Minor Touches To Major Impact For Nonprofits: Recent Episodes
David Oaks
Hosted by David Oaks, of WorldStage Development. Minor Touches To Major Gifts is a discussion of how paying attention to minor touches leads to major gifts for your nonprofit.
David and his guests wrestle with such topics as how to say 'thank-you' with excellence; How that with major gifts, major people & major opportunities: YOU GOTTA ASK!
How that most million dollar gifts are preceded by one-hundred dollar test gifts;
What is the ONE thing you you want to try to get a first time donor to do: GIVE A SECOND GIFT!
How diversity and inclusion have always been a problem.
How treating volunteers like they are already donors works, BECAUSE THEY ARE!
Listen to nonprofit leaders and their greatest allies in the business world talk about how pursuing excellence and giving attention to the smallest of details can result in your nonprofit getting all the money it needs!
At weddings, ministers are fond of rehearsing the historical story of Jesus’ first miracle. He attends a wedding where the host runs out of wine. At the insistence of his mother, he turns six stone jars of water into wine.
The belief in miracles is a matter of personal faith and varies among individuals and spiritual traditions.
Personally, I believe it is a miracle every time someone gives away money they could have spent on themselves! Fundraising is participation in the miraculous! But participating in the miraculous requires an understanding...
Miracles Require a Lot of WorkAncient followers of Jesus called it "the working of miracles"
You can read the story HERE
Solomon's ancient, "the truth will cost you something"
Join me with other fundraisers in my monthly Fundraising Accelerator.
Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $5.00
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Let me introduce you to my friend Jeff Slaughter. He is a missionary, fundraiser, master storyteller and more. Find Jeff at:
https://jeffslaughterwrites.com/
https://elevateeurope.com/
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $5.00
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
As a fundraising consultant, I’ve encountered countless nonprofits who believe they’re telling compelling stories about their work. But when I look at their websites and social media feeds, I’m often left wondering: Where are the stories?
Fundraisers think like news reporters when it comes to telling stories. But nothing could be further from the truth. You are not a news reporter, you are a nonprofit storyteller. There is a huge difference in news reporting and storytelling.
What I usually find instead are reports. Updates about events. Statistics about groups served. While this information has its place, it’s not what drives donations. It’s not what connects with donors on an emotional level. It’s not storytelling.
The Truth About Fundraising Stories
A true fundraising story isn’t about your organization or even about the collective impact you’re making.
It’s about one person.
One life.
One struggle.
One transformation.
This focus on the individual isn’t just a preference—it’s a proven principle of effective fundraising. Yet it’s one that many organizations struggle to implement consistently.
The focus on one, rule is a fundraising principle that’s proven, potent, and practically unbreakable.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $5.00
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
I love Africa and I adore African fundraisers. Your passion, dedication, and tireless efforts to create positive change in your community is truly inspiring. You deserve to get the money you need.
There are some things you need to understand about fundraising internationally, especially with Americans.
There is sometimes a disconnect between you and your potential American supporters on social media and electronically.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $5.00
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Naming opportunities are a nonprofit's golden ticket to unlocking major donations. This episode reveals the power of offering naming rights to recognize supporters, plus you'll learn 7 key steps to follow to successfully implement this lucrative fundraising strategy.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $5.00
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Describing the need is easy compared with the hard work of finding the descriptive words that paint a picture of the need having been met.
If there is one thing I find that leaders don't understand, it is the power of vision. Most leaders think they become powerful when they can describe the need. Not so. Describing the need is easy compared to describing the world, like Pastor Wells, where that need would no longer be valid.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
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You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
When we fail to recognize and celebrate “firsts,” we miss powerful opportunities to strengthen our relationships, build momentum, and create a positive, thriving culture.
- In families, celebrating firsts – from a baby’s first steps to a teenager’s first job – helps to create a strong sense of unity, pride, and mutual support. By acknowledging these milestones, we show our loved ones that we are paying attention, and that we are invested in their growth and success. This builds trust, strengthens bonds, and fosters a family culture of encouragement and celebration.
- In the business world, recognizing firsts is equally crucial. When a team member lands their first client, closes their first deal, or completes their first project, it’s a chance to boost morale, build confidence, and reinforce the behaviors and values that drive success. By celebrating these achievements, leaders demonstrate that they value their employees’ contributions and are committed to their professional development. This, in turn, fuels engagement, loyalty, and a positive company culture.
- On a societal level, marking firsts – from groundbreaking inventions to historic civil rights victories – helps to shape our collective narrative and propel us forward. These milestones remind us of our capacity for innovation, progress, and overcoming challenges. They inspire us to dream bigger, to push beyond our perceived limits, and to work towards a better future. When we neglect to celebrate these firsts, we risk losing sight of our shared accomplishments and the power of our collective potential.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
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You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Your vision and mission statements are more than just words on paper - they’re the heart and soul of your nonprofit, guiding every decision you make and every dollar you raise. Invest in getting them right, and watch your impact soar.
Need more help? Get my book, I dedicate a whole chapter, Establish Your Compelling Vision, to this.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Jewish storytellers celebrate unity and brotherhood by telling a story about pouring huge amounts of expensive oil on the top of one of their leader's heads. Their story corresponds to the "rock in the pond" principle.
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You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
One of Dale Carnagie's favorite stories was about fishing. "I love strawberries and cream, but I find for some reason that fish prefer worms."
In the same vein, you don't "catch" donors by baiting the hook with what you love...
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Organizations and fundraisers go to great pains to make sure donors know that giving to their mission is tax deductible. Is this a major reason why donors give to you?
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
People who are tens on the leadership scale attract other people who are tens, nines, eights, and lower. Sevens attract other sevens, sixes, fives and so on. Threes can attract other threes, twos, and ones.
People who are a five on the leadership scale don’t often get to work with tens. People who are tens on a leadership scale rarely team up with fives. This is just reality.
Remember, you are somewhere on that leadership scale. Your number on that scale matters supremely. It determines who you attract into your orbit. Here’s the good part. With some effort, you can raise your leadership ability and begin to attract people of a higher caliber to your mission.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
If people don't believe in your mission, (and everyone won't), they won't give. But, if they do THEY WILL GIVE YOU THEIR MILLIONS!
Reading through Jerold Panas' book, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Get's Them
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Six powerful insights into why people give large gifts to you. From Mega Gifts, by Jerry Panas.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
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I am reading Mega Gifts by Jerold Panas. After interviewing dozens of people who gave millions and 1,000 successful fundraisers, he examines why people give to charity. The results are surprising.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
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You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Your story, and your storytelling answers the all important question for the world: WHY
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
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You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
IF you can stop talking about your organization so much, and begin to talk about your donors, your community, your beneficiaries, and their hopes, aspirations, values, and struggles, they will know, like, and trust you more.
And, if they know, like, and trust you, they will freely give you their time, treasure, and talent.
CLICK HERE FOR HOW TO GET THAT ELUSIVE SECOND GIFT BY WRITING BETTER THANK YOUS
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**The world will ignore you when you tell your stories the wrong way.
I FIND THAT MOST FUNDRAISERS THINK THEY ARE TELLING STORIES WHEN THEY ARE MERELY GIVING REPORTS.**
What is the difference?
A story is about one person, with a name, with a problem that has been solved (or needs to be).
One person
With a name
With a proble
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Visionary fundraisers know that telling the truth makes people free, but first, it makes them miserable. This is where story comes in. Storytelling takes a gentler approach and minimizes potential resistance.
This is why one of the most revered teachers in the world said he used story:
That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. - Matthew 13:13 - MSG
All Jesus did that day was tell stories—a long storytelling afternoon. - Matthew 13:34 MSG
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Just like the legendary King Arthur and his mighty sword Excalibur, your storytelling is a celestial key that unlocks incredible power.
Imagine storytelling as holding your very own Excalibur. When you tell a story, you're not just sharing words; you're wielding a tool that connects people and helps them make sense of their world. It's like having a superpower that brings everyone together.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
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You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Each year as I receive contribution statements from the charities that I supported in the previous year, I am always surprised.
As I open them, I am shocked that some are naked.
A naked contribution statement is a printed statement of the donor's gifts for the previous year without any kind of thanks or mention of the nonprofit's "big story.”
Naked contribution statements point to an overall lack of appreciation for a donor's giving and hinder the size of their next gifts. With a little effort, a short letter along with the donor's giving history for the year that includes the organization's "big story" can make a big difference in future donations.
JOIN THE FACEBOOK VISIONARY FUNDRAISING GROUP
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
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As humans and other animals approach reaching a goal, their efforts toward that goal increase.
Rats run faster as they approach a food reward, and humans increase effort as they approach rewards or goals such as visual finish lines.
Social scientists call this pattern of increased effort as we approach goals a “goal gradient” motivation.
This matters to you as a fundraiser because donors are twice as likely to join your fundraising campaign when you reach 66% of your goal.
Join the Visionary Fundraising Facebook Group
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As a fundraiser you should understand that a significant number of donors make critical decisions about their charitable contributions often in the final days of the year.
These donors with high capacity often opt for late year-end charitable giving. They make their charitable giving decisions on December 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31st.
Join the Visionary Fundraising Facebook group for EOY examples of fundraising emails.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
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Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Visionary fundraisers know a simple yet powerful maneuver that can multiply their end-of-year appeal exponentially: NOTIFY THE DONOR BEFORE THEY RECEIVE YOUR APPEAL!
By proactively reaching out to your donors before sending out your printed appeal letters, you can double or even triple your response rates.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Sitting still, a powerful locomotive cannot overcome a 4X4 piece of lumber laid at its wheels. But when that same locomotive is zooming along at fifty-miles-per-hour, it can crush through a brick wall.
The difference is momentum.
Many times, the ONLY difference between winning and losing is not talent or giftedness. It is momentum–the Big-Mo
When you have momentum, your followers perform better.
When you have momentum, you look better than you really are.
Ninety percent of all your success as a visionary fundraiser will come from creating momentum before asking for money.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Industry leaders say that Beyonce’s overnight success happened because of her years of hard work teaching millions of people to pay attention to her. In marketing, this is called audience building.
Beyoncé understood the power of the Big-Mo: MOMENTUM. She put in years of hard work to achieve the momentum that would make her an overnight success!
Visionary fundraisers understand and take advantage of this kind of audience-building momentum.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Instead of saying, "I'm sorry," start saying "thank you."
Revolutionary!
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
I am offering to work with you to raise more money than ever before. I know, that would be miraculous!
Here's what I am thinking. I am going to allow you to be a part of my Visionary Fundraising Accelerator for three months for $99 each month.
November, $99
December, $99
January, $99
My students have paid $1,000 and more per month for this.
This is a limited offer. For this week, you can join my group, and get personal leadership from me through the end of the year and January for $99 each month. AND, I will give you my personal guarantee, if, at the end of January you don’t think you got your money’s worth, I WILL RETURN ALL YOUR MONEY. I will, you can trust that.
But, this will be no easy miracle. I will push you to work like crazy! But you will have access to me, other group members, and all the Visionary Fundraising videos for each of the Minor Touches Major Impact Six-Step Method.
Let me say again, THIS OFFER EXPIRES FRIDAY, MIDNIGHT.
CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED. At checkout use the special code EOY23 to receive your discount.
Our group meets together every first and third Tuesday at 12:15 EST. If you join quickly, you can be in our class tomorrow, jumpstarting your end-of-year fundraising ASAP!
To the miraculous!
David
P.S. People have told me they have raised more money at year’s end JUST BY LISTENING TO MY PODCASE. Imagine what you could see happen inside the Accelerator working personally with me. CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED. Remember the discount code EOY23.
P.S.S. Don't forget my personal guarantee. If you don't get the kind of results that totally eclipse your efforts alone, I will give you your money back.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
The number one tool the visionary uses to stop chasing and start attracting resources is storytelling. Storytelling is the one tool that will catapult your fundraising to wonderful new levels.
As visionaries harnessing the ancient power of stories, we give voice to the voiceless. Shining a light on someone’s story, we can:
• Help address inequitable systems.
• Change mainstream narratives.
• Give opportunities to understand other people’s lived experience.
What can go wrong?
An old African proverb says it so well:
Until the lion learns how to write, the tale will always glorify the hunter.
The proverb conveys a powerful message about the importance of perspective and who gets to tell a story or shape a narrative.
Watch Arturo’s presentation by clicking here.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
When visionaries don't understand their role in bringing hope to the world, they hate fundraising.
I have heard visionaries lament the need for fundraising. I have heard board members say, "I wish we didn't talk about money so much." I have heard pastors say, "I HATE talking about money."
I think the sentiment is misguided.
It is healthy when visionaries need money.
When forward-thinking organizations need money it is a good thing.
Living is expensive. Having a living vision is expensive. It is death that is cheap.
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
As we approach the year’s end, uncertainty rules.
When times are good, donors give.
When times are bad, donors give.
But when times are uncertain, donors wait.
Uncertainty makes people a little less responsive to your fundraising. And donors have ample reason to feel uncertain.
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Get David's new book Visionary Fundraising, The Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method.
- At Amazon, $19.99
- Digital version from David, $4.99
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Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
To fund a spiritual rest area for truck drivers, Father Adelir Antônio de Carli tied himself to over 1,000 party balloons. After taking off in a chair attached to the balloons, he reached an altitude of 6,000 meters before losing contact with authorities.
Read de Carli's story
Carli’s story is an extreme example of the high price of event fundraising.
An overemphasis on event fundraising can kill your major gift fundraising.
The ROI for most fundraising events is about 50% (read here).
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
The one thing that will impact your beneficiaries the most is your visionary fundraising capacity.
Visionaries attract resources like a moth to a flame. Visionaries don’t believe money is the answer to their problems, they know that vision is!
To help you grow in your visionary capacity, I have written Visionary Fundraising. In it, you will learn:
- The five attributes that make up the visionary superpower
- The number one tool that visionaries use to spearhead a movement
- A simple formula for creating and telling stories that break the curse of being ignored
- The ancient rule that visionaries like Barack Obama and Winston Churchill used to break through the noise of culture and be heard
- The ancient admonition that all visionaries throughout history have adhered to that made them attractive
- The three kinds of stories visionary fundraisers tell
You can buy Visionary Fundraising on Amazon for $19.99. But, from me, you can buy the digital version (along with three bonuses) for $4.99. I think it is a steal.
Get Visionary Fundraising today.
To your visionary success!
David
Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE
Special price $4.99
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
You can read Edwin Reinhold's article HERE.
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Thanks to Helen Miller Music for permission to use I Won't Let You Fall.
Step 3 in the Minor Touches Major Impact fundraising method: Establish Your Platform.
Very simply, a platform is the thing you have to stand on to get heard. It’s your stage. But unlike a stage in the theater, today’s platform is not built of wood or concrete or perched on a grassy hill. Today’s platform is built of people. Contacts. Connections. Followers.
Michael Hyatt
You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net
Thanks to Helen Miller Music for permission to use I Won't Let You Fall.
One of the pieces of collateral that will help you become the attractive expert, step one of the MTMI Fundraising method, is your "Case For Support."
