When I started my business over 10 years ago, I don’t think I realized where I would be in 2023. Of course, anyone who starts a business has predefined goals—at least they should! I knew what I wanted to accomplish and the steps it would take to get there. Yet, things can sometimes get a tad bit cloudy on a normally-sunny day. (More on that in a minute.)

What happens when your entire team knows how to have investment-level conversations with donors? Even, your board members?

To answer this you’ll have to see the email report from my client below . . .

You know where I see millions of dollars left on the table every year? Yep, millions.

Transactional fundraising. I know, we hear it a lot. There are 3 specific instances that make my hair on the back of my neck stand up!

When something’s not working in your fundraising department, how can you hunt for the right culprit? 

Too often, we’re fighting to solve the symptom and not the sustainable cure.

Do you ever wish your mission or cause could sell itself?

Seems like it should, right?

Conversations are quick and easy and should go something like this . . .
➡️ You have an amazing mission
➡️ People read your newsletter and are immediately inspired
➡️ Tears are in their eyes when you tell the stories of those you serve
➡️ And then, boom! new donor!
➡️ And even better - it’s a giant check!

I wish.

Reality is, donors . . .

Recently I reviewed a Fundraising Plan where the team members were instructed to list any obstacles they saw in their path that would keep them from reaching or exceeding their annual goals.

And, guess what nearly everyone on the team noted . . .

“donor fatigue”

(I can be blunt with you, right?)

If you’re a leader and you're hearing this from your team, it’s likely a skillset issue. Not a donor issue.

I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts by Ramit Sethi the other day and there was a statement made that struck me.

That statement?

Most people (even if they are failing) are more comfortable with choosing the same thing over and over again as opposed to trying something new.

My answer? I agreed with it.

I was chatting with a visionary leader the other day and she made a comment that saddened me. “When I present a simple opportunity or new idea to my board or even my development team, I feel like I have to fight to convince them that we can do it.”

Sound familiar?

The next time you present an idea that was unbudgeted or a new opportunity that requires an investment and you’re met with resistance from your team, you’ve got to look what’s really behind that!

Recently I was being interviewed by a Board of Directors and they asked what I meant by a phrase I use fairly often.

That phrase?

The business behind fundraising.

It's even the name of my podcast. Well, here's what I mean . . .