• Link to Instagram
  • Link to LinkedIn
  • Link to Facebook
  • Coaching
    • Artful Action Assessment
    • MORE Major Gift Accelerator Coaching Program
    • Personal Coaching
  • Speaking & Training
    • Board Engagement
    • Consulting
    • Keynote & Session Presentations
    • MORE Major Gifts Workshop
    • Workshops & Seminars
  • About Marcy
  • Where’s Marcy
    • Marcy’s Calendar
    • Marcy’s Book & Ask Products
  • Testimonials
  • Store
    • Get To Do Today Pads
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Menu Menu

Archive for category: Mindset

Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

Reflect-Assess-Adapt-Plan – SHINE! It’s a new year!

 2024 is here! Let’s ROCK IT!

A new beginning – A new opportunity.

Mary, Marcy & Jayme at Fair

I’m bringing in the New Year keynoting for over 900 folks at the Wisconsin Fairs Association Centennial Convention – Celebrating the Past, Cultivating the Future. While they are all county fairs with many common traditions, their management, funding, budget, governance, and size are all very different – so at very different places with their fundraising. It’s been a total delight to be part of an experience that includes a carnival, talent showcases with great bands and comedians, and Fairest of the Fair Competition. These 35 contestants are both trained and compete in speaking, fundraising, marketing, and interviewing as part of a 3-day competition. I spent some time with them sharing confidence-building mindset tools, and of course, a 3-sentence ask!

Reflect – Assess – Adapt – Plan

For all of us, each new year gives us a fresh start – a chance to set aside time to “celebrate our past and cultivate our future!” 

Consider doing this….

Books on a shelf

1 – Reflect – where are you right now. CREATE “BOOKS” You can feel blessed and grateful and discouraged all at the same time. Write down key experiences – go through a calendar or your picture library – good and challenging. Picture all of these experiences in the past year or more as a book on a shelf.  All your failures and successes – Your year is on the shelf.

2 – Assess – what do you want to take with you into 2024?  Consider that now you find out a fire is coming that will burn the bookshelf! You have only a small suitcase you can pack with books!

3 – Adapt – what do you want to leave behind? Pluck from what you learned. If you know what went wrong – don’t do it again. What stories or thoughts held you back in 2023? “I’m afraid we won’t reach that goal.” “I don’t think I have time to do that.”

What if you could watch a film of the person you COULD HAVE BEEN if you hadn’t let the fear hold you back…the year without the excuse and stories.

Your fear and excuses don't have to go with you into the New Year!

“I’m too young.” “I’m too old.” “People tell me I can’t do it.” We don’t have the resources.” I have too much on my plate.” “It’s a rough economy.” “There’s too much competition for dollars.” My boss…  My spouse… My kids….

Turn these around.

Because I am young (or old) I have an advantage over everyone else!  More energy, more wisdom.

What do you want to take into the new year – let the rest burn.

4 – Plan – It’s January 2025. You look back and realize that 2024 was the BEST year you have ever had!  What is different? What happened?

WRITE OUT 3-5 RESULTS OF 2024 (yes 2024)

  • We have doubled our major gifts.
  • I am in the best shape of my life.
  • I do not dim my light to get along with others. I SHINE!
  • My board members have each contributed to our success.

Yours can have more specifics. The point is to say them often as if they have already happened. This becomes your compelling future. Consider why having these accomplished is so important to you – attach emotion to this. You will need this compelling future because stuff is going to happen. You will be disappointed. Craft this story and focus on it every day.

The biggest sales job you need to do is on YOU! Most people know what they DON’T want or like and they talk about it every day!  YIKES! Change that conversation in 2024!  Prove all the naysayers WRONG!

And…remember, I believe in you, I appreciate the work you do, and I am here to remind you of the special gift you are to the world!

Happy New Year!

Invest in JOY®

 

January 10, 2024
https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg 0 0 Marcy Heim https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg Marcy Heim2024-01-10 14:33:512024-02-19 09:15:00Reflect-Assess-Adapt-Plan – SHINE! It’s a new year!
Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

How to leave a great Voice Message!

I smile whenever I get a message from you.

 

 

In the rush to meet this month’s ambitious goals, the little things are often glossed over and not respected as the powerful relationship-building tools they are.