This is not just something that organizations do for capital campaigns. Your organization should have one for your mission that is updated annually.
I have a few case documents that you can look at here:
www.davidoaks.net/casedocs
Step one of the Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method is to become the attractive expert. There are four pieces of collateral that will ignite your ability to speak as this attractive expert:
- Beneficiary Avatar
- Donor Avatar
- Volunteer Avatar
- Values & Guiding Principles
Visionary fundraisers don't just raise money, they spearhead movements.
In step one of the Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method, you learn that fundraising is a result of spearheading a movement!
The first step in the Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method is to become the attractive expert.
Becoming the attractive expert involves you becoming a voice for the voiceless.
As I record this, Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud-Light beer, has lost $27 billion in market value. The losses began with the company’s decision to partner with a cultural influencer that was met with a backlash from a large swath of its customers.
It is possible that Anheuser-Busch was aware of the potential backlash, but partnered with the influencer, anyway. I could see this as a sign that the company is trying to appeal to a more progressive customer base. However, it is also possible that the company simply misjudged the situation and underestimated the potential for backlash.
I think the latter is the case and the whole situation caught them by surprise. The surprise revealed that they don’t know their customer base.
The controversy has shown the need for businesses to understand customer needs and preferences. More than ever, businesses must be aware of their customer segments.
What can fundraisers learn from the situation?
KNOW YOUR DONORS! You should have a donor avatar (profile) that helps you best understand your donors and the things that they value supremely. Having a donor avatar is something I teach in the second step of The Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method that I teach. It is one of the four pieces of collateral that will ignite your visionary fundraising ability.
A donor avatar lists the facts that may be true about almost all your donors. These are the facts that distinguish them from the rest of the world.
When you tell your personal journey story as a part of nonprofit fundraising, it can have a significant impact on donors' empathy and connection with your cause. Sharing your own experiences and motivations can help potential donors understand the passion and commitment that drive your involvement in your mission.
The top reason that nonprofit organizations and visionary leaders don’t get the money they need is simple; they don’t have a plan; they are flying by the seat of their pants.
I burn with a passion to see the world’s visionaries funded. It is now my purpose in life. What if we could multiply your impact on your city and country? That is a powerful and motivating vision for me. How exciting!
Unleashing the most generous generation in the history of the world is my everyday vision. This will only happen through people like you who have the heart; they just need a plan.
I am a visionary on a mission, and I am passionate about my message. I am driven by a fiery vision of you and a million like you, changing history with your ideas and leadership.
I see us unleashing the most generous generation in the history of the world.
Without you, my vision cannot happen.
My mission is to help you.
When visionaries dream, the world gets changed. When visionary fundraisers find their stride, they inspire the most unlikely people to work together, and shared beliefs and hopes explode into action. Visionary fundraisers who get the money they need for their mission feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture the world.
Powerful visionaries are always about getting themselves an education. You need to find other visionaries in the fundraising world and learn from them.
And, if they have created a “wheel” that you need, it saves you the trouble of creating it yourself. Steal it.
As you experience, study and “steal” from them, you will want to save your “thefts” in a file for the time when you can use them. This file has many names, one of which is “swipe file.”
Keep a swipe file. It’s just what it sounds like - a file to keep track of the stuff you’ve swiped from others… see something worth stealing? Put it in the swipe file. Need a little inspiration? Open up the swipe file. - Austin Kleon
Occasionally, when telling a story, I can tell when my listeners are leaning in, hanging on every word, and ready for the climax. It’s at the height of that moment that, for fun, sometimes I will say, “I can tell you all are not into this; I will finish this story later.” I always love it when my listeners gasp and demand that I finish my story.
Visionary fundraisers know how to harness and use the power of unfinished stories.
Accomplished musicians, poets, doctors, architects, rappers, and African American preachers understand and harness the power of rhythm. So do visionary fundraisers. Fundraisers who don’t understand that there is a rhythm to fundraising remain stuck on one beat, struggling to get the masses to march to their drum.
Like music, the visionary fundraising rhythm has a dominant element that the other elements interact with. Don’t miss this. The one dominating element in the visionary fundraising rhythm is reporting (read storytelling).
The elements of a visionary fundraising rhythm are:
● Reporting - storytelling
● Asking - appeals
● Thanking - thanking the donor for making an impact
For thousands of years, the number three has been imbued with a mystique, a power that has seen it placed at the center of rules governing effective communication within all aspects of culture. From rhetoric to religion, mastery of the rule of three is the key to power.
Rule Of Three Agency
As a visionary storyteller, there is a “rule” that grew out of ancient storytelling tradition called the rule of three that you should be familiar with. Over centuries of time, ancient storytellers learned that there was power in stories, characters, and events when told in groups of three.
The photos you use in telling your stories should also focus on the one.
Group shots are often useless.
The most important part of the photo is the subject's face. Think back to some old romantic tearjerker movies we have watched. Do you remember when one lover says, “I don’t love you?” The violins swell on the soundtrack as we zoom in for a closeup. As shock registers on their face, they make one heartfelt plea:
"Look me in the eye and say that."
What is it about making direct eye contact that so dramatically affects our perception of truth? Such is the case with your photos. The most powerful photos that will help you overcome being ignored have:
● One subject
● A shot of the subject's face that reveals their true emotion
● Eye contact
Always work to tell stories about individuals or issues at a scale your donors can grasp: one.
Understanding engaging storytelling that fuels engagement has driven me. In the Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method, we use a simple formula to help fundraisers overcome wrong tendencies and consistently get stories that promote engagement. The attributes can come in any order, but they are always there.
Engaging Story = One + Normal + Explosion + New Normal + Hero
All stories have a beginning, middle, and end. They don’t have to follow that order, but they all have these elements. A story is about a person who encounters obstacles and overcomes them. In storytelling, that obstacle is often called the inciting incident. In my storytelling equation, the “explosion” is the inciting incident.
So, a story is about a (one) person (normal) who encounters some challenge (explosion) and rises to overcome it (new normal).
In 1979 Mother Teresa of Calcutta accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of “the hungry, of the naked, of the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the leprous, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared-for, thrown away of the society, people who have become a burden to the society, and are ashamed by everybody.” But she totally understood the power of this focus on the one:
I never think in terms of a crowd but of individual persons. If I thought in terms of crowds, I would never begin my work. I believe in the personal touch of one. - Mother Teresa of Calcutta
When a story is about the many, it diverts and dilutes our attention. But when a story focuses on the one, the numbers, stats, and facts are illuminated, and we are engaged. All engaging visionary stories focus on the power of the one and not the many.
When storytelling happens in spontaneous ways, it is usually engaging and powerful. But sometimes, when visionaries intentionally try to tell a story for impact, something gets lost. In trying to be powerful and moving in telling their stories, visionaries can become academic and boring.
There is a right way and a wrong way to tell stories.
I use a simple formula to help fundraisers overcome wrong tendencies and consistently get stories that promote engagement. The attributes can come in any order, but they are always there:
Engaging Story = One + Normal + Explosion + New Normal + Hero
Today's show: ONE
Stories possess a spark, a power: to comfort, connect, destroy, transform – and even to heal.Bobette Buster
The one tool that will catapult your visionary fundraising abilities is storytelling.
The better you are at storytelling, the more money you will raise. No-holds-barred, totally guaranteed.
Visionary fundraisers harness the power of an excellent thank-you.Visionaries never miss the opportunity to talk about a hoped-for future, even when they say thank you. Nothing excites donors more than an excellently said thank-you that honors the value they gave to and the impact their gift will make. A visionary thank-you makes donors glad they gave and stimulates them to dream of giving more.
Understanding the power of being visionary in saying thank you begins with understanding that donors don’t really give to you or your organization. Donors give to their values through your organization. Being visionary in saying thank you begins when you get this:
Donors give to their values; they are not giving to you; they are giving through you.
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FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Here lies a trap that fundraisers fall into. They tell stories, yes, but the stories are about themselves, their staff, their buildings, their classes, their programs, their degrees, and their equipment, ad nauseam.
A visionary fundraiser understands the difference between telling people more information and telling a visionary story.
Visionaries tell stories about donors giving finances, time, influence, and more. They tell stories about the beneficiaries of their mission, whose lives it forever changed.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Nothing has the power to propel the urgency of your mission more than telling the right visionary stories at the right time. Nothing inspires action for the greater good more than visionary stories.
There are five stories visionary fundraisers should be continually telling:
- The beneficiary story – the story of one beneficiary of your mission.
- The donor/volunteer story – the story of a person’s journey into becoming a donor to your mission.
- The legacy donor story – the story of a person’s journey into becoming a legacy donor to your mission.
- Your story – the story of your journey that answers “why” you do what you do.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Visionary fundraisers harness the power of story & storytelling.Social proof is why:
● TV sitcoms of yesteryear have laugh tracks (they are telling you that you should think this is funny and laugh)
● We buy on Amazon after we read the product reviews
● PBS spends so much time on their telethon telling you who just gave
● A little plug-in comes on when you visit your travel website, telling you that ten people just booked rooms at that same hotel
● Engaging websites show happy customers consuming their product or service
Social proof is visual storytelling. Visionaries harness the power of social proof through storytelling in their fundraising. Storytelling is how we give our potential donors the gift of going second.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Visionary fundraisers harness the power of story & storytelling.You walk into your favorite bar or coffee shop, and you see a tip jar on the counter. You know what I am talking about. It is a jar with a handwritten message: “TIPS.” It is a see-through glass jar, and it has money in it. And, when you go to your bar or coffee shop, you notice that the “tips” jar is never empty. This is a significant observation.
If your bartender or barista is wise, they will never let you see the jar empty. And what is inside that jar (pennies, nickels, dimes, or dollar bills) is extremely vital. What’s up with that?
Your bartender or barista knows something that you, as a fundraiser, may not know. Here’s what they do. Before you arrive, before anyone leaves them a tip, they put their own money in the jar. This is well known as “salting the jar.”
They are well aware of the visionary effect it will have on you. When you see the jar, and it is empty, they know it gives you a vision of something. An empty jar tells you that tipping is not something that people do here. When you see an empty “tips” jar, you are less likely to leave a tip.
The tip jar is a storytelling device.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
**Visionary fundraisers focus on what they aim to produce, NOT what they do.
T**he lack of vision is the root of all evil. Vision is where you do the hard work of fleshing out what the world would look like if everything you do works. Imagine that what you do is wildly successful, and your mission is no longer needed. What does that look and feel like? What does it sound like? How do people act when it happens?
The visionary has to do the hard work of imagining and expressing what they aim to produce or make happen.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Visionary fundraisers focus on what they aim to produce, NOT what they do.
The lack of vision is the root of all evil. Vision is where you do the hard work of fleshing out what the world would look like if everything you do works. Imagine that what you do is wildly successful, and your mission is no longer needed. What does that look and feel like? What does it sound like? How do people act when it happens?
The visionary has to do the hard work of imagining and expressing what they aim to produce or make happen.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Visionary fundraisers describe a world where their mission is no longer needed.Martin Luther King understood this when he vividly described the day when “the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners… sit down at the table of brotherhood… [and] little black girls… join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.”[i] Dr. King worked hard to describe the day when his mission would no longer be needed.
Why would exceptional leaders need to clearly define[KH1] a world where their organization or mission is no longer needed? Because this future-looking ability is the essence of vision.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Visionary fundraisers describe a world where their mission is no longer needed.
Describing a current problem as solved in the future makes you visionary. Ordinary people and fundraisers easily see problems, but visionaries see and describe solutions. Describing a world where your organization no longer needs money requires faith, confidence, and a proven visionary plan.
Describing a current problem requires no gifting but seeing that problem as solved requires special vision.
A vision is what the world would look like IF what you are doing fixes the problem. What the world would look like when the injustice you are addressing no longer exists is a vision. It is a picture of the future you are trying to create and what life will be like when you get there. Seeing the world where you solve the problem you address is attractive to donors. When visionaries need resources, donors show up in spades.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Visionary fundraisers describe a world where their mission is no longer needed.
Describing a current problem as solved in the future makes you visionary. Ordinary people and fundraisers easily see problems, but visionaries see and describe solutions. Describing a world where your organization no longer needs money requires faith, confidence, and a proven visionary plan.
Describing a current problem requires no gifting but seeing that problem as solved requires special vision.
A vision is what the world would look like IF what you are doing fixes the problem. What the world would look like when the injustice you are addressing no longer exists is a vision. It is a picture of the future you are trying to create and what life will be like when you get there. Seeing the world where you solve the problem you address is attractive to donors. When visionaries need resources, donors show up in spades.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
How is it that some leaders see an injustice or problem in the world, dream of it being fixed, and share that dream in such a way that people enthusiastically empty their treasure chests to make it happen? How do fundraisers take donors from an initial gift of less than $100 to six, seven, and eight-figure gifts? And how do those same fundraisers get a chunk of those same donors’ estates when they pass? The answer has to do with their power to be visionary.
The one superpower all over-the-top fundraisers master is the art of being visionary.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
The competence that will fill you with confidence will cost you.
"Buy the truth...wisdom, instruction and understanding."
Proverbs 23:23
You must decide to pay the price.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Most nonprofit leaders spend their lives trying to get the money they need, but they never learn how fundraising works.
Preparation drives confidence.
Competence drives confidence.
The competence that will fill you with confidence will cost you.
"Buy the truth...wisdom, instruction and understanding."
Proverbs 23:23
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
In my life as a nonprofit consultant, I have learned that most nonprofit leaders spend their lives trying to get the money they need, but they never learn how fundraising works.
Preparation drives confidence.
Competence drives confidence.
The competence that will fill you with confidence will cost you.
"Buy the truth...wisdom, instruction and understanding."
Proverbs 23:23
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Truth can be difficult to accept and confront, but ultimately leads to liberation and a sense of relief.
But, that freedom is often preceded by a period of discomfort, pain, or upheaval when it challenges our preconceived notions or beliefs.
Today's show: Naming your problem (Rumpelstilskin) and Status Quo Bias
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Truth can be difficult to accept and confront, but ultimately leads to liberation and a sense of relief.
But, that freedom is often preceded by a period of discomfort, pain, or upheaval when it challenges our preconceived notions or beliefs.
Today's show: Frequent Illusion Bias
The frequent illusion bias can lead to a lack of understanding of donors' motivations and preferences, as the nonprofit leader may assume that donors are motivated by the same factors that drive their own passion for the cause. This can result in ineffective fundraising strategies that do not resonate with donors and fail to generate the desired level of support.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Truth can be difficult to accept and confront, but ultimately leads to liberation and a sense of relief.
But, that freedom is often preceded by a period of discomfort, pain, or upheaval when it challenges our preconceived notions or beliefs.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Truth can be difficult to accept and confront, but ultimately leads to liberation and a sense of relief.
But, that freedom is often preceded by a period of discomfort, pain, or upheaval when it challenges our preconceived notions or beliefs.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Successful visionary fundraisers embrace brevity as their friend.
Those that don't cannot break the curse of being ignored.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Once you have an effective and engaging one-liner, people will be curiously drawn in and want to know more. Astonished, they will want to know why you do what you do. Your story answers this question. Answering the “why” question in your potential donor’s mind will get you engagement.
