Just Show Up
Just Show Up
90 % of success in life is just showing up.
It’s showing up when you are feeling great and pumped about what you are headed to do.
……It’s also showing up when you’re beat and looking for any valid reason not to go.
It’s probably MORE important then.
Every day your life is filled with choices you make for how to spend it. And you may well be feeling a lack of “me” time in your current hectic life.
In our honorable and noble profession of inspiring generosity, we make many decisions that make us smile – or perhaps sigh – most likely both. Ever thought, “I would love to just stare at the clouds today.”
With a few more candles on my birthday cake than most of you, I can look back – revisit some of my decisions – and also share some experiences my fundraising clients share with me.
The magic of just showing up….
- You are available to others. Colleen attended a gathering at the end of a long day – if was fine – and several of her donors generally attended. At the event a former donor came up and said, “I owe you some money!” A few years back he had made a pledge, then shared his business took a turn. While she had reached out, time passed. “Seeing you reminds me I never did settle that pledge.” The $10,000 check arrived 2 days later.
- You find a space opens up to help. Two couples met in, of all places, the rehab clinic. They had been fundraisers together but had not seen each other in years. The younger couple listened to the challenges and volunteered. “Let us bring over some meals for you.” To their surprise the offer was accepted. For the next few months this went on and they learned the couple was moving to an assisted living facility out-of-state to be closer to their daughter. An impromptu party – with mac and cheese and a bit of wine – with former colleagues was held and brought amazing joy – for ALL…and the chance to contribute to a project dear to them – during their lifetime.
- You have a chance to say goodbye. Donors die, colleagues die, volunteers die. A funeral is a unique and often revealing experience of another side – the antics, the quirks, the love shared and the hole left. A chance to sign the guest book and add your own stories – share a note in your card, perhaps in conversation or maybe only just in your personal reflection. You can scoot in and out of the visitation – and that’s good! I like to sit through the service – feel with the family and remember how grateful I am for those who fill my days. Your own small gift – a chance to experience the joy of giving and the conversations about what could be possible to lift up this life.
- You never know what will happen! Extra tickets, an outing, an opportunity for a connection, invitations to sit in boxes, etc etc. If you aren’t there this happenstance can’t happen! Just by showing up for the first reception with a long-time major giver I ended up at most of the weekend events – delightful beginning to end and a chance to connect with development colleagues that will be tremendous in the future.
- Six Maybe two degrees of separation. You know her too? These are the conversations that lead to surprise connections. We want the board to help us. Hang out with a board member and see all the great folks you meet!
- You have a chance to listen. Events, galas, dinners. People can attend and barely talk to another soul. I like to find the ones standing off a bit and thank them for coming….then engage in conversation and finally introducing them to others I have pre-selected to be there to help others engage. People love to talk about themselves – it doesn’t take a lot of prompting. Just be sure to not fire questions at them like an interrogation! You can be too much. Remember phases like, “Tell me about…” your children, your last vacation, your last time with our organization.
Remember… wherever you are, you are wearing many hats. You ALWAYS have your professional hat on. Plus, you are always a parent, spouse, or volunteer. Remember the difference between personal and private. IF you don’t want something repeated – that’s easy – don’t share it.
You are always YOU…and your non-profit – HONOR both.
Just SEEING you reminds people of giving to your organization – no words needed. Your short and impactful stories of the impact of giving is always welcome – and can be the answer to, “How are you doing?”
Relish that just showing up will bring great rewards for you. Even more important – YOU become the source of joy and support for those you show up for.
Invest in JOY!
