Tip #11 Stay Top of Mind When at the Bottom of Your Budget

In my first executive director role, I took over for a founder who had built the organization from the ground-up. Relying on what he knew to work, he emphatically suggested that I take out annual TOMA ads in the local newspaper during the year-end giving season.

Tip #10 Become a News Media Expert

Ever wonder why the competition is regularly featured as a source for a story in local news stories? Confused as to why the media never contacts your organization? Want to change all that?

Tip #9 Be on the Alert (Google Alert, that is)

Oftentimes, we restrict our attention to donors in situations that directly impact us, i.e. when they give a gift, attend an event or volunteer. The reality, however, is that they are likely doing all sorts of amazing things, many of which might have nothing to do with our cause.

Tip #8 Show Up.

This is the third and final week of a three-week series focusing on tips for interpersonal connections and networking. This week’s tip is the costliest as it requires an investment of your most irreplaceable asset…time.

Tip #7 Take an Interest In Others (ALL Others)

Be interested in others. All others. Not just those who align with your needs. At social events, I always have my eyes open for networking ninjas. Those who slice through a crowd with sharp precision, carefully pausing to connect with those in their target audience and then efficiently exiting the event.

Tip #6 You Have Seven Seconds to Make an Impression

A couple of years ago, Forbes released an article titled, “You and Your Business Haven 7 Seconds to Make a First Impression: Here’s How to Succeed.” The title alone caused me to pause and ponder for about ten seconds. Many of my first impressions have involved sweaty handshakes, stuttering introductions, and all too often, the embarrassment of spinach or other greenery nested in my teeth. And those are just the issues with my person…what have I communicated about my organization?

Tip #5 Content is King – Even with Handwritten Notes!

The last edition of No Margin No Mission covered how important it is to personalize donation acknowledgments. While personalization is important, it is irrelevant unless you do it in a way that inspires your supporter to feel, act, or remember. Here are a few tips to help you craft a meaningful message.

Tip #4 Wet Ink Pays

‘Tis the season of sloppy signatures. For many nonprofits, especially those who are supported by a large donor base, the post-giving-season pile of receipt letters can be overwhelming.

Tip #3 Examine the Email that Surprised Social Media Guru, Julia Campbell

When was the time an email surprised you? And when was the last time you were so moved that you shared that email with others? This is one of those times for me! A thank you email from Wikipedia caught my eye, and piqued my interest. Both of those things are very hard to do, as you can imagine. Here’s the email in its entirety and I’ll tell you what I loved most below.

Tip #2 Avoid Giving Tuesday Panic

Less than 24 hours remain before the launch of #GivingTuesday2019. If you’re in a state of panic calling anyone you know with graphic design skills and friend-requesting deep into the night to grow your page’s like list…STOP. Giving Tuesday should be the icing on a comprehensive year-end campaign cake, it should not represent the cake itself.