Your story relates the inciting incident that started you on your hero's journey. It chronicles your struggle and how you found the answer in your mission. When your one-liner gives you the opportunity, your story answers the question “why” and reels new donors in.
People don’t buy into what you do; they buy why you do it…the goal is not to do business with people who want to buy what you have. But to do business with people who believe what you believe. - Simon Senik
When told effectively, your story allows donors to see why what you do matters and why you serve in your organization. Before donors buy into your vision, they buy into you. People buy into you and your why before they buy into your vision.
_____________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Some of my students have pulled in new donors with their one-liners while they waited in the supermarket line. Here are a few:
- Communities hit by disaster struggle to get resources. We provide the transportation they desperately need. This helps them get back on their feet and rebuild. - Shelli https://www.truckswithroomtospare.org
- Eighty percent of Haitian youth drop out after elementary school. We offer programming that empowers them in life skills and leadership. This makes THEM the change Haiti needs! - Jr & Jayme https://www.reachoutlafond.org.
- Many professionals struggle with success in life and relationships. I help them understand and overcome their limiting mindsets. - Mitch https://restoredcoaching.org
- Stripped by communism of vibrant church life, older churches in Slovakia struggle to be relevant to their communities. We model intentional hospitality that explodes their growth. - Daniel https://www.mtw.org/missionaries/details/dan-and-rebecca-gregoire
- People struggle to commit to their unique purpose in life. We provide strategies to equip, empower and encourage people to live a better life. - Bruce & Elaine http://www.wholeworldministries.org
- Many urban men in their upper twenties grow up without an active father figure and struggle with career, relationships, and identity. We create community in their own space to give a new vision for their life and train them to achieve it. - Michael https://breakfree2024.com
__________________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Some of these mission statements and their corresponding vision:
- Our mission: To provide water filters to families
- Our vision: That every family in Sudan has clean drinking water.
Your mission and vision above can be reworded in many different ways:
- Our mission: To provide quality water filters to families at an affordable cost.
- Our vision: A healthy Sudan where every family has clean drinking water.
- Mission: Provide glasses for the elderly
- Vision: A world where all grandparents can read letters from their grandkids.
- Mission: Provide transportation for senior citizens.
- Vision: A city where no senior citizen ever misses a doctor’s appointment.
- Mission: Make quality exhibits available at XYZ science museum
- Vision: Lighting Children’s Imaginations For Science
__________________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
People get so confused when it comes to what is "vision" and what is "mission."
They struggle to remember the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement.
It doesn’t matter what you call it, you just need a clear statement of what it is that your organization does. Every day, what do you do? What do you provide?
Getting clear on what you do helps you get clear on what you aim to accomplish.
What you do is not visionary, and alone, will not get you all the money you need. But, it is important. When potential donors hear your compelling vision statement (what you want to achieve), they will want to know how that vision might come to pass.
This concise statement clearly describing what you do serves as tangible proof that you have a plan for achieving/accomplishing your vision. Your well-thought-out mission statement seals the deal and puts donors in a check-writing mood.
Without an engaging mission statement, you will come across as a foolish dreamer with no capacity to make your vision happen.
__________________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
A powerful vision statement is your “big picture.” When the people gathered around you see what they do as a part of the big picture, they are energized to tackle the smallest of details and the largest of challenges. This statement helps everyone connect their job to the results of your organization.
Most of us have heard the old story about the three bricklayers building a cathedral. When asked what they were doing, their responses were all telling:
- Bricklayer #1: “I’m laying bricks”
- Bricklayer #2: “I’m building a church”
- Bricklayer #3 “I’m building the greatest cathedral the world has ever known.”
Bricklayer #3 is a visionary. He shows up every day focused on his hoped-for future.
I like to imagine another bricklayer who takes it even further:
Bricklayer #4: “I’m building an amazing cathedral that will launch a worldwide movement to change the world!”
Bricklayer #4 if fully funded!
__________________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
Fundraising as a visionary for your mission involves being crystal clear around four things. The first two are:
- What you aim to make happen
- How you will make it happen
The answer to the above two things provide two of thethe four pieces of collateral that ignite your visionary capacity:
- Your vision statement - What you aim to make happen
- Your mission statement - How you will make it happen
__________________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
If you don't understand "compelling" you will be ignored.
Six Reasons Your Vision is NOT Compelling
1. Lack of specificity: A vision that is too vague or general can be uninteresting.
2. Lack of emotional appeal: A vision that fails to connect with people on an emotional level is likely to be uninspiring.
3. Lack of relevance: A vision that is not relevant to the audience or doesn't address a pressing need may not resonate with potential donors.
4. Lack of authenticity: A vision that is not authentic or does not align with the values and mission of the organization may come across as insincere or opportunistic.
5. Lack of creativity: A vision that is not creative or innovative can be dull and uninteresting.
6. Lack of storytelling: A vision that doesn't inspire storytelling will be ignored.
__________________________________________________
FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
See you 2nd & 4th Tuesday!Sign up for my email list
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Eastern Standard Time
Where: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4629843869
**FREE CLASS! You are welcome to attend!
For Who: Fundraisers in the faith community**
My goal: To walk with you through history and ancient texts to challenge you to see visionary fundraising as the privilege of working with God (the Universe!) for divine purposes.
I want you to see yourself as a fundraiser, doing something divine, challenging people to have actions that open the door for out-of-this-world resources; Both for you AND the folks who give!
You will see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah and Martin Luther King.
I am going to walk you through the stories of history and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the confidence to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy.
Visionaries who are called to make change happen are also always have to fund that vision for change. I believe that when you see that this is God’s chosen way to do His business, you will be filled with the kind of faith that moves mountains, and gets you the money you need to fullfill your mission.
Hope to see you today!Sign up for my email list
When it comes to the pursuit of excellence we need feedback. But it needs to come from the right people.
Connect with David on Instagram: CLICK HERE
Consider joining the Visionary Fundraising Accellerator
Mariah Monique is the founder and CEO of The Sponsorship Catalyst, funder, and coach. She helps nonprofits position themselves to secure event sponsorship.
Get Mariah's free gift to podcast listeners, Sponsor Brand Benefit List.
Connect With Mariah:
Website
LinkedIn
1. Visionary Fundraisers Take Some Hoped-For-Future and Vividly Bring It Into The Present
- Visionary Fundraisers Describe a World Where Their Mission is No Longer Needed
Fundraisers who see their missions fully funded work hard to open their eyes to that hoped-for-future and see this as their core task. Their job is to clearly articulate a preferred future. The better you become at articulating a hoped-for-future, the more money you will raise.
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
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Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Connect with David on Instagram: CLICK HERE
If you believe that money is the answer, you will chase it. If you are a visionary, you will attract it.
“Don’t exhaust yourself acquiring wealth; be smart enough to stop. When you fix your gaze on it, it’s gone, for it sprouts wings for itself and flies to the sky like an eagle.” - Proverbs of Solomon, 23:4-5
Solomon compares chasing money to the futility of chasing birds. Like birds, money seems to have wings. The more you chase it, the more it flies away. Can I get a witness?
You don’t chase birds; you attract them.
You don’t chase money; you attract it.
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
Stories: The Currency Nonprofits Collect To Pay Their Donors
Your Response To A Gift Speaks VOLUMES
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Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Connect with David on Instagram: CLICK HERE
What is the ONE superpower you must master as a world-changing fundraiser?
Great leaders..are able to inspire people to act. Those who are able to inspire give people a sense of purpose or belonging…Those who truly lead are able to create a following of people who act not because they were swayed, but because they were inspired.
For those who are inspired, the motivation to act is deeply personal…Those who are inspired are willing to pay a premium or endure inconvenience, even personal suffering. Those who are able to inspire will create a following of people—supporters, voters, customers, workers—who act for the good of the whole not because they have to, but because they want to.
Sinek, Simon. Start With Why
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
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Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Connect with David on Instagram: CLICK HERE
Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFREAuthor/Advisor/Speaker/Revenue Generator for Purpose Driven Organizations and Their Executives
Connect with Lori:
thegrowthowl.com
Get Lori's book
December was all about asking. We worked hard to tell our story, our constituent's story, our donor's story, and our legacy stories all year long. But in December, we stopped telling stories and asked for money at the end. AND, THE MONEY ROLLED IN!
But, don't fool yourself: THE WORK OF FUNDRAISING IS NOT OVER.
Successful fundraisers follow a "rhythm" of asking, thanking, and reporting. December was the biggest "asking" month of the year. Now we are in the "thanking" and "reporting" phase.
How you leave this "asking" phase determines how you will land in the next "thanking" and "reporting" and next "asking" phase. Here in January, you are already priming the pump for the time when you will ask again.
WHAT YOU DO NOW IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
FREE CHEAT SHEET!
"Getting That Elusive Second Gift By Writing Better Thank You's!"
Blog post for this episode:
Jan 2023: Don't Take Your Foot Off The Gas!
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
Stories: The Currency Nonprofits Collect To Pay Their Donors
Your Response To A Gift Speaks VOLUMES
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Connect with David on Instagram: CLICK HERE
Once you have sent you appeal, now you must spend December keeping your donors apprised of your progress.
Less than half of your money will likely come in the first 27 days of December.
Your major donors will wait to see where you are with your initiative the last few days of the year before they decide what to give.
- Fundraising writing has a specific goal
- Fundraising writing is conversational
- Fundraising writing is filled with “YOU”
- Fundraising writing can be LONG
- Fundraising writing is repetitive
- Fundraising writing is simple
- Fundraising writing is urgent
- Fundraising writing shows vulnerability
- Fundraising writing aims for a response now10. Fundraising writing is emotional
- Fundraising writing calls donors to specific action
- Fundraising offers have a specific cost
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Stories: The Currency Nonprofits Collect To Pay Their Donors
Your Response To A Gift Speaks VOLUMES
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
The key to feeling great about asking people for money is to ask them for something that they have lots of. Great fundraisers work hard to know what their donors have in abundance, and then ask them for that.
Some of your donors have lots of $5 gifts and when you ask them, they will gladly share one with you. Some of your donors have lots of $100 gifts and when you ask, they will gladly share one with you. Some of your donors have lots of $1,000 gifts and when you ask them, they will gladly share one with you.
Asking your donors for what they can contribute freely frees them from giving out of guilt. A guilt gift can be a scarcity gift, one that requires sacrifice. I believe in sacrificial giving, but to push for sacrificial giving constantly can come across as begging.
I have created a special online class Creating A Custom Donor Upgrade Letter. Inside that class, you will receive a Microsoft Word letter template and Excel that you can customize to get started. Plus, I walk you through the process step by step. The class is a steal at $99.97 and everything I do comes with a total satisfaction money-back guarantee. You will use this technique over and over in the years to come.
With my personal guarantee you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
David
View the appeal and post here.
https://www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com/post/countdown-to-the-money-week-7-the-wrong-pronouns-in-your-appeal-can-hurt-you
Take a look at a successful EOY story based fundraising letter. It's free. CLICK HERE
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Your Response To A Gift Speaks VOLUMES
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Once upon a time, something that someone else considered important happened. It had nothing, in particular, to do with you. But it was written by a skilled copywriter, so of the equivalent of 174 newspaper's worth of information you were bombarded with today, you noticed it.
THIS IS A STORY YOU WILL NOT ACT ON.Once upon a time, something that had a lot to do with the kind of person you are happened. It confirmed your values and reminded you about things that are important to you. It called for you to take action in a way you could hardly refuse, given that it was so clearly a part of your world.THIS IS A STORY YOU WILL ACT ON.
See this post and look at the collateralI I talk about here:https://www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com/post/countdown-to-the-money-week-9-your-appeal
Siegfried Vogle's *Handbook of Direct Mail
W*e respond to a piece of direct mail in the same way that we would respond to a salesman knocking on our door. People ask themselves at least twenty unspoken questions in the same order as the questions they would ask the salesman at their door.
The envelope you use in your donor correspondence matters supremely!
Directmail.com:
"In over thirty years in the direct mail industry, we've discovered that a letter (more often than not) will perform better – securing more leads, members, subscribers or purchasers than a postcard or self-mailer, even when the increased costs of postage, printing, and mailing are taken into account."
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Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Get David's Latest Posts In Your Inbox Each Week
Your end-of-year campaign can make or break your organization this year. It can also determine your level of success in 2023. In week eleven your end-of-year fundraising initiative should be a top priority in your thinking.
One of the most incredible things you can give your end-of-year donors is the gift of going second. After you have established your goal and before you share it with your larger audience, approach one or more of your larger capacity donors and ask them to help you give other donors the gift of going second. Help them understand donors' reluctance to be the first to give and ask them to help you overcome it.
Your goal should be to get at least 50% of your initiative funded before you share it with your larger audience. When doing this, you are taking advantage of the "proximity effect."
Read more about "matching gifts/lead gifts"
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Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Get David's Latest Posts In Your Inbox Each Week
When so many of us started in fundraising, we sat at our computers and typed out plain and what we thought were boring emails to our donors. And we raised money. But as soon as we could afford it, we moved up to email templates in our CRMs or email marketing platforms. These templates made us look professional! They allowed us to easily plug in images, fancy text, links, and other elements.
But we didn't know that these templates were hurting our fundraising. Research proves over and again that these email templates hinder the success of our fundraising.NextAfter's experiment #4174
NextAfter from a person experiment
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Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Get David's Latest Posts In Your Inbox Each Week
"Overdosing" on stories in October and November will help you achieve something successful visionaries possess called outcome independence.
Outcome independence describes the state of being where no matter what happens in your fundraising, you live secure in yourself. It starts when you know your mission is divine. And, when you know that you have told way more stories than you have asked for money, you gain the self-assurance that allows you to focus less on what others think about you and more on the success of your vision.
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Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Get David's Latest Posts In Your Inbox Each Week
Tim Kachuriak is the founder and Chief Innovation and Optimization Officer for NextAfter, a fundraising research lab and consulting firm that works with businesses, nonprofits, and NGO's to help them grow their resource capacity.
Are you doing your fundraising alone without a trusted coach? Consider joining the Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Accelerator with me.
POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
Stories: The Currency Nonprofits Collect To Pay Their Donors
Your Response To A Gift Speaks VOLUMES
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Get David's Latest Posts In Your Inbox Each Week
A military stronghold is a fortified place so as to protect it from attack.
Strongholds don’t just exist on the military battlefield, they can exist in your mind. A stronghold is a fortified house made up of thoughts. The way you think can help you or seriously hurt you.
When you are being attacked, a stronghold is a great thing. But, when you believe wrong things, these ways of thinking become strongholds that keep success from breaking in on you. Zig Ziglar used to call it stinkin’ thinkin’.
One of the ways of thinking and strategies that will hold you back or propel you forward is that if constantly telling everyone: I AM JUST SO BUSY.Today's show talks about how wearing busyness as a badge of honor is announcing something really horrible to the world.
Keep saying thank you, telling stories, and responding well to people when they introduce themselves to you!
