Posted: April 29, 2024 When I first started working in the nonprofit, it was for a larger United Way office. I began working on employee campaigns which typically required presenting the mission to groups of employees and asking for pledges. It was one shot at delivering a message in the hope that it would resonate …
Posted 2/11/24 As a fundraiser (or sales person), have you ever sat across the table from a prospect or potential donor and feel as though you were not connecting? You could have a great pitch, one that touches people emotionally, appearing to engage them with the organization, yet still finding it difficult for them to …
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: 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Posted 11/12/21 (This is another example where the therapeutic relationship and the fundraising relationship share a similarity. The bottom line however is to remember to be yourself in either type of relationship). There was an interesting dynamic that I was taught as a student therapist. With a strong motivation to help the client, therapists can …
Posted 10/25/21 I learned a valuable lesson from a friend of mine when he told me a story about an acquaintance who came into a signifiant amount of money. Their wives were closer friends, but they did go out together as couples on occasion. After some time of non-communication, my friend innocently decided to reach …