Fundraising Lessons from Shelling in Florida

January 23, 2019

You are in an honorable and noble profession and your work is SO important. It’s challenging and rewarding. Fine-tuning your own restoration is as important as continually learning new skills. For me, there’s nothing like the ocean to restore a full tank of optimism and energy!  And, there is nothing more powerful than storytelling.  So […]

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Be More Confident! 10 Habits to Drop Now!

January 9, 2019

It’s a new year. Regardless of what happened last year or yesterday, you have a new day today. Confident people trust in their ability to navigate.  No matter the obstacles, they believe they will make it to their destination. That conviction attracts others because it makes them feel more confident in themselves. Real confidence takes […]

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Plan Your 2019 Off-Season!

December 27, 2018

You can create your off-season! What? Let me share a story. Last year I earned my Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) credential!  Wohoo!  Turns out the National Speakers Association hosts a conference JUST for CSP’s to gather and grow.  One of our session leaders was Walter Bond – a former NBA professional basketball player. Now he’s […]

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Today is Your Day!

December 12, 2018

Today is your DAY! Is today just a place between stressing over what didn’t get done yesterday and what’s on the list for tomorrow? Is today what you pass through getting to “someday” when you will “arrive?”  When the time will be right? When your ship will come in? When you can finally get some […]

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How will I get it all done? Get in the zone!

November 29, 2018

Ever feel, “Wowza! How will I get it all done?” You are making time to be grateful to the people who have supported you in the past. You are reaching out to connect with, and serve, as many people as possible to help them accomplish their year-end giving goals. And you have a slew of […]

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Thankful for You!

November 22, 2018

Giving thanks to YOU on Thanksgiving. Grateful for the good YOU unleash in the world! I am thankful for …Unending ways to continue to learn – if your not growing your dying – and I’m a-growing! …My family… and you – the joy you bring to me, and to the world, and the gift I […]

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Scared of Year End?

October 31, 2018

Boo! Happy Halloween! November is here! Whoopee!   November 1st can be really scary if your giving numbers or metrics are not where they “should” be.  Are you reaching for the excuses?  Too many competing drives in the community…not enough staff….need more people in the pipeline…the new tax laws. Let’s stop the blame game and […]

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Thinking about Impact as you Ask this Year End (and always actually)

October 11, 2018

You are expected to raise money.  Your success fuels the work of your organization.  It is very important and honorable work. In just the past 3 weeks I’ve shared my belief in believingwith scores of folks in keynotes and sessions across the Midwest.  This week I’m with AFP-Lubbock, Texas. Wohoo! How you THINK about your […]

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Your opening line has a BIG impact on how your donors react and feel

September 26, 2018

Your opening line has a BIG impact on how your donors react and feel. Notice, I didn’t start with, “How WE open OUR year-end messages…” or “The Artful Asker has a tremendous success record of year end giving results…” Why? It’s all about you. It’s NOT about me.  It’s not about my company. Sure…WE accomplish […]

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“You can’t have fun without Excellence.” – Get BOTH in YOUR Year-End Results

September 12, 2018

Professor Mike Leckrone, 82, is completing his 50th year directing the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. He shared his plans with humor. “My doctors said I needed to slow down… so I’m looking for new doctors.” For most of my undergrad years the band was not open to women. Sensing this was Mike’s last year […]

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