David
P.S. Are you doing your fundraising alone without a trusted coach? Consider joining the Minor Touches To Major Impact Fundraising Accelerator with me.
POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
Stories: The Currency Nonprofits Collect To Pay Their Donors
Your Response To A Gift Speaks VOLUMES
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Get David's Latest Posts In Your Inbox Each Week
When someone signs up for your email list, they are introducing themselves. Your response at that moment can be crucial to the future of your relationship.
So, when someone introduces themselves to your mission by signing up for your email list, they deserve some acknowledgment, attention, and warmth.
How is that accomplished? In the digital world, a "welcome-to-our-email-list" email series is how we show this common courtesy. A "welcome" email series is the polite thing to do. When someone signs up for your email list, they take the initiative to have a relationship with you. When you send a "welcome" email, you offer them a smile and a handshake. It is common courtesy.
When done well, a welcome email series is your best opportunity to say hello and turn new acquaintances into donors. This one thing will push your nonprofit into the top one percent of nonprofits worldwide. So few organizations do it that you become known, liked, and trusted. And when donors know, like, and trust you, they enthusiastically give you their treasure!
If you are not sending a "welcome" email series to folks that introduce themselves to you, you will never get all the money you need for your mission. A LOT of cash remains on the table that could have been yours.
In writing your welcome email series, consider ahead of time what kind of engagement you want. When done right, people are most willing to join your mission with a gift in these emails. The goal is to:
- Send a couple of nurture emails
- Introduce them to who you are and what you do
- Share some emotional and engaging core stories
- Invite them to make a difference with a financial (monthly!) gift
Consider:
- Email #1: Welcome; Introduction; What to expect
- Email #2: The problem we uniquely solve; Beneficiary story; CTA (call-to-action) read our blog
- Email #3: The problem we uniquely solve: Donor story; CTA join our social media pages
- Email #4: The problem we uniquely solve: Volunteer story; CTA fill out a special abilities
- Email #5: The opportunity; Make a difference with a gift
- Email #6: Ask for feedback
The hardest thing about implementing a welcome-email series is figuring out what to put in them. Copywriting legend Eugene Schwarts tells us that our goal should be to take our new acquaintances from:
- Completely unaware: No knowledge of our mission
- Problem aware: They understand the problem you solve
- Solution aware: They understand the unique solution you bring
- Product aware: They understand the cost of your solution
- The most aware: They are invited to be a part of the solution
Potential donors are introducing themselves to you all the time! You miss a fantastic opportunity to nurture excellent relationships when you don't respond appropriately.
Keep saying thank you, telling stories and responding well to people when they introduce themselves to you!
David
Join the Minor Touches To Major Impact Fundraising Accelerator
References in todays show:
Man of Steel, Clark Kent
infobesity, infoxication, information anxiety, information explosion, TMI, attention economy, and attention theft174 Newspapers A Day
The Infobesity EpidemicStories Are The Currency Fundraisers Collect To Pay Their DonorsI Paid Over $15K To Learn Margin
JOIN THE MINOR TOUCHES TO MAJOR IMPACT FUNDRAISING ACCELERATOR TODAY.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
“Don’t exhaust yourself acquiring wealth; be smart enough to stop. When you fix your gaze on it, it’s gone, for it sprouts wings for itself and flies to the sky like an eagle.” Proverbs of Solomon, 23:4-5Solomon says that chasing money is like chasing birds.
Like birds, money has wings. The more you chase it, the more it flies away!
There is a lesson here for fundraisers.
YOU DON’T CHASE BIRDS; YOU ATTRACT THEM.
LIKEWISE, YOU DON’T CHASE MONEY
YOU ATTRACT IT!
Visionaries ALWAYS get more money than missionaries (read more here).
Need help crafting and casting a compelling vision? To help nonprofit leaders, pastors and missionaries craft a compelling vision I created a free resource A Boring Vision, The Biggest Thing That Will Keep You From Becoming Your Donor’s Favorite Charity. I created it with you in mind, and, ITS FREE!
FREE DOWNLOAD: The Biggest Thing That Will Keep You From Becoming Your Donors Favorite Charity: CLICK HERE
STOP FUNDRAISING ALONE! Join the Minor Touches To Major Impact Fundraising Accelerator today!
CLICK HERE
What you will learn today:
The number one reason why people don't give to help you accomplish your mission: YOU HAVEN'T ASKED THEM TO.
James, the first pastor of the Christian church in Jerusalem, says it plainly:
You have not because you ask not. James 4:2b
Fundraisers who fear asking donors to give don't understand that one of the most significant ways to help donors feel needed is to ask them to make a difference in the world with their money.
Because of their timidity to ask, fundraisers often make appeals that tell a story about someone they helped (a finished story), talk about more people like the person in the finished story that they have helped, quote a bible verse about love, then buried at the end of the appeal, they will squeamishly ask donors to give.
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Your Response To A Gift Speaks VOLUMES
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Get David's Latest Posts In Your Inbox Each Week
STOP FUNDRAISING ALONE! CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT JOINING THE MINOR TOUCHES TO MAJOR IMPACT FUNDRAISING ACCELERATOR.
Donors Don't Give Because Your Problem Is Big; They Give Because Your Problem Is Solvable!Jeff Brooks coined the phrase fundcrushing. He defines it as "the evil cousin of fundraising."
DONORS DON'T GIVE TO YOUR MISSION BECAUSE IT IS BIG.
DONORS GIVE TO YOUR MISSION BECAUSE IT IS SOLVABLE.
A major key to fundraising is allowing the donor to make a difference with their gift.
A key to great fundraising is giving the donor the opportunity to make a difference.
A key to great newsletters is showing donors their impact.
- Answer the question, what will $25 buy?
- What will $100 pay for?
- What does it cost to reach one of our constituents for a day?
- For a week?
- For a month or year?
- What does it cost to save one animal?
- What does it cost to preserve one acre of rainforest?
- What does it cost to buy one uniform?
- What does one hour or one week, or one month of counseling cost?
$4 will buy one meal for a homeless person. I CAN FIX THAT!
$156 can provide six weekly 12-Step meetings and personal coaching for one man for six months. I CAN FIX THAT!
$25 can provide one day's housing for a person in addiction recovery. I CAN FIX THAT!
Defining what $25 does makes the $100 donor and $1,000 donor understand she has done something significant.
Remember, donors don't give to your mission because it is big. They give because your problem is solvable.
Does your organization break down the power of donor gifts to help them understand the potential impact?
Is that reflected on your website giving page? Is that communicated in your appeals?
Nowhere is this problem more evident than in nonprofit website giving pages. Studies show that 60% of the donors who come to your giving page don’t leave a gift. Fundraisers leave a LOT of money on the table here.
Great giving pages show donors a problem they can solve.
To help you see the power of some tremendous nonprofit giving pages, I have put together a collection of 10 Great Giving Pages that show donor impact. Free to you, I hope it helps you see the point of this message.
Free Download Now: 10 great Giving Pages
**Want more resources? Stop describing your problem as big and start describing it as solvable!
Connect With David Oaks**
Stop fundraising alone. Join the Minor Touches To Major Impact Fundraising Accelerator
**Five BIG Ways Fundraisers Can Up Their Game As Public Speakers
1.** Verbal pauses
2. First thirty seconds
Temi Badru's LinkedIn Article
Your One liner & The Bloody Hand: The Shortest Story You Will Ever Tell
3. Monotone
4. Distractions
5. Eye contact
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID OAKS:
Stories: The Currency Nonprofits Collect To Pay Their Donors
Your Response To A Gift Speaks VOLUMES
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Stop Asking Donors To Help You Help People
Do I Have To Meet With Donors Face-To-Face?
Get David's Latest Posts In Your Inbox Each Week
STOP FUNDRAISING ALONE! CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT JOINING THE MINOR TOUCHES TO MAJOR IMPACT FUNDRAISING ACCELERATOR.
TODAY'S SHOW:
Simply Strategic Volunteers, Tony Morgan and Tim Stevens
There were tears and laughter. All three local television stations showed up to report…And the celebration didn't stop that day. All year long, people talked about the excitement of that frigid January day. One year later, even more people wanted to help. [The next year] Over one thousand showed up...to unload nine truckloads of food… (Simply Strategic Volunteers)
Amazing nonprofits maximize opportunities for people to serve.
Be intentional about involving people.
Engaged donors, volunteers, boards, and constituents don't happen accidentally.
Involvement creates investment.
Investment leads to gifts or larger gifts.
- Andrea Kihlstedt, Capital CampaignsConnect With David Oaks
STOP FUNDRAISING ALONE! CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT JOINING THE MINOR TOUCHES TO MAJOR IMPACT FUNDRAISING ACCELERATOR.
Today's Episode:
Organizations that treat volunteers as lifelong major donors will flourish.
Greg Warner describes "volunteerism [as] the gateway drug leading to major giving and legacy gifts."Amazing nonprofits and churches maximize opportunities for people to serve (read Why Would You Make A Job Harder?).Some things you can do…
- Make job descriptions for the volunteer positions you need.
- Put a Celebration of Volunteers on the calendar.
- Encourage 'shoulder-tapping'
To help you head down the path toward more volunteer engagement I have created a "Volunteer Culture**" resource for you.
Use it to help you and your team determine the health of your volunteer culture. It is my gift to you.**
FREE DOWNLOAD - Volunteer Culture Worksheets - CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
STOP FUNDRAISING ALONE! CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT JOINING THE MINOR TOUCHES TO MAJOR IMPACT FUNDRAISING ACCELERATOR.
Today's Episode:
Harvard University has 254 million-dollar-donors. Long before they gave their million, most of these donors did one thing. They gave a "test gift" of $100 or less!
Studies tell us that most first-time donors never give a second gift.
BUT, IF you can get them to give a second gift, the odds of their joining you in your mission with a third, fourth, and fifth, or million dollar gift SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE.Five Takeaways:
1: Major donors will often test your mission, your systems, and you.
2: A first-time gift is a prime indication of a donor's readiness to engage in relationship with your organization.
3: Failing to engage a first-time donor when giving their first gift can instigate any number of unintended messages
4: Ignoring first-time gifts can demonstrate a culture of mediocrity.
5: Most pastors do not connect this extraordinary decision with the just as extraordinary spiritual opportunity.
Refuse to remain naive about the power of great 'thank-you's. Get my gift, "Getting That Elusive Second Gift By Writing Better Thank You's" and start down the path to getting your organization the money it needs!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD "GETTING THAT ELUSIVE SECOND GIFT BY WRITING BETTER THANK YOU'S"
First things matter to Jewish people and savvy fundraisers.Some Insights For Fundraisers:
-
1: How we respond to first things matters.
-
2: Good things follow when "first" things are celebrated and offered up in thanksgiving.
Connect With David Oaks - STOP FUNDRAISING ALONE!
Check out the Fundraising Accelerator here: www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
Challenged by a smarty pants religious bigot, Jesus gives a new definition to what it means to be a neighbor.
Jesus' story explains why you and I hold the value of serving our beneficiaries and our donors so high. His story explains why fundraising matters to us supremely.
THE BENEFICIARIES AND THE DONORS WE SERVE ARE NEIGHBORS!
And, love your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27
I have created a new resource for fundraisers in the faith community, Faith To Ask. Walk with me through the history of scripture and be challenged to see yourself as a visionary fundraiser working with God for His divine purposes. You will begin to see that you are one of long line of visionary history makers like Jesus, Paul the Apostle, King David, Elijah, and more. In the course I walk you through the stories of scripture and challenge you to see them from the vantage point of a fundraiser. Likely, this is something you have never done. Looking at these old stories in a new way will fill you with the faith to approach your fundraising with a new zeal and joy. CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT
Many things that fundraisers do unknowingly trigger good and bad responses in potential donors. It pays to learn as many of these unknown triggers as we can. What we don't know can hurt us!
Influence, Robert Cialdini
What are some of these triggers?
Trigger #1: The Colors In Your CollateralAll colors don't go together. There are some colors you should NEVER use together. When you don't use the right colors and color combinations, you trigger a response in your potential donors.
- Sir Isaac Newton and the color wheel
- Study color theory and color meanings
Trigger #2 FontsDifferent fonts have been proven to have astonishing effects on human psychology, with some powerful fonts even able to alter the taste of food or make people angry to the point of social revolution (Read more here).
Like colors, there are some fonts that you NEVER use together.
- Fonts
Need some help navigating the color and font jungle? For those of you who don't have a style guide for your organization, I have created a class; Style Guide Made Simple. In the class, I walk you through how to choose matching fonts and colors and make your style guide.
Stop confusing your potential donors, get a style guide for your organization, say thank you, and tell stories all the way to the bank!
David
P.S. Check out my class Style Guide Made Simple. For the next seven days, I have discounted the class by $50. After that, it goes back to its original $99 price.
Meet Leadership/motivational coach, entrepreneur and nonprofit leader Caleb S. Jordan
Connect with Caleb S. Jordan
www.mission3e.com
calebsjordan.com
Instagram
The Innovative Experience Podcast
Coach Jordan's message:
1. Progress Not Perfection
2. You Need The Right Tools In Your Toolbox For Success
"Nothing will change until you take a step" - Caleb Jordan
The "bounce rate" is the percentage of visitors to a website who leave after viewing only one page. In other words, most of your potential donors "bounce" after seeing your poor “About Us" page.
Why do most "About" pages have such high bounce rates? BECAUSE THEY ARE LONG AND BORING AS DISHWATER.
Most "About" pages are hard to digest because they don't include your story. Your story on your "About" page is the content that will stay in a reader's head long after they have moved on. Did you catch the key phrase there?
In this episode, learn how your story is the context that gives power to your content.
Delzer Eye Care's "Our Team" page
South Georgia House of Hope
Marley Sinclaire's 'About Us' page
My story on my website:
Geoff Kullman's website
Connect With David Oaks
In ancient times, matches or modern fire starters did not exist. A brazier of burning coals from somewhere else was often used to light the household fire.
If the fire went out, a house member would take the empty brazier, usually on their head, to a neighbor's house to borrow some coals of fire.
The borrower would get a heaping pile of burning coals if the neighbor was generous. The ancient Proverbs of Solomon encourage this kind of generosity:
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. Proverbs of Solomon 25:21Our story, with its bloody hand, helps kindle a fire in our own soul as well as others.
Want help in writing your story? Get help in my friend Kay Helm's Mission Writers class. Her classes remain filled, but you can get on her waiting list here: CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
Most fundraisers believe that they have to convince donors to give to their organization. Asking donors to give to your organization or ministry is not the most effective way to raise money.
Instead, giving your donors a problem they can solve is a much more effective fundraising strategy.
Giving donors a specific problem to solve is the easiest way to start raising more money quickly. Solvable, precise, urgent problems with a definite price point work like crazy!
What does it mean to give the donor a problem to solve? What am I talking about?
Consider with me. How often do we ask donors to:
- Become a supporter
- Help us continue this good work
- Partner with us
- Help us help them
These CTA’s (call-to-action's) are vague, hazy and unclear. They are all horrible organization-centered appeals that don’t involve the donor in the real problem solving process (READ MORE HERE).
