I recently made a small donation to the University of Florida and received a great benefit in response. We can all learn from this example. When we treat donors well, donors will give again. Besides, it is the right thing to do.
If we want to motivate people to join us in our mission and give financially to it, it is crucial that we tell a story. It is not enough to have a good idea, or a good name. We must invite people by telling them a compelling a story. This is an example of how a compelling story can serve an individual. Imagine what a great story could do for your nonprofit.
When my book, The Disney Difference, published, the great Jimmy Barrett, then of WRVA-Radio, graciously had me as a guest on his show to discuss the book.
You might think the only fundraisers for your organization are the ones who have "fundraiser" or a similar name in their title or job description. The reality is everyone in your organization represents you and is a fundraiser. Let's see what happens when we don't train our staff on their role in fundraising.
After I published the video, "How to Lose $1 Million," I received many calls and emails from people asking about losing gifts. I responded to every communication. However, there is a lesson here for me and all of us on how to KEEP a million dollars. It does not take much effort to keep the gift (and all gifts), you just have to be aware of how your program is impacting your donors.
To have a healthy nonprofit, it is essential that 100% of your board give to it financially each year. Unfortunately, not many boards do. Does yours? If you want 100% participation, it is actually not difficult. Here is the standard you need to follow.
An organization I am familiar with is about to lose a major donation. As fundraisers (or in business, too), we are always going after the next big thing. However, is that a good policy? In this case the organization is going to lose a major donation, along with other donations along the way. One phone call, one letter would stop this loss, but this organization does not believe in thanking donors, or keeping them updated. That may not be their stated or formal policy, but it is what they practice, and now they will pay the price.
Nonprofit leaders all over the country punish their best board members every meeting. Worse yet, they think they are being nice when they do. Be aware of the trap of punishing your best board members while encouraging others who are not as productive.
When people find out I am a native Floridian, they always ask me about hurricanes. Hurricanes can be horribly desctructive and can be tragic. But I am more concerned about storms that come here routinely. I have experienced far more damage on a Monday afternoon than I ever have with a dozen hurricanes. It is the same with our jobs. We can concentrate only on the hurricanes and overlook powerful storms that happen more often. We look for big solutions on the horizon, when the right answer might be right in front of us.
If we are in the service industry or are fundraisers there are two words we should never use. A supervisor should also never hear these words from an employee. They just do not serve us well.
You only get one first impression. Is your company or organization using its first impressions to create an atmosphere of success or failure? Little things make a big difference, and here is an example of how easy it is to choose one over the other.
How to Use and Not Use PowerPoint When you Give a Speech or Presentation.
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