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Why you should join mastermind groups instead of attending conferences
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you probably know that I don’t really like conferences that much. Sure, there are some good reasons to go to them. Mostly because they offer exceptional...
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Have you connected with me on LinkedIn yet?
I hope you will. I’m what you call an open networker. I love meeting new people on LinkedIn and I frequently help anyone I can with all kinds of requests. Here are 4 reasons you might want to do so: If...
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See what happens when donors and board members switch a few words
One day a long time ago I was in a board meeting talking about raising money and a member said the following: “The only time I would feel comfortable asking for a donation is when I know the person...
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Why you need to think of yourself as a facilitator
Supporters give to satisfy a need Tweet This! Supporters give because they trust your organization to satisfy that need. Tweet This! Supporters give because they see you, your colleagues, your staff,...
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Ever wonder what donor advisors tell their clients when it comes to giving...
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors has spent the past 120 years advising one of the worlds most philanthropic families— the Rockefellers. Today they help their clients give away over $200 million...
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2 marketing Jedi Masters tell us why fundraising IS marketing/selling
Fundraising IS marketing and selling Yet some fundraisers think it’s different from other forms of marketing and sales when it isn’t. Somehow the altruistic aspects of fundraising get in the way and...
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Why not create a donor appreciation department?
Does your organization really appreciate its supporters? Many private businesses have customer service departments because they want to increase the lifetime value of each customer. So, why wouldn’t...
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4 powerful major gift “probing closes” (for moving your proposal forward)
A probing close is yet another phrase I made up. I do that… a lot. Basically, it’s a question you ask when you feel your prospect might possibly be ready to agree to say “Yes!” to your proposal. Here...
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It ain’t friendraising… it’s fundraising
Popular opinion is wrong. Usually, it is believed that extroverts make the best sales people (and fundraisers). But, according to tons of recent research including this paper written by Adam M. Grant...
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How to prep for your next big ask
There’s a ton of information out there about how to ask for a donation. Here’s a 52-page report from AFP on the subject that talks about a lot of stuff. But, sadly, only a few sentences in the entire...
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How many ways can you say “thank you” to a donor?
According to an article in the Journal of Economic Psychology saying thank you can actually have a negative effect on your relationship with a supporter. The researcher notes that gifts, in particular,...
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I’m so proud of our Glassdoor. Are you proud of yours?
“You can succeed best and quickest by helping others succeed.” – Napoleon Hill I have always loved that quote. But I never knew it would get so deeply engrained in my DNA until now. Thanks to...
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If you’re asking yourself whether or not direct mail is dead, then you’re...
There’s too much talk about whether or not direct mail is dead. Of course it is NOT dead! I get direct mail delivered to me every day. The question shouldn’t be about whether it is dead or not. The...
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How to determine whether or not you should fire your planned gift marketing...
If you’re concerned that you might be getting marketing advice from a firm that’s behind the times, ask yourself the following questions: Do they use the word “bequest” in their donor communications?...
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Imagine this.
Imagine this. Since you’re reading this, I’m betting you are someone who cares deeply about helping supporters with capacity (wealthy people) realize their philanthropic dreams. You want to be there...
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Here’s one great legacy giving promotion
I love this legacy giving promotion. It’s actually a placeholder for your beer! You can find this along with its case study and many other great legacy gift marketing case studies here on SOFII’s...
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5 best practices for delivering progress reports to your major gift and...
Tony Robbins, the author of Money: Master the Game, discussed ‘How Progress Equals Happiness‘ earlier this year on Oprah’s digital web-show – #OWNSHOW. So true! Your supporters want to see what you’ve...
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A list of some humongous bequests that should get your planned giving team...
I give you permission to read this list but only if you’ll count to three afterward. Let it sink in. Then DELETE IT! Forget about it. Why? Because your organization will probably never get a gift as...
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8 Great Ways to End Emails or Letters
Cultivation starts and ends with great communication. Goodbyes are just as important as hellos. So here are some great ways to end emails you send to donors: 1. [First name], I’m really counting on...
View ArticleOpportunities vs. Problems: Which will your donors support?
I’ll cut to the chase. People want to take advantage of opportunities more than they want to solve problems. Here’s how it works in fundraising. “Problem” messages: We need help The water is dirty and...
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