Free Resource:
To help you see the power of some great nonprofit giving pages that show impact, I have put together a collection of 10 Great Giving Pages. Free to you, I hope it helps you see the power of inviting donors to solve a problem.
Free Download Now: 10 great Giving Pages
When I ask people what they think most charities and churches do when someone gives for the first time, they are always floored. Maybe you will be too? Ready?
NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
I believe nonprofits are led by 'angels' who often know little about fundraising. Because of that, I have created a cheat sheet with copies and examples of some great thank-you's.
You can download it for free, with no strings attached. Refuse to remain naïve about the power of great thank-you's. Get my gift to you, "Getting That Elusive Second Gift By Writing Better Thank You's!," and start down the path to getting your organization the money it needs!
Connect With David Oaks
Check out the Fundraising Accelerator here: www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What happens immediately after someone gives online is often an automated acknowledgment sent by email.
They don't have to be, but these acknowledgement emails are often cold, lifeless, and even harmful.
Most acknowledgment emails merely recognize that an electronic transaction has been made. This recognition is needful. But this opportunity to make the donor feel excellent about their giving is often wasted.
Some tips for creating great acknowledgment emails:
-
Say thank you!
-
Acknowledge that the donor's gift will promote their values. Acknowledging these values requires you to be clear about the values you represent that the donor is supporting.
-
Show the impact the donor's gift is making happen.
-
Be personal. As much as possible, make this automatic electronic email personal. Use the automation to insert their name in the greeting.
-
Acknowledge the "pain" that they are relieving with their gift in the lives of your constituents.
CLICK HERE TO SEE EXAMPLES ON MY BLOGPOST
Connect With David Oaks
Check out the Fundraising Accelerator here: www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What you will learn in this episode:
Never send out a contribution statement outlining the donor’s giving for the previous year without saying thank you, you are needed, and your giving made a difference**.
A "news-letter" is just a one-page personal letter with:**
- A short personal greeting
- A statement telling the donor that this letter is about their impact
- A summary of their impact
- A story introduction
- A story about one beneficiary
- A bragging statement of the donor's generosity
- A thank you
- A signature (from one person)
- A scannable headline with the word "You" in it
- A high ratio of "you" to "we/us/I" - at least 2:1
- A customized reply device with a scannable headline, "My next gift..."
- With action copy
- A reply envelope
Some things a news-letter doesn't have:
- Any mention of the organization's name in the copy
- Any mention of the donor helping the organization
- Any mention of the organization doing anything
See the examples of great news-letters HERE
Connect With David Oaks
Check out the Fundraising Accelerator here: www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What You Will Learn In This Episode:
Fundraising Like A King
-
Wrong Mindsets:
- Have an unbreakable confidence
- Self-care & healing
- Preparation drives confidence
-
Be funding ready
-
Use lead magnets: Attract people rather than "sell" them
-
Creat a fundraising "funnel"
-
Build an advisory board of influencers
-
Build a solid support base
-
Focus on beefing up your offer
-
Build on your strengths
-
Create "end income"
-
Create sponsorship packages
-
Use games & competitions
Connect with Akpesri
LinkedIn
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
The "father" of fundraising, Adrian Sargeant, says the most significant reason organizations don't say thank you well is "the difficulty in convincing them to invest in thank-you's."
THEY DON'T THINK IT'S THAT IMPORTANT.
Free download: "Getting That Elusive Second Gift By Writing Better Thank You's"
CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What you will learn in this episode:
- Preparation matters
- Grant makers have needs too!
- Be prepared for rejection
- Having an elevator speech is key
Connect with Laura Green:
- Website
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What you will learn today:
The God AskSteve Shadrach
Some things in life only come when someone asks.IF it is important, you do it face-to-face.
1. Face-to-face meetings say, 'you are important to me.'2. **Face-to-face meetings communicate that what you have to say is important.
What to ask for:**
- Leaders
- Board members
- Donor upgrades
- Major gifts
- Mentors
- A raise
- Volunteers to give
Learn more about the 2022 MTMI Fundraising Accelerator
Reserve Your Spot On Jan 18 Free Day In The Fundraising Accelerator
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What you will learn in this episode:
1. Great 'thank-you' notes are personalized.
2. Great 'thank-you' notes give the donor credit for the work accomplished.
NEVER SAY "THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HELP THEM."
**3. Great 'thank-you' notes are timely
Get my free gift to you, "*Cheat Sheet For Writing Better Thank Yous"* and start down the path to getting your organization the money it needs!**Learn more about the 2022 MTMI Fundraising Accelerator
Reserve Your Spot On Jan 18 Free Day In The Fundraising Accelerator
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What you will learn in this episode:
**What gets calendared gets done.
You must plan to tell stories.**Learn more about the 2022 MTMI Fundraising Accelerator
Reserve Your Spot On Jan 18 Free Day In The Fundraising Accelerator
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What you will learn in this episode:
It is NOT over with! Keep your foot on the gas!
See the web post here
Learn more about the 2022 MTMI Fundraising Accelerator
Reserve Your Spot On Jan 18 Free Day In The Fundraising Accelerator
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BLOGPOST AND EXAMPLES
Interested in working with David in the 2022 Fundraising Accelerator Coaching group? Fill out an interest form and chat with David:
CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
Today is December 30. Yesterday I helped you craft an email that you sent out. I have already heard from a number of you that did what I taught you, and the money has indeed been rolling in!
I repeat what I have been saying. Many fundraisers think it is all over now. After December 25 they believe that their fundraising is done for the year. So, they shut down the office, the staff gets the week off, no one answers the phone, and the next thing on the agenda is week one of 2022!
GREAT FUNDRAISERS KNOW THAT NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. Nonprofit fundraisers who mop up here at the end of the year extend their holiday hours to benefit their donors; they don't shorten them.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BLOGPOST AND EXAMPLES
Interested in working with David in the 2022 Fundraising Accelerator Coaching group? Fill out an interest form and chat with David:
CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
Today is December 29 and we are two days away from THE most lucrative day for nonprofit fundraising in the whole year! In this show/post I am going to give you instructions for the email you are going to send out today that will continue to move you toward getting all the money you need.
See the blog post with examples
Interested in working with David in the 2022 Fundraising Accelerator Coaching group? Fill out an interest form and chat with David:
CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
We are now in THE most lucrative week of the year, cruising toward THE most lucrative day of the year: December 31.
For those fundraisers who know how to take advantage of it, DECEMBER 31 IS THE MOST LUCRATIVE DAY OF THE YEAR!
Today is December 28. Yesterday I helped you craft an email that you sent out. I have already heard from a number of you that did what I taught you, and the money has indeed been rolling in!
I am SO happy for you. You are now receiving thousands of dollars that you would not have received but for your having followed my leadership yesterday.
I repeat what I said yesterday. I am amazed at the fundraisers who think it is all over now. They believe that all of their fundraising is done for the year. So, they shut down the office, the staff gets the week off, no one answers the phone, and the next thing on the agenda is week one of 2022!
GREAT FUNDRAISERS KNOW THAT NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. There is one day in this last week of the year that has proven year, after year, after year to be THE MOST LUCRATIVE DAY OF THE YEAR FOR FUNDRAISING. This one day brings in more money than ANY OTHER DAY OF THE YEAR. What day is it? THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, DECEMBER 31ST.
In yesterday's show, I helped you craft an email. Those of you who sent it out, following my directions, are reaping the rewards! Good for you!
What I want you to do today is to resend that same email. But only resend it to the people in your list who didn't open it the previous day. If you use a CRM like Bloomerang or even MailChimp, you can resend that same email only to the people who didn't open it.
Take that email, change a few things about it, to keep internet spamming filters from thinking that it is the same message sent yesterday.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SAMPLE EMAILS
Interested in working with David in the 2022 Fundraising Accelerator Coaching group? Fill out an interest form and chat with David:
CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
I am amazed at the fundraisers who think that after Christmas it is all over. They believe that all of their fundraising is done for the year. So, they shut down the office, the staff gets the week off, no one answers the phone, and the next thing on the agenda is week one of 2022!
GREAT FUNDRAISERS KNOW THAT NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. There is one day in this last week of the year that has proven year, after year, after year to be THE MOST LUCRATIVE DAY OF THE YEAR FOR FUNDRAISING. This one day brings in more money than ANY OTHER DAY OF THE YEAR.
What day is it? THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, DECEMBER 31ST.
Use today's show to craft an email to your donors AND GET YOUR MONEY!
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SAMPLE EMAILS
Interested in working with David in the 2022 Fundraising Accelerator Coaching group? Fill out an interest form and chat with David:
CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
What you will learn:
-
If someone comments on your social media post, engage with them.
-
Information combined with emotion connects to long-term memory.
Connect with Lauren V. Davis
Instagram
Website
Interested in working with David in the 2022 Fundraising Accelerator Coaching group? Fill out an interest form and chat with David:
CLICK HERE
Connect With David Oaks
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
All great stories start with a problem! When there is no problem, there is no story! All great and memorable stories begin with a problem. In the craft of storytelling, this is called an inciting incident.
Hollywood film producers know this and put an inciting incident at the beginning of their story, then fade back and tell the story that led up to it. If they didn't do that, no one would sit through their story! It would be bland and unmemorable.
All great stories start with a problem!
Storytelling visionaries understand this and use it to their benefit, even in their one-liner.
The shortest story that you will ever tell is your one-liner. A one-liner is a few short sentences designed to pique another person's curiosity about what you do. The short few sentences don't tell everything you do. They reveal just enough to pique someone's curiosity.
Let me introduce a problem in this blog post:
Most nonprofit leaders' one-liners are unmemorable and boring as dishwater. But, using the power of story, we can make our one-liner unforgettable. We do that by introducing a problem as the first sentence of our one-liner!
Fundraisers with a great one-liner (often called an elevator speech) raise more awareness for their cause, facilitate more engagement in their mission and raise more money.Storytelling visionaries have memorable one-liners. They use their one-liner to connect before they convince. Great fundraisers understand the problem they solve and use it in their one-liner.
Parts of a great one-liner:
- Problem - the hook
- The solution you bring
- Result - the "happily ever after ending"
Interested in working with David in the 2022 Fundraising Accelerator Coaching group? Fill out an interest form and chat with David:
CLICK HERE
Interested in working with David in the 2022 Telling Better Stories & Saying Thank You All The Way To The Bank Coaching group? Fill out an interest form and chat with David:
CLICK HERE
Interact with Geoff Kullman
Website
What will you learn in this episode?
Asking donors to help you do something doesn't make them active participants in what you are doing. When you are doing all the work, it doesn't highlight their potential impact.
Attracting new prospective donors, getting that elusive second gift, and improving donor relationships come when you show your supporters exactly how their gifts impact and help your mission.
**Fundraising gold nugget: Showcasing your donor's potential impact is totally different from showcasing your organization's impact.
Want to be in David's Fundraising Accelerator?**
FUNDRAISING ACCELERATOR INTEREST FORM
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
Michael Swalley of Breakfree Ministries shares what he has learned with David in the Minor Touches To Major Impact End-Of-Year Accelerator.
Founder's Story
One liner - start with the problem you solve
Stories
Donor Stories
Printed letters
Connect with Michael Swalley
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Want to be in David's Fundraising Accelerator?
FUNDRAISING ACCELERATOR INTEREST FORM
Connect With David Oaks
www.minortouchesmajorimpact.com
David@wsdevelop.com
The stories of your organization’s impact in the lives of your constituents AND your donors will do more for you than telling and retelling your statistics of success.
Story is the currency of history.
Stories build powerful connections, bonds that build empathy and inspire curiosity.
Stories are the basic building blocks of community.
Be like Cooper Green Hospital. Tell stories and save lives.
Want more money? Tell better stories!
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
Being a visionary is something that you, as a leader, cannot delegate to others. This great power requires significant risk. Seeing the future is not easy. But when, as leaders, we refuse to risk and articulate a preferred future, we begin to live with a warped perspective of the world. When we deny our visionary abilities, we live embracing
- "can't" more than "can,"
- "impossible" more than "possible"
- "no" more than "yes"
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
What You Will Learn In This Episode:Why would great leaders need to clearly define a world where their organization or mission is not needed? BECAUSE THAT IS THE ESSENCE OF VISION!
"Vision" is the world you would have to see for your nonprofit to no longer be necessary.Why does this matter? Because describing a problem as solved makes you a visionary. Why does being a visionary matter? BECAUSE VISIONARIES RULE THE WORLD!
- Visionaries attract resources
- Visionaries see their missions fully funded
- Visionaries start movements
**Describing the need is easy compared with the hard work of finding the descriptive words that paint a picture of the need having been met.
Your vision is what the world would look like IF everything you do miraculously works. You become a visionary when you can describe a world where your organization is NOT needed.**
Describing the world where your nonprofit is not needed makes you a visionary and attracts the resources you need.
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
What you will learn in this episode:The story of Mobro helped make recycling a household word. Today, Mobro is called the "barge that helped fuel a movement."
A STORY SPARKED A MOVEMENT.
This story about a meandering New York City garbage barge shocked our world into action and fueled a movement (See the PBS story here).
In Storytelling as Best Practice, Andy Goodman says that "...Nonprofits and foundations, government agencies, and educational institutions - it didn't matter how large or small they were or what issues they were focused on, they were uniformly bad at telling their own stories."
Raising more money means telling more and better stories. The better you become at turning your statistics into stories, the more the world will listen.
Geoff Kullmans website and story (CLICK HERE).
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
**What You Will Learn In This Episode:
We give donors the gift of going second when we tell stories of other donors giving to our mission.**
Social psychologists call this gift of going second social proof. As human beings, we are hard-wired to look to others to determine what is proper behavior. It's why:
- Bartenders "salt the jar"
- Websites have a little screen that tells you who just bought from them
- Great websites have pictures of happy customers using their products or services.
- TV sitcoms have laugh tracks
- Charity telethons always show a bank of people answering phones
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
What you will learn in this episode:There is one question that more of us would ask than any other question: What's my purpose here?
From the beginning of our history, humankind has been grappling with the age-old questions:
- Why am I here?
- What is the reason for my existence?
- What is the meaning of my life?
- Is there a reason for my presence in the universe?
These questions are universal. They lurk deep within the secret chambers of every human being on earth regardless of their race, color, ethnic heritage, socioeconomic status, or nationality.
Harry T. Jones teaches business leaders that:
"Purpose involves having a passion for impact beyond yourself. Amazing inspiration and energy are released when we serve a purpose beyond ourselves. In business, profit is significant. But profit for the purpose of impacting others is fuel for a significant business and life!" (Read more here).
As nonprofit leaders, we have the unique opportunity to serve people by allowing them to answer this question: WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR OTHERS?
Fundraising gold nugget: Stories are the currency that fundraisers collect to pay their donors.
Telling stories of impact that connect the daily efforts of your mission to donors' gifts is a significant part of a fundraiser's job. Through stories, we connect the work we do to the benefits it brings to others.
In the book Change Your World, John Maxwell says that connecting our mission to "the benefits it brings to others leads to better results, greater satisfaction, and well-being."
