I went on a bit of a rant earlier this year. The bluster and noise was about gift officers and/or development shops with no systems and no plans. These folks are just “winging it.” You can get caught up here if you missed it. Cultivation, in particular, is an area where you can’t afford to wing it. It’s too important. I’m a little ashamed to admit that I used to meander my way through major donor cultivation. And I didn’t even know it! … [Read more...] about Cultivation #2 – Planning for Success
process
Fearless 2015
I don’t know about you, but my honeymoon with 2015 ended about a week and a half ago. We tied the knot on Jan. 1 and immediately left town for a few weeks of wedded bliss - the perfect escape from reality. But, now we're back home. And we're starting to get on each other's nerves. A month ago, 2015 could do no wrong. She was perfect in every way. Now, she's starting to seem a little...ordinary. And apparently I'm just a big … [Read more...] about Fearless 2015
Qualification Visits #2 – Preparation
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” -Seneca Pro athletes have worn this quote a little thin recently, but it’s still one that motivates me as a fundraiser. We talk a lot about preparation here at Fearless Fundraising. Preparing for small talk, preparing for prospect outreach. It’s very much part of the Fearless formula. Why? Because nothing gives you confidence like being prepared. It helps you focus too. … [Read more...] about Qualification Visits #2 – Preparation
Outreach #2 – A Winning Process
We've all worked with them. You know who I’m talking about. Gift officers who come in, start off well enough, but then completely flame out. Sure, they cultivate a handful of donors, and maybe land a major gift or two. But, they only ever get knee deep into their portfolios before sputtering to a stand-still. They’re gone in a little less than two years – off with another organization, repeating this same pattern. … [Read more...] about Outreach #2 – A Winning Process