Hah! Bet you thought I was talking about major donor relationships – well, I am, sort of. A long time ago I had a challenging boss. A wise mentor said, “Treat him like you would a major donor.” What? Actually, great advice. A strategy that applies to everyone – not just the difficult boss. What […]
Action is poison to failure. I love to play Free Cell, a computer game using risk and strategy. Sometimes I say, “Screw it. Stupid game.” but I try one more time. Bingo! I win! That’s persistence overcoming resistance. Since 1998, I’ve been part of the faculty at the University of Wisconsin Fundraising and Development […]
Abracadabra! I always learn something from my participants and my session on the Power and Joy of Philanthropy with the United Way Loaned Executives was no exception. You see, I believe “We become what we think about.” (Earl Nightingale) and that our words – the specific words we CHOOSE to say, both reflect AND create […]
Generosity is a mindset. Board members and staff alike play a key role in creating donor relationships. Recently Sue Lambert, Director of the Senior Resource Center in Freeport, IL, and Jim Ferrar, Foundation Board member, attended my Fundraising is a Team Sport workshop in Rockford, IL. Jim sent in this question, and it’s a […]
How things look makes a difference. Today I’m going to share some stories (specifics omitted of course) about maintaining spaces and places named by donors. They put their name on it, or a loved one’s, and when they visit they want it looking nice. 1. The Smith Auditorium. This was a remodel of an […]
“Spic-and-span” from the 1600’s, means, “spotlessly clean and well looked after.” It’s associated with words like “immaculate, impeccable, unsullied, and untarnished.” Attention to appearance is a key factor in donor satisfaction and repeat investments. Appearances – short and long term – matter as much as impact. Think about having your name on something where […]
Are your donors filthy rich? Well you certainly hope so, right? Or do you find that description a bit offensive? Ever stop to think about just what you think about money and wealth? In my presentations, I ask my audiences to fill in these blanks….Go ahead, you try it. “Money doesn’t grow on ____________. “Money […]
These folks were incredibly ALL IN during my MORE Major Gifts workshop in Chicago. It was a GREAT experience with development professionals in all roles – experienced Dean and VPs of Advancement to brand new (3 days!) Major Gift Officer. They jumped ALL IN with focus and passion to strengthen their role in creating artful […]
SO BIG! I attended my first AFP International Conference as a Chamberlain Scholar from the AFP Madison Chapter. All I remember is SO BIG. This year was no exception – 4000 folks and miles of walking in the massive Boston conference complex. 4000 who invested some big bucks to show up. A special shout out […]
“I create my life!” If you’ve ever been to one of my talks, you’re heard me say this. It’s been part of my day, every day, since first hearing T. Harv Eker speak years ago. I start every day with it. First thing when my feet hit the floor I say, “I CREATE MY LIFE!” […]
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