In Life's Greatest Question, Tom Rath gives examples of this:
"...when a cook...can literally see the people they serve, it increases that customer's satisfaction with the meal by 10%."
"If the cook and customer can both see one another, satisfaction with meal quality goes up 17% and service is 13% faster.”
Through well crafted stories, we allow donors to actually “see” the impact of their gift.
Fundraising gold nugget: Stories of lives impacted by our mission inspire donors to give more and increase their satisfaction and well-being.
Donors experience a far greater sense of belonging and dedication to your mission when you connect their gifts with stories of impact.
Want more money? Tell better stories!!
David
What You Will Learn In This Episode:
- Donors don't give to your organization as much as they give through it.
Being donor-centered means stop talking about:
- Your organization
- Your staff
- Your building
- Your education, degrees, and certifications
- Your equipment
Instead, talk about and tell stories that highlight:
- The donor’s values
- The donor’s giving aspirations
- The donor’s hopes
- The donor’s dreams
- The donor’s interests
MOST FUNDRAISERS THINK THEY HAVE TO SELL THEMSELVES OR THEIR ORGANIZATION.
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
What you will learn in this episode:
- Thinking that money is the answer will kill your mission.
- Focusing on GETTING money rather than ATTRACTING it will kill your fundraising.
- What attracts money?
- A Compelling Vision
- CLICK HERE FOR FREE VISION RESOURCE
- Visionaries Get More Money Than Missionaries
- A Passionate Team
- The Right Stories
- A Compelling Vision
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
"Three Questions Donors Want to Know”
1. What are your goals?
2. What progress are you making?
3. How do you grow/improve?
When we track our goals in a meaningful way, it communicates
-
Intentions
-
Competency
-
Capacity
Track relational values
Not just performance or tasks – culture can be measured.
Integrity
Expertise
Community
Generosity
Agility
How does capacity connect with competency?
Competency directly determines capacity.
Demonstrating and illustrating competency announces competency.
Connect with James Harrington:Ugandan Water Project
James on Instagram
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
What is sponsorships for nonprofits?
Ken Ungar, Ken is an author, speaker, sponsorship expert, and the President and Founder of Charge, an agency that he founded to help non-profits leverage the power of sponsorship to see their mission funded. Ken is absolutely an amazing person, he and I became friends in a phone conversation while I was driving up the interstate to go to a Mastermind function, he just set my soul on fire and I said, “I must have you in my life as a friend as a mentor and as a guide.”
Free Sponsorship Materials from Ken - CLICK HERE
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
What you will learn in this episode:
**Noticing and celebrating a donor's first steps into your mission will get you more money.
What you do with a gift you have received speaks volumes about your level of appreciation.
Receiving a gift always demands some kind of reciprocity.*MOST FIRST-TIME DONORS NEVER GIVE A SECOND GIFT.* Know how you will thank first-time donors before you ask them to give.
Involve your board in the welcoming process.**
- Get your board to help you write thank-you's to first time donors
- Educate your board to the power of celebrating first-time gifts
- Six Ways To Say Thank-You To First-Time Donors
- Give your board great examples of good thank-you notes they can follow
- Cheat-Sheet For Writing Better Thank-You's
MISSION 3E WELCOME PACKET DOWNLOAD HERE
Fusion, by Nelson Searcy
The Tale Of Two Brothers
They celebrated, made a big deal out of, and gave to God:
- The first fruits of their harvests
- The first child born in a family
- The first part of their day
- The first part of their money
- The first city conquered in their journeys
Electronic giving in 2020 only accounted for 13% of charitable fundraising.
Old-fashioned print mail can be the most potent channel for bringing donations to any nonprofit.
By far, direct mail is still the most popular way to reach donors.
- It is a physical and tangible way to reach out
- It provides another touch point from you to your donor
- It builds lifetime value (LTV)
- 67% of Americans say that they prefer printed materials over digital ones
- 55% trust print marketing over any other advertising method
- Haptics - the touch and feel of paper - provides a deeper understanding and engagement
- Paper appeals engage viewers longer than digital ones
- The majority of individual donations in the US come from direct mail
- Donors believe print collateral is better at telling a touching story
- Donors believe print collateral is better at conveying facts
A winning strategy for fundraising includes both electronic AND printed collateral.
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
What you will learn today:
Visionaries attract the resources they need because they start with vision, not money.
Visionaries get the resources they need when they share and talk about what they produce, NOT what they do.
Your mission will not attract resources as much as your vision.
Talking about your vision makes you a visionary. Visionaries attract more resources than missionaries.
CLICK HERE FOR "A BORING VISION: THE BIGGEST THING THAT WILL KEEP YOU FROM BECOMING YOUR DONOR'S FAVORITE CHARITY."
Connect with David:
EMAIL: DAVID@WSDEVELOP.COM
Super-fundraiser Mary Valloni interviews David in her fundraising summit.
Connect with Mary Valloni
FREE DOWNLOAD
Get That Elusive Second Gift By Writing A Better Thank-You
Connect with David Oaks:
INSTAGRAM
Sign up for my EOY Fundraising Accelerator
What you will learn in this episode:
- Can shy people be successful fundraisers?
- Having a clear path to do what you do helps you overcome your fear.
- Shy people have learned to do what they do while afraid.
Connect with David Oaks:
INSTAGRAM
Sign up for my EOY Fundraising Accelerator
What you will learn in this episode:
- Great leaders focus on, harness, and utilize the power of unfinished stories.
- Knowing when to use unfinished stories can multiply a fundraiser's power.
- Unfinished stories multiply the power of your appeals in asking for money.
- Using unfinished stories in your appeals will catch more people's attention and raise more money.
- The successful fundraiser who raises more money will tell a story that is not finished and ask the donor to finish it with a gift today.
- Donors love it when you allow them write themselves into a story that changes the world!
You can sign up for my End-Of-Year Fundraising Accelerator, it's only $49 month. If you get in early enough, you will have the time to cash in on THE most lucrative time of the year. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.
What you will learn in this episode:
- When You Don't Plan For The Important, The Tyranny Of The Urgent Becomes Your Master.
- When You Don't Plan For The Important, The Tyranny Of The Urgent Becomes Your Master.
- The Only Escape From The Tyranny Of The Urgent Is To Prioritize Planning.
- If you don't have a plan for your day, week, and month, others will impose their plan on you.
- Great Fundraisers Start Their Over-The-Top End-Of-Year Fundraising With Great Planning In July.
- If opportunity passes through your fingers, it is probably because you were unprepared.
Christmas Fundraising Starts In July, FREE WEBINAR CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.
Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleSeth Godin,The Avacodo Principles (CLICK HERE).
What You Will Learn In This Podcast:
- Left unrecorded, our best and most inspired ideas are often lost.
- Telling better stories is a big step toward raising more money (read more here).
- Filing stories, anecdotes, tales, and ideas away before you need them provides you with ingredients for great storytelling.
Zig Ziglar (See You At The Top).
Cognitive psychologist Jerome Bruner
Steal Like An Artist, Austin Kleon
Phyllis Diller's "gag file"
Martin Luther King: Similarities and Allusions
FREE Webinar, Tuesday, July 27th, 11 a.m., "Christmas Fundraising Starts In July." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.
What you will learn in this episode:
- Great fundraising at the end-of-year requires thoughtful planning ahead of time.
- The most lucrative season for fundraising is the end-of-year.
- Most nonprofits don't plan for the most lucrative time of year until it’s too late.
- A great fundraising plan involves the rhythm of asking, thanking, and reporting.
- Asking for money without excellent reporting is far less effective.
- Your end-of-year fundraising will be significantly less if you haven't told great stories (reporting) in the previous months.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
**On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, I am offering myself to you FOR FREE in a webinar, "Christmas Fundraising Starts In July."
I will offer one session, 11 a.m.**
Click Here To Sign Up: "Great End-Of-Year Fundraising Starts In July" 11 a.m. EST
Meet Mike Kim, marketing guru and nonprofit fundraising coach.
What you will learn today:
- Success is sequential
- Idea rich and execution poor
- Fundraising is not about asking for money
- Storytelling
- The founder's story
- The organization story
- The transformation story
Connect with Mike Kim:
Youarethebrandbook.com
You Are The Brand
Fully Funded Academy For Missionaries
Stories are the currency that nonprofit leaders collect in order to pay their donors (Read more here). But what do you do when you are shut down and you don’t have stories to tell? Answer: You make ‘em up!
That is the strategy I used in my last email to our donors to The Bethlehem International School Foundation.
Most of the stories you will use in fundraising and team building will be true stories of actual people and the impact your mission has had on their lives. But, there is a place for made up stories as well.
This technique helps your followers to appreciate why it is important to listen, understand, and adopt any changes in your mission strategy and plans. This storytelling technique can turn what might seem boring into something readers are eager to hear and assimilate.
The goal is to take your readers from seeing your current situation as ordinary to visionary.
Of course, the very first goal is to get your followers to pay attention! But once they are paying attention, your visionary super-powers kick in!
Remember, visionaries rule the world.
Visionaries always get the resources they need.
Visionaries change the world (for a refresher in vision, (READ HERE).
This is where storytelling really works for you. This story, when well crafted, will create a picture of the future so inspiring that it drives people to action. One VERY important thing, the story must be personal to the readers. They need to see themselves in the future you describe.
Get my free resource: A Boring Vision, The Biggest Thing That Will Keep You From Becoming Your Donor's Favorite Charity has helped them. I made it with you in mind, AND it's free! GET IT HERE.
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
How To Write A ‘Thank You’ Like A Boss
Covid-19, Race, Unemployment And A Bridge In Honduras: What Can Nonprofits Learn? TO LISTEN!
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Just Say Thank You
40 Acres, A Mule, Sharecropping & Your Nonprofit
GET NEW WSD NONPROFIT POSTS IN YOUR EMAIL
All Rights Reserved, 2021 WorldStage Development
What you will learn in this episode:
The "wisest man in the world," says that chasing money is like chasing birds. Like birds, money has wings. The more you chase it, the more it flies away!
“Don’t exhaust yourself acquiring wealth; be smart enough to stop. When you fix your gaze on it, it’s gone, for it sprouts wings for itself and flies to the sky like an eagle.” Proverbs of Solomon, 23:4-5
There is a lesson here for fundraisers.
YOU DON’T CHASE BIRDS; YOU ATTRACT THEM.
LIKEWISE, YOU DON’T CHASE MONEY; YOU ATTRACT IT.
The more you chase money, the more elusive it becomes.
Selah, pause and think about that.
So, how do we attract money? We attract money by addressing injustices, solving overlooked problems, meeting tough needs, and seizing opportunities. The hopeful future we create in our followers’ minds through our service is called VISION.
PASTORS, MISSIONARIES, AND NONPROFIT LEADERS ATTRACT MONEY WITH A COMPELLING VISION.
Need help crafting and casting a compelling vision? To help nonprofit leaders, pastors and missionaries craft a compelling vision I created a free resource A Boring Vision, The Biggest Thing That Will Keep You From Becoming Your Donor’s Favorite Charity. I created it with you in mind, and, ITS FREE!
FREE DOWNLOAD: The Biggest Thing That Will Keep You From Becoming Your Donors Favorite Charity: CLICK HERE
Connect With David L Oaks:
Instagram
In this episode you will learn:
What happens when positive PERSEVERANCE gets taken too far and becomes PERSEVERATION!
When the horse is dead, there is but one thing to do: GET OUT OF THE SADDLE AND FIND YOUR NEXT RIDE. Yes, SOMETIMES IT IS DIVINE TO QUIT! Even the “world’s wisest man” said so (read here).
Connect With David L Oaks:
- David’s Instagram
- David’s Linkedin
- David's Twitter
In this episode you’ll meet:
- Chris Musgrove, FutureNow
- READ HERE
Connect With David L Oaks:
-
David’s Instagram
-
Facebook
-
David’s Linkedin
-
David's Twitter
In this episode you’ll learn:
- The Jewish story about Nasty Birds
- READ HERE
- In Jewish culture Ravens were considered nasty birbs:
- READ HERE Verse 15
- The "nasty birds" story is an allegory for the power of adverse events that have the potential to destroy us OR make us bigger, better, and stronger. The idea has been expressed by philosophers like Nietzsche and rappers like Kanye West: What doesn't kill me makes me stronger!
- These "dirty birds" speak of:
- The untimely loss of a loved one
- Job loss
- Career setbacks because of the decisions of others
- Soured relationships
- Divorce
- Moving
- Chronic illness or major injury
- Soured fundraising
- These stressful events have the potential to feed us, to make us stronger and larger nonprofit leaders. Warning, they also have the potential to make us bitter.
Connect With David L Oaks:
- David’s Instagram
- David’s Linkedin
- David's Twitter
The Chocolate Factory - I Love Lucy Show
STORIES ARE THE CURRENCY THAT FUNDRAISERS COLLECT TO PAY THEIR DONORS (READ MORE HERE).
Salt The Jar: What Nonprofits Can Learn From Bartenders About Fundraising!
Connect With David L Oaks
david@wsdevelop.com
Connect with James Harrington:
Ugandan Water Project
Impact Capacity
**Five Fundraising Keys
1. Get The Right Mindset
2. Carefully Build Your Tribe
3. Grow Your Capacity To Dream
4. Diversify
5. Indiana Basketball
CONNECT WITH DAVID OAKS
David@wsdevelop.com*InstagramFacebook*WorldStage Development
After I left the pastorate and entered the marketplace, I knew I needed a great website. A good friend turned me on to Donald Miller. I found his podcast, started from day one and took notes. The cost: My time.
In those days Miller and his always laughing associate JJ Peterson would critique someone's website on the show. I learned a lot but still felt unsure about how to build my own website. So, when he published his book Building A Storybrand I quickly bought it. The cost: $17.99
I had listened to dozens of Building A Storybrand podcasts AND took fastidious notes, AND studied the book, but I still lacked the confidence to build my own website. So...when Donald Miller offered an online experience to learn the Storybrand framework for $299, I jumped at the chance!
Call me a slow learner but even then, I still lacked the confidence that I needed to make a great website! So, when Miller offered the opportunity to come to Nashville for two days and be personally guided by he and his team for $2,000 I jumped at the chance!
THEN... After signing up for the in-person experience, I learned that for another $13,000 I could spend the week with Donald Miller, JJ Peterson, Koula Callahan and the Storybrand team learning the Storybrand framework.
You know what happened don't you? I whipped out my credit card, and jumped at the chance!!!
That was the beginning of a great relationship with Donald Miller and his team as a Storybrand Certified Guide.
Can I tell you one of the main things I learned that nonprofit leaders and missionaries need to hear?
Great promotional collateral intentionally includes a lot of margin,saying more with less.
...saying more with less.
There is a revolution going on now in marketing and promotion and nonprofit leaders and missionaries should scramble to understand it.
Big business has learned that consumers are attracted to "less is more." The early adopters who have caught on are selling more and edging out their competition.
