Patiently persist to your 2020!
Patient Persistence.
This isn’t about knocking on one door until the dang thing opens.
It’s about patiently persisting with your key, top prospective major donors….without getting stuck in that same list. Or connecting the same way.
It’s about doing the best you can given the time and energy you have – but persisting.
Nancy Gerard was juggling a family health situation and moving into a new home during the already jam-packed year-end holiday time. When calling key folks was simply no longer an option, she connected with 40 via text on New Year’s Day. Here’s a sample of some of the text replies:
- “It is an honor to be a part of your ministry. Happy New Year and continued blessings!”
- “It is our privilege to be a small part of the great progress at GCA…May God continue to bless and lead GCA.”
- “There is no greater work than investing in our young people. Forever grateful for the years we’ve been a part of the GCA family.”
- “Thank you for your good work.”
- “It is an absolute honor to be associated with GCA.”
- “GCA has been a significant blessing to our kids and family. Happy New Year!”
- “It is our privilege to partner with you and GCA!”
Wow!
Simple put, staying down is the only thing that will keep you down.
Be clear on where you are going, what you want to happen – not specifically how you’ll get there.
Persist with action.
Setting intentions is good.
This year you intend to have deeper conversations with those prospective major givers. This year you intend to have more time with family. This year you intend to lose 20 pounds.
However, intentions, resolutions, goals, dreams and aspirations need execution.
Intentions never set up an appointment with a prospective giver.
Intentions never generated a deep listening conversation changing our conversations from transactions to transformations…and our giving along with it.
Intentions never raised a dime, endowed a program, provided shelter or saved a forest.
Take massive action. Take a small step.
- You will dedicate a half day each week to actions that foster more major gifts, no matter the distractions.
- You will attend at least 2 professional development sessions – even if you pay for them yourself.
- You will reach out to connect with others – givers, partners, colleagues, friends – even if it is not the “perfect” step.
Persist with your own growth.
The key is to not give up…To believe in yourself…
This is about your mindset – your thinking.
And trust that everything happening is for your highest and best good – even when it feels like you can barely make it through another day.
Believe that the universe is good. It’s not you against the world. Sow what you want to reap.
Believe that by being persistent, listening to your donors, genuinely caring about THEIR giving experience, not YOUR money, not “getting the money” but inspiring the investment to accomplish what the money does will bring you delightful outcomes. Yes, money…but so much more. Joy!
So, as we begin this new decade, STIR YOURSELF UP! Whatever you desire IS possible. You’re not alone on the journey. And, you can do this!
Believe in you! Believe in the power of a fresh start!
And have a fabulous new year, my friend.
Marcy Heim is a trusted authority in the development profession and helps organizations and educational institutions boost their major gift programs through artful, long-term relationship building that dramatically increases fundraising success while promoting increased staff job satisfaction. To receive a free chapter from Marcy’s book, Empower Your Board to Serve as Effective Development Ambassadors, click here.
Questions: Contact KK Konicek at KK@MarcyHeim.com
