Attrition Is Your Enemy
From time to time we publish this message from Jerry, who was a vociferous advocate of stewardship for a lifetime of donor loyalty.
Excellence in All Things
Excellence. An amazing break-through happens when an organization holds itself to unsparing standards of performance. It requires spirit of mission and boundless energy.
Now! Today, Not Tomorrow
Whatever you must do, or dream you can do, begin it. Do it now. Action has genius, power, and magic in it. —Goethe
5 Factors to Ensure Your Amazing Success
I’m flying high. I had an opportunity to meet with Larry Ellison on behalf of a client several years ago. Ellison, as you well know, is the founder and genius behind Oracle.
It’s All about Planning
Alice: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
Conflicts of Interest
We were working with a client that had an attorney who was a voting member of its Board. He also did all of the legal work for the organization and charges the firm’s regular fee for his service. It happens to be $750/hour— but that’s not the issue I’m about to write about.
Impacting Donor Attitude
There’s plenty you can’t do anything about. You can’t, for instance, do anything that affects how a donor feels about the economy. Or the weather.
Give Your Appeal a Compelling Opening
You are about to read the first page of a superb appeal letter. It was one of a series of direct mail pieces from a medical center.
The Gospel of Listening
(A credo originally written by Jerry Panas) If you’ve read anything I’ve written or heard me at a Seminar, you know the importance I give to the art of listening. It’s the gospel I preach. I consider it the single most powerful ammunition in your arsenal of fundraising skills. Best of all, it’s a talent […]
Why Do Board Members Give?
In a study we did for a major institution, Board members were asked (in a confidential survey) what was most important in prompting or motivating their gifts to the organization.