Myers Pet Farm - Old Page CLICK HERE
Myers Pet Farm - NEW Page CLICK HERE
Caleb Jordan's new website CLICK HERE
Lindsey Oaks' Caleb's Website creator CLICK HERE
YOUR FREE CANVA NEWSLETTER TEMPLATE CLICK HERE
Your FREE Canva Account CLICK HERE
For over 38 years, Aaron has been a small business owner, devoted husband, and community leader. Aaron has been in a personal Mastermind with his friend, financial guru, Dave Ramsey for over two decades.
Spiritual mentors David Landrith and Bob Warren have impacted his spiritual life beyond measure. Two other disciplined mastermind groups, 48 Days led by friend Dan Miller and The Torch have played a role in his understanding of how to live a significant and successful life.
Aaron tells about retiring at 27 and how he came to give his life to grow men in masterminds. He oversees 20 mastermind groups.
He developed the Mastermind Playbook.
You can connect with Aaron and get his free resources: HERE
You can connect with David Oaks:
Instagram
- SIGN UP FOR THE MASTERMIND INFORMATION CALL - PRESS HERE
Did you hear about the woodcutter whose production went down because he couldn't take the time to sharpen his axe?
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
― Abraham Lincoln
Chopping the tree - your mission
Sharpening your axe - Personal growth
- Organizational development
- Fundraising ability
SMART NONPROFIT LEADERS PRIORITIZE THEIR GROWTH AS NONPROFIT LEADERS
- You MUST take time out from chopping wood in order to sharpen your axe
If you don't prioritize learning nonprofit strategy, your woodpile will NEVER get cut.
- You will work harder and harder and you will get less and less done.
- When you work harder and harder and less and less is accomplished your attitude will show it.
- Frustration will become the dominant emotion of your life.
- Some pastors LIVE with the worst attitude in the world
- Suspicious
- Untrusting
- Negative
What I am talking about is taking the time to figure out what it means to sharpen your axe and then consciously, deliberately and with directed effort calendar those efforts. We are talking about putting first things first. We are talking about keeping the main things in life the main things.
Here's what happens when we don't take the time and initiative to consciously sharpen our axe: We live at the tyranny of the urgent. We live our lives constantly putting out infernos.
The value of cutting your wood with a sharp axe is an issue at the very heart of life.
So often, the enemy of the best is the good.
ESCAPE THE TYRANNY OF THE URGENT
- Urgent things act UPON us.
- Important things don't. We must act UPON them.
Consider:
- Mastermind with Mary Valloni and I:
- Meet online twice monthly for
- Putting our heads together to help each other grow
- You get powerful people in your corner
- MEET in person twice annually
- Meet online twice monthly for
- Masterminds have given me consultants and coaches I could NEVER afford:
- Mike Kim
- Marissa Nielson
- DK Kim - New School of Selling
- Thinking partners in my businesses
- The cost is affordable: $250 month or $2500 year
- Information call Tuesday, april 20, 2 pm eastern
- SIGN UP FOR THE INFORMATION CALL - PRESS HERE
When I was a teenager, I became enamored with the Proverbs of the Hebrew King Solomon. Reading them over and over, year after year, became an obsession. King Solomon, who lived nine centuries BCE, is often described as "the wisest man who ever lived." Of course, somehow, I hoped that the guy's wisdom might rub off on me!
In the last few years, I have become enamored with Proverbs "Thirty Precepts of the Sages." (read here starts with verse :17). The fifteenth saying always intrigued me: "Buy the truth...wisdom, instruction and understanding."
"Buy" is doublespeak, for this is not going to be free; it will cost you.
"Your choice of people you associate with will have more impact on what you become than any other single factor" — Brian Tracy.
Interested In The Mastermind with Me & Mary Valloni?CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE APRIL 20 INFORMATION CALL
Get my free download: Getting That Elusive Second Gift By Writing Better Thank You's
CLICK HERE
David Oaks
wsdevelop.com
www.wsdevelop.com
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
How To Write A ‘Thank You’ Like A Boss
Covid-19, Race, Unemployment And A Bridge In Honduras: What Can Nonprofits Learn? TO LISTEN!
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Just Say Thank You
40 Acres, A Mule, Sharecropping & Your Nonprofit
GET NEW WSD NONPROFIT POSTS IN YOUR EMAIL
©2021 WorldStage Development - David L. Oaks
South Georgia House or Hope is an addiction recovery ministry in Valdosta, Georgia. SGHOH is a faith-based, residential program to help ladies gain freedom from alcoholism, addiction and abuse. Their success rate is a staggering 88% after five years. The cost is offset by the generosity of an amazing community of givers, making the ministry available to ladies with few resources.
South Georgia House of Hope - Website
Interested in the mastermind?
Contact me, on social media or by email: david@wsdevelop.com
Fundraising is SO much easier when your nonprofit is DONOR centered and BENEFICIARY centered and NOT ORGANIZATION centered.
MasterMind Opportunity For Nonprofit LeadersI am making myself available to 12 nonprofit leaders in a mastermind group that will meet twice each month.
I know that the cost of hiring a consultant makes it prohibitive for most nonprofits. So, in order to accommodate smaller shops, I am capping the cost at $250 per month for each leader.
A mastermind is a small group of leaders committed to helping each other grow. We meet twice a month in a zoom call. Twice each year, we will meet in person in a two day retreat.
Interested? Join me in an information call. Email me at david@wsdevelop.com for details on the call.
Communities that are in crisis because of disaster often struggle to get the supplies they need. Trucks With Room To Spare, a nonprofit network of transportation specialists, gets them the much needed supplies with a minimum of cost.
Trucks With Room To Spare is a nonprofit founded by Shelli Conaway. She started the nonprofit, "because it was needed!"
Shelli Conaway is a grandmother and transportation specialist who drives an eighteen-wheeler truck. Most of what her nonprofit does is funded out of her own pocket, and those of the truck drivers who serve with her.
On today's show, I do a consultation with Shelli to organize some next steps for her nonprofit.
Follow Shelli and Trucks With Room To Spare on social media:
Trucks With Room To Spare - Website
Sonia Simone of Copyblogger calls digital sharecropping “the most dangerous threat to your online marketing.”
In Robots Make Bad Fundraisers, Steven Shattuck explains how that digital sharecropping happens when a nonprofit uses someone elses "land" to grow their "crops" and how it keeps the sharecropper in bondage.
It is a relationship where the landowner ALWAYS gets the best part of the deal and the sharecropper ALWAYS gets the worst part.
STOP sharecropping, get my free download today:
My Bulletproof, 5 Step Process To Create Alluring Lead Generators For Your Business
The "father" of fundraising, Adrian Sargeant says the biggest reason organizations don't say thank-you well is "the difficulty in convincing them to invest in thank-you's." THEY DON'T THINK IT’S THAT IMPORTANT.
Why does an excellently said "thank-you" mean so much? Lisa Sargent says: "A well-done thank-you forges an instant connection. It tells your donors, loud and clear: 'You matter to us...and your gift makes a difference."
Cheat Sheet For Writing Better Thank-You's
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
How To Write A ‘Thank You’ Like A Boss
Covid-19, Race, Unemployment And A Bridge In Honduras: What Can Nonprofits Learn? TO LISTEN!
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Just Say Thank You
White-Led Nonprofits: The Race Conversation Has Arrived
GET NEW WSD NONPROFIT POSTS IN YOUR EMAIL
©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
Founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting
Connect with Stephanie
Instagram
Facebook
TechSoup - Nonprofit Technology Marketplace
Nonprofits who were more transparent received 53% more contributions the following year!How to interpret your organization's financials and how to present them to others as a compelling story that offers transparency and increases donations and impact.
What are the benefits of financial transparency? Why share our numbers?
- More engagement
- from donors, volunteers, staff, board
- Increased contributions
- Guidestar: Transparent organizations, those that were sharing MORE information about their financials received 53% more in contributions the following year
- More money
- Greater impact
- Guidestar: Transparent organizations, those that were sharing MORE information about their financials received 53% more in contributions the following year
- Improved donor relationships
Who needs to know your numbers?
- Board
- Financial statements
- Income
- Balance Sheets
- How to highlight it?
- Financial statements
- Staff your team
- Most organizations don't do this
- They don't know how
- Dashboards
- Most organizations don't do this
- Donors
- Public
- All these stakeholders will get different types of information
What do you need to start sharing your numbers?
- We can't tell good stories from our numbers, if they are no good!
- Bookkeeping process
- Budgeting
- This is your roadmap to achieving your goals
- You budget should align with your strategic plan
- This is your roadmap to achieving your goals
- Reporting
Molly Grisham is recognized as a courageous and passionate "experiential facilitator."
As an "experiential facilitator" she leads groups in hands-on learning that inspires and sets people in motion.
She is passionate about building teams, developing leaders, creating custom workshops, and utilizing personality assessments for personal growth and professional development.
Some questions she answers:
What do you mean when you say, "Leadership is love?"
Leadership is a gift that we give to the people who are allowing us to lead.
What do you mean by "culture?"
Culture is more than a bunch of words painted on the wall...
Can we do inner personal work alone?
I love doing inner personal work in the context of community. When we are in a community, people are holding up mirrors for us...where we experience 'light-bulb' moments...
How do we end up with cultures where we don't thrive?
We focus on individuals. When we are willing to invest in the individual growth of our people, we start to create this culture of wellness.
What do we mean by vulnerability?
Sharing from our wounds and sharing from our scars is two totally different things. Vulnerability is me choosing to show up for me whether or not there will be an outcome.
Why is leadership sometimes including those we would rather leave out?
Sometimes we have to go find those people who are not welcome at the table. I have found that often the most difficult people are those most hungry for someone to make an investment in them...
Connect With Molly:InstagramLinkedInFacebook https://www.mollygrisham.com/
How do you get people to listen to the stories about life-change at your nonprofit?
TELL STORIES THAT START WITH THE PROBLEM!
Want to get someone's attention? Start with a problem.
The structure of a story:
1. Normal
2. Explosion
3. New Normal
Always start your story at #2, the explosion.
Great storytellers know that starting with the problem grabs people's attention.
Then, after telling the problem, you can go back and tell #1, Normal.
TODAYS FREE DOWNLOAD:A newsletter that highlights a story that starts with a problem.
CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOAD
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
How To Write A ‘Thank You’ Like A Boss
Covid-19, Race, Unemployment And A Bridge In Honduras: What Can Nonprofits Learn? TO LISTEN!
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Just Say Thank You
White-Led Nonprofits: The Race Conversation Has Arrived
GET NEW WSD NONPROFIT POSTS IN YOUR EMAIL
©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
As a pastor, I realized we had many first-time donors who never gave again. Challenged by John Maxwell to make a big-deal out of first-gifts, I began to celebrate them. The result: BOATLOADS OF MONEY!
Sample Welcome Packet: Mission 3E Welcome Packet
Write better thank-you's: Cheat Sheet For Writing Better Thank-You's
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
How To Write A ‘Thank You’ Like A Boss
Covid-19, Race, Unemployment And A Bridge In Honduras: What Can Nonprofits Learn? TO LISTEN!
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Just Say Thank You
White-Led Nonprofits: The Race Conversation Has Arrived
GET NEW WSD NONPROFIT POSTS IN YOUR EMAIL
©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
Connect with David Oaks
-
Set a time to talk
-
Email: david@wsdevelop.com
-
Minor Touches & Major Gifts
Connect with Mary Valoni
-
MaryValloni.com
-
Fully Funded Academy - Missionaries
-
Fundraising Freedom: 7 Steps To Build & Sustain Your Next Campaign
Seven Steps To Being Fully Funded
Step 1: Focus Your Vision
Step 2: Run Your Research Step
3: Enlist Your Team Step
4: Enhance Your Brand
Step 5: Deploy Your Team
Step 6: Organize Your Ask
Step 7: Make Your Difference
WHAT IS A MASTERMIND GROUP?
A MasterMind is a group of individuals united for one overarching, shared purpose: to help one another grow.
Mastermind groups offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability, and support in a group setting to sharpen your business and personal skills. A mastermind group helps you and your mastermind group members achieve success. Members challenge each other to set strong goals, and more importantly, to accomplish them.
WHAT I WANT TO DO FOR YOU
Since masterminds have done so much for me, I want you to have the same experience. I am offering to serve as guide and mentor to twelve nonprofit leaders in our own mastermind!
I have already hand-picked some nonprofit leaders that I am asking into the group, that I know will show up committed to helping you to greater self-awareness, increased performance, productivity and confidence.
To maximize accountability and growth, this group cannot be large. There are twelve slots to fill.
I pay a lot more for the masterminds that I am in, but I am offering this, as a service to you, for $250 per month or $2500 for a year. I am intentionally holding the price to a level that is affordable to most nonprofit leaders. I want to help you!
And you should know, as with everything I do, if you are not satisfied after a month, I will cheerfully refund ALL of your money! I promise!
IT ALL STARTS THE WEEK OF APRIL 4. We will meet online, twice monthly and face-to-face meetups twice annually. Let’s talk. Click on the button below and pick a time to talk with me. I WANT TO HELP YOU. LET’S TALK.
Talk With David
Even if you don't do this with me, look for and take advantage of every opportunity to accelerate your growth with a coach or guide.
You are worth it!!
Interested in joining a MasterMind group? Maybe? Set up a time for us to talk, NO OBLIGATION! CLICK HERE
MORE POPULAR POSTS FROM DAVID L OAKS:
How To Write A ‘Thank You’ Like A Boss
Covid-19, Race, Unemployment And A Bridge In Honduras: What Can Nonprofits Learn? TO LISTEN!
Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Just Say Thank You
White-Led Nonprofits: The Race Conversation Has Arrived
GET NEW WSD NONPROFIT POSTS IN YOUR EMAIL
©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
In one of my first interactions with Mike Kim, he said that I was "idea-rich but execution poor."
This is a way of thinking that keeps me small and mostly unsuccessful.
Mike's word to me was powerful enough to begin a waking process into reality:
For all that I know, I do so little with it.
I am the product of the knowledge-is-power generation. But that belief leads down a path of disappointment. Knowledge is only powerful when acted upon—ideas collected by the thousands, unless acted upon, mean little.
In one of our mastermind classes Mike Kim was even bold enough to tell us to stop listening to so many voices. Kary Oberbrunner even devotes a chapter in his latest book, Unhackable, to promote a “content restriction diet” where he describes how the pursuit of “more content gives the illusion of accomplishment.”
IF I truly am idea rich and execution poor, then…
- Any internal boasting in the number of books I have read in the last year is suddenly irrelevant.
- How many podcasts I listen to is suddenly trivial.
- The large amount of money I spent on online courses last year is now totally embarrassing.
- The multitude of thought-leaders I am pursuing in order to get-it-right-before-I-start is a dead battery that will never let me start my engine.
My biggest enemy is my lack of execution.
…ideas collected by the thousands, unless acted upon, mean little.
All my best ideas mean nothing unless I act upon them. In the end, all my very best ideas, unless executed, mean little.
Mike Kim must be friends with Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington... They say the same thing:
“You can be smart and have access to lots of information and great ideas; you can be well connected, work hard and have lots of natural talent, but in the end, you have to execute.”