 

Let’s take leaving a message when you make a call for example.  Now I am NOT talking about the new voice chat. No. This is the good ole fashioned thing you leave when someone doesn’t pick up!

I’ll bet you are making a good many calls now – and perhaps even orchestrating a board or volunteer thankathon or gift-reminder call project. Often these calls will go to a giver’s voice mail. 

Are you and your callers ready for what happens after the beep?

Here’s what you need to remember to leave an Artful Message!

Artful Voice Message

 

TEN TIPS for an Artful Voice Message

1. Define the purpose of the call.

If this is “just” a thank you – it should be JUST a thank you….not an ask, next steps or anything else. If it is a reminder to consider a year-end gift – say that. Be clear and stay in your lane.

2. Script what you are going to say, practice it, then relax with it.

No one wants to listen to you read a script. You also don’t want to ramble on. (though honestly I’d take that over reading a script!) Be SO familiar with the words that you can be conversational in your delivery.

3. Remember your tone is key!

Your tone conveys meaning – caring, sarcasm, irritation, concern, and, yes, integrity. You want the listener to feel like you are enjoying this call, not checking them off a long list of calls to make. When you authentically care about your message it comes through in your tone. Ah…but same when you don’t really care.

4. This message is for a real person.

You may or may not personally know all the people you call. That’s ok. Either way you are leaving a message for a real person. Pause before a call to say the name. If you do know them, picture them in your mind. Smile and feel gratitude to be able to reach out to them.

5. Be a real person.

You may have 20 of these to make, but each one is an opportunity for you to be genuine. Don’t get concerned about needing to be “professional.”  Of course you don’t want to be flip or rude – but you also don’t want to be stiff and formal. Consider how you care about the mission you are representing – the values you must share with the person you are calling – the chance you have to show you care and deepen a relationship.

6. Pick a pace that is comfortable to listen to. Not too fast – not too slow.

You may be saying this for the 10th time – it’s the first time they are hearing it. Not too fast – rather a comfortable speaking pace.

7. Calling you back.

If you are a volunteer, it depends on your comfort getting a call back. For staff, more likely you will want to give people a way to reach back out to you.

8. Make the message long enough to get the message across.

30 seconds to a minute is usually enough depending on the call purpose.

Happy Dog!

9. Some examples. (I’m using my client, the Michigan Animal Rescue League as an example. You are very smart and can adapt!)

Thank you

 “Hello, Gladys. Happy Holidays! This is Bill Smith and I’m delighted to serve on the Michigan Animal Rescue League Board. Your support means so much as we care for the animals we rescue. Thank you! (pause) Thank you for partnering with us. I am sincerely grateful. Gladys, no need to call me back, but if you do have any thoughts for me you can reach me at 608-772-xxxx. That’s (more slowly) 608-772-xxxx. Again, my thanks to you for being our friend and supporter. Best wishes for a bright and happy Holiday!”

 

Consider a year-end gift

“Hello, Gladys. It’s almost New Year’s eve! For many of our Michigan Animal Rescue League friends, it’s time to make your gift to support our caring work. This is Bill Smith, a member of the board. It’s important to me that you have everything you need to accomplish the gift you wish to make yet this year. You can call me back at 608-772-6777. That’s 608-772-6777. Or you can go to our website at www.marl.org and get connected there. Whatever you decide, know that we appreciate you and your partnership with us. Thank you and have a happy, happy holiday!”

Shorter

“Hello Gladys! It’s Bill Smith, a board member from the Michigan Animal Rescue League. I just want to say thank you for your generosity… and your caring. May your holidays be merry and filled with good times with your favorite four-legged friend!”

Shorter

“Hello Gladys! Our animal rescues thrive because of your generosity. Thank you for considering a gift to the Michigan Animal Rescue League yet this year.  Probably easiest to go to www.marl.org to make a gift. This is Bill Smith, a MARL board member. Know that whatever you decide, we appreciate having you part of our family and wish you happy holidays!”

Shorter

“Gladys – Bill Smith here from the Board of the Michigan Animal Rescue League. You make life so much better for our animals and the people they love. Thank you and happy holidays!”

 

10. Common mistakes to avoid and how to fix them.

  • Talking too fast to be understood. SLOW down. Breath before you start.
  • Talking too far away from the phone to be picked up clearly.
  • Sounding like you are reading a script.
  • Sounding like you are irritated with this whole thing!
  • Forgetting to actually say, “Thank you!”
  • You just want money.  Believe me, it comes through loud and clear.
  • Trying to do too many things in this simple touch – confusing and overwhelming.

