You Are Intrepid
For the great ones, there is no goal they can’t achieve, no mountain they can’t climb. Nothing is a roadblock or a problem. The great ones understand when they come to a roadblock, they simply take a detour.
Be a Positive Thinker
I’m flying high. I had an opportunity recently to meet with Larry Ellison on behalf of a client. Ellison is the founder and genius behind Oracle.
Great Fundraisers Read
The great fundraisers read. They read everything in sight. They read incessantly and compulsively. Sadly, when I talk with many of my clients and when I give Seminars, I find that too many development people don’t read. Part of the problem is one of having enough time. The other part of the problem is they […]
All of the Great Fundraisers Have Certain Success-Factors in Common
It is the thread woven through their entire fabric. There is high ambition, a drive to achieve, and immense inner-motivation.
Understanding Problems as Opportunities
You understand that every grand opportunity is simply masquerading as a problem, a mystery waiting to be solved. If you don’t understand the problem, then explain it to someone and listen to yourself discussing it. Make certain you never state a problem in the same terms as it was originally brought to you. Studying the [&he
Do You Have a Quality of Leadership?
Something quite distinctive is in evidence in everyone who is successful in the field. There is a special quality of leadership. You sense it, you somehow see it, you can almost feel it. It is kindred to the characteristic of “presence,” but it’s really more than that. Everyone spoke about it. Father Hesburgh, form
You Inspire Others to Action
A fundraising program or project must be pursued with inspiration by the fundraiser. It is important to note that as significant as it is, inspiration alone provides only passion and spirit to a program. But without unyielding action, it is lifeless.
If You Can Conceive It You Can Achieve It
The surest way to guarantee success is to determine you will succeed. You decide. You envision it. You dream of it. You command it to happen. That’s how you win. That’s the road to success.
You Have an Unwavering Commitment to the Institution, and a Near-Militant Belief in Its Mission
Goethe wrote: “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to drop back. The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.” Your commitment to the institution must be unshakable. That doesn’t mean without quest
Boldness Has Genius, Power and Magic to It
The courage to dare, to step out—that’s what wins the contest and gets the gift. The great fundraisers are infused with boldness and courage. An awesome audacity. There must be the willingness to brave the unexplored—and to attempt the unthinkable. The challenge!