They even say that:
“Execution is the single greatest market differentiator. Great companies and successful individuals execute better than their competition. The barrier standing between you and the life you are capable of living is a lack of execution. Effective execution will set you free. It is THE path to accomplish the things you desire.” (The Twelve Week Year).
I don't have an idea problem.
I have an execution problem.
The truth is, if I just execute what I already know, I will likely double and triple my impact (and income!).
As Moran and Lennington say...
It's not what you know; it's not even who you know; it's what you implement that counts.
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©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
Today’s podcast features Daniel Hammond, a cyber-security professional and expert in both cyber threat intelligence and cyber exercises.
Daniel tells nonprofits three things they MUST know and do!
Click here to listen.
Connect with Daniel on:
Ethereal Rodent Cyber Consulting
Nightingale Nursing School Honduras
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©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
Fusion, by Nelson Searcy. The book is about how Searcy, a fledgling church planter in New York City began to harness the power of first-time guests at his infant church.
He began to see their first-time visit as a gift that he should celebrate.
1. Like Searcy's first-time guests who never returned, most first-time donors never give a second gift.
"How you respond when you've been given a gift - and what you do with the gift itself - proves just how much you really appreciate it."- Nelson Searcy
2. Know how you will thank first-time donors before you ask them to give.
Most nonprofits spend far more time asking and far less time thanking.
THE biggest giving program globally, Harvard University, has more million-dollar gifts than anyone else in the world. The majority of those givers' first gift was less than $100. (Read More Here)
HOW YOU RESPOND TO FIRST-TIME DONORS CAN DETERMINE IF THEY EVER GIVE AGAIN.
ACTION STEPS:
- Develop a Welcome Packet
2. Involve your board in the welcoming process
- Get your board to help you write thank-you’s to first time donors
- Educate your board to the power of celebrating first-time gifts
- Six Ways To Say Thank-You To First-Time Donors
- Give your board great examples of good thank-you notes they can follow
- Cheat-Sheet For Writing Better Thank-You’s
FREE DOWNLOAD:
Just recently I gave to a local charity for the first time. I WAS BLOWN AWAY BY THEIR RESPONSE! Kristoff Cohran and Mission 3E responded to my first-time gift with a welcome packet that made me glad I gave and inspired me to give again!! Kristoff has given me permission to share their welcome packet with you. FREE, a gift from me (and Mission 3E!). Use Mission 3E’s packet to inspire your own. JUST DO IT!!
MISSION 3E WELCOME PACKET DOWNLOAD HERE
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©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
Robots Make Bad Fundraisers, Steven Shattuck describes a piece of communication he received from a nonprofit, it read:
Whether you have donated today, previously given, or still plan to give, we thank you for your ongoing support.
This kind of writing happens when nonprofits list all the possible reasons for sending out a piece of collateral. It is usually done because the nonprofit doesn't have the tools to "segment" their audience. "Segmenting" is a term that refers to dividing your donors up into groups so you can communicate uniquely with them.
Why does this matter? Because:
The lack of personalized communications is one of the core reasons that donors stop giving.
Nonprofits who segment their donors into unique groups based on frequency and recency of giving, reasons for giving, interests, and other demographic information have taken a significant step toward increasing their donor retention rates.
Remember, the average donor retention rate for the nonprofit sector is 45%.
This means that, without special care, only four out of ten of your present donors will still be engaged with you next year.
In real numbers, that means your 100 engaged donors, without real work, will likely shrink to 40 in one year. OMG! Nonprofit leaders live the exhausting life of trying to find more new donors each year while even more leave out the back door.
One of the biggest reasons we will lose donors: The lack of personalized communications.
GETTING STARTED(From Beginners Guide To Nonprofit Data Segmentation, Bloomerang)
1. Create Your Segments
2. Use mail-merge fields for personalization.
3. Craft custom communications to each segment
LEARN MORE
Bloomerang and Steven Shattuck have created a free guide that you can download for free. Stop making donors feel like a tiny fish in a big crowded pond! Start creating better communications today!
FREE DOWNLOAD: BEGINNERS GUIDE TO NONPROFIT DONOR SEGMENTATION
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©2021 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
THE most successful communicator in history "was never without a story when he spoke."
When asked why he focused on storytelling, Jesus gave a lesson that nonprofit leaders can learn a lot from...
"…I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward a welcome awakening."
- To create readiness
- To nudge people forward
Great leaders focus on, harness, and utilize the power of stories.
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR USING STORIES:
1. Tell your story
My friend Mike Kim has taught me that if content is king, then context is the kingdom. What he means is that your story matters. It is your story that makes the content of your communication and interactions powerful. Some great places to make sure your story is told:
- Your website "About" page (read more here)
- Your printed newsletter
- My friend Sharon Wagner prints her story on her website and in every newsletter and case for support. It gives power to her mission.
- Another friend, Monica Prestridge, tells her story on the first page of her website
- My story, David Oaks
FREE DOWNLOADS:
1: FREE DOWNLOAD: STORY BASED NEWSLETTER EXAMPLE
2: FOUR STORIES THAT WILL RAISE MORE MONEY IN YOUR NEXT NEWSLETTER
Begin to harness the power of story! Get these FREE downloads now!
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©2021 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
FREE DOWNLOAD: Contribution Statement News-Letter Samples: CLICK HERE
A naked contribution statement is a printed statement of the donors gifts for the previous year without any kind of thanks, or mention of the nonprofits "big story." Your nonprofit's "big story" consists of two messages:
- That your donor is needed
- That your donor's giving makes a difference
A naked contribution statement in the mail is cold and heartless.All nonprofits should send the annual contribution statement with a one page letter that I am calling a news-letter.
Connect with David:
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Jewish people tell the story of a miracle-working leader who was about to be whisked away to heaven in a whirlwind. Being whisked away in a whirlwind that day was not a secret to the community. His direct report knew it. The student body of the leader's academy knew it.
This story illustrates the power of remaining focused in times of great distraction.
If there ever is a time to focus, it is now, here at the beginning of this new year.
What get's calendared get's done.
What To Calendar:
- Board meetings
- Newsletters
- Appeals
- Donor appreciation events/activities
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**People give to organizations they know, like, and trust.
People give to organizations their friends know, like, and trust.**B.N.I.(Business Networking International).
Some Action Steps:
- Study, learn, and practice the art of networking in your community.
Do Nonprofits Work In BNI? - Free podcast on nonprofits and networking.
Book: Business Networking & Sex: Not What You Think
-
Join groups for networking
-
Chamber of Commerce
- B.N.I.
- Church groups
- Social groups
- Kiwanis
- Civitan
**3. Ask your present donors to refer you to other potential donors.
B.N.I. RARE Networking opportunity for nonprofits:**
From now until December 31, 2020, my good friend Bill Keene will pay for your first year membership. The time is short. THIS IS FOR REAL! I hope you take advantage of it.
LEARN MORE ABOUT B.N.I. HERE
CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR B.N.I MEMBERSHIP
Check our sponsor: Fully Funded (for Missionaries) &
Fundraising Freedom (for organizations) Some insights about nonprofit gift arrays:
1. Your gift array "speaks" to donors in subtle and even subconscious ways.
2. Good use of the gift array can result in significantly more donations to your cause.
Studies show that good use of the suggested giving amounts can increase giving significantly.
3. Bad use of the gift array can hurt you.
**4. High to low gift arrays have a negative effect on giving.
5. The smallest suggested amount can cause donors who were going to give not to give.
Bottom line, people read into your gift array. Make sure it is saying what you want it to say!**
Fundraising Freedom Academy
The average nonprofit newsletter's biggest problem: “YOU” Is Absent; The focus is all on the organization
When you realize that your donors are giving to their values, not yours, something changes. You write differently. The stories you tell are told from a different perspective.
FOUR stories you should be telling in your nonprofit newsletter:
- The Constituent Story
- The Donor Story
- The Volunteer Story
- The Legacy Story
DOWNLOAD NOW: Four Stories That Will Raise More Money In Your Next Newsletter
©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
Achilles' heel is a story of a destructive weakness despite overall strength. Despite his greatness, his heel was enough to lead to his downfall.There are a few things about your end-of-year appeal that, though they may seem small, can drastically affect the money you raise. A few pointers that can make a difference:
- FORMATTING: Indent paragraphs
- PARAGRAPHS: Short, four lines or less
- Maximize the magic word "YOU"
- Have a clear and compelling goal
- Don't waste THE most read part of the letter: The P.S.
FREE DOWNLOAD:
DOWNLOAD NOW: CHECK LIST FOR WRITING SUPER-SUCCESSFUL PRINTED APPEALS
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How To Write A ‘Thank You’ Like A Boss
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Why Your Nonprofit MUST Be Able To Describe A World Where It Is NOT Needed
Just Say Thank You
Leaders Don't Go Silent In Times Of Crisis
White-Led Nonprofits: The Race Conversation Has Arrived
GET NEW WSD NONPROFIT POSTS IN YOUR EMAIL
©2020 WorldStage Development - David Oaks
Brought To You By: Fundraising Freedom Academy
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
End-of-year fundraising: Before you get to November and December, you must make sure your 'jar' is 'salted.'
- Tell stories in January
- Ask for money in February
- Tell stories in April
- Ask for money in May
- Tell stories in October
- Ask for money in November and December +
The Four Stories To Tell Before The End-Of-Year. (Episode four, MTMG).
- Constituent story
- Volunteer story
- Donor story
- Legacy donor story
NOTHING INSPIRES ACTION FOR THE GREATER GOOD MORE THAN STORIES
The problem: We tell stories about ourselves, our staff, our buildings, our classes, our degrees, our equipment, ad nauseam!
FREE DOWNLOAD: STORY BASED NEWSLETTER EXAMPLE
Brought To You By: Fundraising Freedom Academy
When you define a compelling end-of-year fundraising mission EVERYTHING CHANGES
Organizations that have a clearly defined vision for their end-of-year fundraising have more than just words, they have clarifying direction that explodes their ability to plan their future with imagination and wisdom.
Step one: Clarify The Need
Step two: Clarify Your Goal
Step three: Ask People to Help You Fix The Problem
Today’s Free Download: Donor Lapse Letter Sample
Stop wasting precious resources on donors who have stopped giving and moved on. But, before you remove them from the mailing list, SEND ONE LAST LETTER.
Sometimes, you get them back! Download a free example of a lapsed donor letter now. CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOAD Know any missionaries or church planters who would appreciate fundraising help? Tell them about Fully Funded Academy, a monthly membership training program led by Mary Valloni, Mike Kim, David Oaks and the team of Fully Funded Certified Coaches that give you the clarity and confidence to launch, grow, and scale your financial support base. Benefit from the Fully Funded Team’s decades of working with thousands of missionaries, ministries, and non-profits.
Sponsored By: Fundraising Freedom AcademyLeave The Stress Of Fundraising Behind!
Get A Plan - Get Confidence - Get Fully Funded!
**You maximize your year-end fundraising with an old fashioned, printed, story-based, direct mail appeal.
What is a story-based appeal?** It is an appeal written around the story of one of your constituents who needs your help. This story talks about the obstacles your constituent faces and how your donor can alleviate these obstacles.
A story based appeal is written around someone who needs your help.
Stories teach us, inspire us and call us to action.
Great story-based appeal letters:
- ARE DONOR-CENTERED
2. EMBRACE CONFLICT
3. CLEARLY DEFINE THE IMPACT
4. IS UNFINISHED OR UNSOLVED
5. IS ABOUT ONE PERSON
6. IS MAILED IN A #10 BUSINESS ENVELOPE
FREE DOWNLOAD: In order to help you grasp the concept of story-based appeals, I am offering you an example that I just made for a client. IT IS FREE. DOWNLOAD HERE.
Check out Fundraising Freedom Academy HERE
Is That A Fly On Your Head? Nonprofit Fundraising and The End Of The Year
Is it possible that you can have a fly on your head and not know it? If you watched any television this week or tuned in to any social media, you can say a definite YES! (Don’t know what I am talking about? CLICK HERE.
For nonprofits, the end of year is THE most lucrative time for fundraising.
DIRECT MAIL IS STILL THE BIGGEST SOURCE AND DRIVER OF DONATIONS AND DONORS.
According to the DMA’s Response Rate Report, direct mail has a 37 percent higher response rate than email.
ACCORDING TO MOBILE CAUSE: Donors are three times more likely to give online in response to a direct mail appeal than an email.
Three types of people will receive your direct mail: (Alyssa Pacheco)
- The 10 Second Club - THE biggest group. They will look at your piece of printed mail and walk it to the trash can. They will give your piece of mail about 10 seconds.
- The Skimmers - The second largest group. This group actually looks at your printed mail while they walk it to the trash can! They will give your collateral less than a minute.
- The Readers - A very few people! These people will actually take the time to read your mail. They will scan the headlines and actually follow through and read your copy!
The key: Design your printed collateral to be read at a glance in less than a minute.
To help you see the power of story in action, I have prepared a special free download with a story-based newsletter. Get it for free today. FREE DOWNLOAD: STORY BASED NEWSLETTER EXAMPLE
Four Stories To Tell BEFORE The End Of Year
STORIES ARE THE CURRENCY NONPROFITS USE TO PAYBACK DONORS FOR THEIR INVESTMENTNOTHING INSPIRES ACTION FOR THE GREATER GOOD MORE THAN STORIES.
**The problem: We tell stories about ourselves, our staff, our buildings, our classes, our degrees, our equipment, ad nauseam!
Instead, tell these stories:**
Story #1: The Constituent Story
Story#2: The Donor Story
Story #3: The Volunteer Story
Story #4: The Legacy Story
FREE DOWNLOAD: STORY BASED NEWSLETTER EXAMPLE
How To Maximize Your Year End Fundraising, October 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is totally offered to start you on the path to having a plan to get your nonprofit the money it needs. In this seminar you will learn:
Sign up here:
How To Maximize Your Year End Fundraising, October 6, 2 p.m.How To Maximize Your Year End Fundraising, October 6, 7 p.m.
Studies tell us that 80-90% of first-time donors never give a second gift.
This means that 8 out of 10 new donors to your nonprofit this year will not be a donor next year.
This is an amazing thing..
What can we do about it? Here's an answer: When someone gives to your organization for the first time, MAKE A BIG DEAL OUT OF IT. Make sure you get that second gift. IF you get that second gift, the likelihood that you will keep that donor is greatly increased.
Here are the six steps:
- They should immediately receive an automated personalized email from a person at your organization.
- They should receive a personal thank-you phone call ASAP.
- They should receive a Welcome packet.
- They should receive thank-you's from your board.
- They should be added to the "Annual First-Time Donor" celebration at the end of the year.
- Their one-year giving anniversary should be celebrated
FREE RESOURCE: Cheat Sheet For Writing Better Thank-You'sIt is my gift to you: MAKE A BIG DEAL OUT OF FIRST-TIME DONORS!
Welcome to the inaugural trailer for Minor Touches & Major Gifts Podcast for Nonprofits. A very quick introduction to who I am and my passion for seeing nonprofits fully funded.