Easy way to fix it all?? 

  • Be fully into the call. SMILE when you talk!
  • Begin by remembering why this mission is dear to you.
  • “See” a person on the other end and care about them.
  • Look at this as a way to create a deeper relationship.

Marcy Happy Holidays!

 

Our calling to serve non-profit missions thrives because of your generosity, caring and talent. Please always remember how deeply I value OUR relationship and the belief we share in artful and respectful fundraising. May you feel my love. Thank you! Joy to you! Happy Holidays to you!

 

Invest in JOY®

 

December 13, 2023
https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg 0 0 Marcy Heim https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg Marcy Heim2023-12-13 14:27:372024-02-19 09:15:01How to leave a great Voice Message!
Coaching, Major Gifts, Mindset, Nonprofit Fundraising

Thanksgiving in 3 Steps

Give Thanks

I am thankful for YOU in my life!  

Tomorrow we gather to be thankful!

Just the thought of it makes me smile.  A whole day when we intentionally give thanks!

Here’s Thanksgiving in 3 Steps…..

1. Focus your thinking on being thankful.

Your inner world creates your outer world. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Walking through the day focusing on giving thanks will shift your focus to all the things you have to be thankful for. That will lift you up. It’s that simple. But not always easy to do!

2. Take inventory on how you are doing on your life vision.

A life vision is not a goal. It’s a vision. It doesn’t have data or a deadline. It’s that mark you want to leave on the world. It’s that line in your obituary that sums up who you were. My vision is to inspire myself and others to be their best selves. I am thankful that rarely a day passes when I don’t hear from someone that I am doing just that …with my coaching, my words in passing, a smile or my music.  What’s your life vision?

3. Remember that all disappointing circumstances are temporary.

Stock prices falling, chocolate prices rising, coming up short when you are comparing yourself to others, decisions that you’d like back to make again, illness, or being disappointed by others are all just experiences to help you refine how to best live your vision. They are temporary. You learn from them. They are a needed ingredient on the life-long path where you are creating your life!

Now here’s the best part. EVERY DAY can be Thanksgiving!  Focus on what you are grateful for – it beats down fear. Remind yourself you have a purpose – it will guide you. Manage challenges as temporary. Smile. Take a step. Enjoy your remarkable life.

Quote -

You have a calling. You do remarkable work. You give. You inspire giving. You propagate joy. An honor and delight to walk along beside you! Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Invest in JOY®

 

November 22, 2023
https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7f593028-3f65-491d-8bd6-229382e0016d.jpg 240 289 Marcy Heim https://marcyheim.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marcy-Heim-logo.svg Marcy Heim2023-11-22 07:45:552024-02-19 09:15:02Thanksgiving in 3 Steps
Page 5 of 512345
Search Search

Archives

Tags

AFP artful asker attraction Board Board Training CASE development donor Donor gift giving Donor relations donor relationships focus fundraising Fundraising Action Plan fundraising ideas fundraising mindset fundraising relationships fundraising tips fundrasing Fundrasing Motivation fundrasing stories Fundrasing Techniques Generosity Gratefulness how to fundraise how to thank donors imperfect action joyful giver Keynote major gift development Major Gift Giving Major Gifts marcy heim Methods mindset money non-profit fundraising Not for profit philanthropy prospects success Thankfulness time management Training visualization

Let’s Connect

info@marcyheim.com

(608) 772-6777

Marcy Heim Consulting | The Artful Asker
2679 Fahey Glen
Madison, WI 53711

Marcy Heim logo

Stay Inspired!

SIGN UP to receive Marcy’s bimonthly ezine filled with tips and inspiration to help you and your organization.

AND receive a free chapter from Marcy’s book, Empower Your Board to Serve as Effective Development Ambassadors!

Sign up

© 2025 All rights reserved. The Artful Asker, Marcy Heim Consulting. | 1 Day Website by Bizzy Bizzy
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more×

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Other cookies

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

Accept settingsHide notification only


Sign up to receive a free chapter from Marcy’s book, Empower Your Board to Serve as Effective Development Ambassadors, and her monthly ezine full of tips and inspiration to help you and your organization.