conversation with someone (specifically a donor or prospect in this case), and had the feeling that you were not making a connection? Something is wrong and you feel as though the prospect/donor does not understand you or makes any kind of acknowledgement to what you are saying. […]
Posted 4/16/23 The concept of conditioning is typically taught early when learning about psychology. It basically involves adapting and shaping behavior. Here is one example; just before you give a treat to a dog, you ring a bell. This is repeated several times, the bell is rung and then the treat is given. Eventually when
Unintended Conditioning Read More »
Updated 4/7/23 The pressure to raise more money is an understood in the fundraising profession. How do you make this happen? It typically begins with finding the money and who has it. The pitfall however, with identifying prospective donors is to begin viewing each as dollar signs, especially when under pressure to increase funding. If
They’re People – Not Walking Dollar Signs Read More »
Posted 9/18/22 Another concept related to the move from business to nonprofit that I have noticed is the idea of belonging. In healthy human development, initial survival depends on food and shelter, and after those have been secured, the next stage involves acceptance into a tribe or group, or an assimilation into a community where
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 »