Consistent! Does this describe YOU?
Can you be counted on?
Are you “ROCK” solid?
As major gift officers and fundraising leadership we focus on creating long-term relationships with givers who value our mission. This deepens a giver’s connection with our cause leading to more and larger giving.
OK. Right.
We want THEM to GIVE to us CONSISTENTLY! We DEPEND on them to SUPPORT US. They are the rock-solid foundation we rely on to achieve our mission. We want them to be loyal to us.
But here’s the deal. We need to switch this.
We need to let our donors know they can DEPEND on US!
We must be consistent.
“Making our (metric) numbers” should not force our donor relationships into our timelines. BUT, “moves management” or creating a RAP – a Relationship Action Plan as I call it, and setting metrics, DO HELP US BE CONSISTENT WITH OUR ACTIONS.
Here are 4 ways being CONSISTENT will let your donors know they can DEPEND on you.
1. See them when you don’t want money.
Consistently letting your donors know you are grateful for their support WITHOUT MAKING EVEN A “SOFT ASK” lets them know they can depend on you to appreciate them and honor their investment.
2. Remember the important personal things.
Consistently remembering birthdays, special events, and special connections to your organization builds trust. Celebrating these to a degree that is authentic and appropriate creates a consistent association between you, your organization and your donor on these important occasions.
3. Provide routine communication they can count on.
Consistently mailing or emailing special event news and invites, the annual report and/or the Quarterly newsletter builds a consistent touch – a reminder of the impact their giving has and their connection to you. Getting out the receipt letter, follow up letters after a visit, the annual endowment stewardship report – whatever – on a timely basis, consistently, creates a sense of reliability.
4. Always bring a positive attitude and personality.
Consistently being a positive, cheerful, presence on behalf of your organization makes your visit something that can be counted on as a positive experience. Something to look forward to. We all have days we’re emotionally or physically not as “up.” Making an effort to be consistently upbeat, downplay negative news, and skip the personal drama puts us in the small group of people they look forward to hearing from.
NOT consistent at being consistent? Here are 4 TIPS to HELP YOU!
1. As much as possible put clear, written, systems in place for repeated processes. Delegate these if you can or make calendar dates to do them yourself and HONOR the dates! Make sure team members understand the steps and deadlines.
2. Make small changes. Set aside 1/2 hour at the end of every day to pick up your desk to stay on top of clutter. (The number one consistency buster!) Big clean ups won’t last without new small commitments to consistent maintenance. Big workout programs won’t last, but 15 minute quick-walks around the office building just might. It’s easier to take a smaller step consistently. That’s the point.
3. Embrace rituals. Have a box of thank you cards sitting out on the desk. Write 3 notes grandly and passionately at a certain point in the day. Making it feel like a ritual will help you focus your time on what really matters.
4. CHOOSE to be AMAZING Today. We are all responsible for our thoughts and actions. It is always YOUR CHOICE. No one else c an make you feel a certain way unless you allow them to. By consistently monitoring your thoughts you can keep self-defeating thoughts at bay. You can also just flip a switch and say, “I’m so excited about doing this event tonight. I’ve been looking forward to it all day!” Go into it with a smile and embrace it – you’ll become that attitude you choose. It is always your choice to be a grump or a beacon of joy!
When we are consistent we are perceived (and it’s generally true!) as dependable, organized, on-top of our game, trust worthy, sincere and honest. Isn’t that the person and place where you would want to invest your MAJOR GIFT? Isn’t that the person you want to be… and be with?
