This donor story begins at a jazz night. A local chapter of a national nonprofit supporting teens hosted a Jazz night with professional jazz artists jamming together. Let’s call this nonprofit Teen Fun Alliance (TFA). A mid-30’s couple, both professionals, attended because of their interest and love of all things Jazz. Let’s call them Justin […]
donor confidential: jazz night train wreck Read More »
“When in doubt, have a man come through the door with a gun in his hand.” That’s advice on writing from Raymond Chandler, the father of the gritty American detective novel. Chandler was championing the element of surprise and twisty plots. And action! If you’re writing a novel, particularly a detective novel, this is the
This is the story of the how the Chairwoman of the Board found her place serving a thriving ministry and the CEO who was smart enough to let the plot develop. I’ll call the Chairwoman Kim and the ministry “Growing Strong” (not their real names). Let’s begin at the ending. As part of my work,
donor confidential: the chairwoman Read More »
Look. There are two truths you need to believe to be successful in marketing and fundraising for nonprofits. These two are related. We’ll see if I can get you there. The first truth is that all babies are just about the same amount of cute and ugly. (Stay with me). Don’t think of your babies.
ugly babies and fundraising Read More »
This is the story of the $1,000 first gift and the radio silence that followed. A 40-something successful entrepreneur working in a tech-related business told me her story. This woman is serious about her giving and her love of giving. I’m going to call her Lisa (not her name). She noticed a nonprofit that feeds
donor confidential: the $1000 gift Read More »
You’ve enjoyed about 7% of 2016 so far. How’s 2016 going for you? Are you a New Year’s Resolution person? Are you a New Year’s Resolution KEEPING person? I’d love to know what you resolved to do and if you’re still on track (it’s shocking how fast our intentions evaporate in contact with day-to-day reality).
2016 word of the year Read More »
Logic and reason kills direct mail fundraising, online fundraising and in-person fundraising. I have to confess it makes me giddy imagining how irritating that sounds to a few of you. Sorry, I’m not more mature about it. Instead of reason or logic, go with emotion. Tell the story of a real person. Show the life
logic and reason kills fundraising Read More »
Let’s talk cover songs, the embarrassing 70’s band Abba and new working relationships. First cover songs and cover bands. I heard a musician say recently that the main thing wrong with cover bands is that they’re doing a sad imitation of a great original. He’s right. Hoots and I love artists who can take songs
cover bands, donors and a new oneicity client Read More »
Doing direct mail donor development is complex. Delivering solid direct mail results on a regular basis requires great strategy and managing what seems like a zillion moving parts. And sadly, if you forget to plan for one critical component you can easily sabotage what could have been a great direct mail appeal. Here’s how it
the 1 common mistake that can kill your direct mail results Read More »
I want to let you in on an insider secret that direct mail fundraising experts use to raise millions of dollars. It’s a strategy you can use to improve your direct mail. In fact, this strategy will help all your fundraising and marketing. Before I give you that fundraising secret, you have to know about
an insider secret to direct mail fundraising Read More »
There are moments when it seems like darkness wins. When evil is stronger than the good in life. When your very best isn’t even close to enough. And the fight is lost. I know those times really well. Maybe you do, too. These moments happen at grave sides or in hospital rooms. Sometimes it’s an
a sunrise when you need it Read More »
I know, I know, that’s so obvious it’s nearly insulting for me to say it. But it’s true. And it’s sad how many times good organizations lose income because they don’t work hard to get the letter opened. The envelope your letter or newsletter arrives in is more important than anything inside it. The reason?
get people to open your envelope Read More »
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