From the Donor’s Perspective: Why Some Fundraisers Succeed While Others Fail
In order to get their valuable perspectives on fundraising, I interviewed more than 30 donors of the highest caliber who have given millions and millions of dollars to various charities, ministries, and organizations. I asked them why some fundraisers succeed while others fail.
These are the qualities and characteristics the donors felt made successful fundraisers:
* Sincere relationship — Above all, successful fundraisers are sincere.
* Personal integrity — Successful fundraisers are upfront, genuine, and always operate with integrity.
* Knowledge of their charity — Successful fundraisers are well informed.
* Clearly defined goals — Successful fundraisers clearly state the mission, needs, and opportunity a donor has to help accomplish the mission.
* Regular communication — Successful fundraisers keep donors in the loop.
* Assurance of cost effectiveness — Successful fundraisers show donors that their money is doing what was promised.
* Credibility — Successful fundraisers use donors’ funds for the intended purpose only.
* Matching gifts — Successful fundraisers think about lead gifts or matching gifts so donors’ gifts are multiplied.
From the Donor’s Perspective: What Every Fundraiser Should Know
Among other things, donors need to believe in the cause they choose to support. They need to have answers, feedback, and understanding along the way. They want to play an important part in their cause, and they want assurance that their gifts are being used effectively and efficiently. And, of course, they need to be treated with kindness and respect — to be thanked and appreciated.
The most successful fundraisers are the ones who help donors fulfill their vision for what they feel God has directed them to do with their money. Donors are stewards, and your job as a fundraiser is to help them fulfill their stewardship role. To do this successfully it is invaluable to learn from donors themselves what they believe every fundraiser should know:
About relationships
* Think of your donors as a trust from God.
* Help your donors realize God’s plan for their lives (not just for their money!).
* Help donors to find fulfillment in their giving.
* Cultivate relationships before seeking funds.
* Make only one request per year for funds.
* Learn the passion of the prospective donor.
Seminar Expert: Lack of Information Available to Help Beginners Organize the Perfect Seminar
Whilst I have been researching and writing my ebook, Seminar Blueprint, I have been absolutely amazed at how little information there is out there on the subject of actually organizing seminars.
You can find plenty of information on public speaking at seminars, creating presentations for seminars, there are hundreds of consultants and companies to organize your seminar but I did not find one really in depth bit of information on actually organising your seminar. I think the largest I found was a 4 page write up, which although it had most of the main headings there was probably on average 2 paragraphs to each.
Then I got to thinking, whilst I was looking at a great website about creating presentations, this is all very well but what good is a great presentation if the person doesn’t know how to organize a seminar or workshop in the first place, what good is a great presentation if there is no-one there to see it or when you get there the venue is awful.
Running a Business and Being Your Authentic Self
What does it mean to be authentic self? What does it do for your business? When I started my network marketing business I thought everyone would want to jump on the bandwagon with me. They would see the vision of my new business and they would see how profitable it would be. But, what I came upon was people who lacked vision, who had serious self esteem issues, (how many times did I hear, “This is too good to be true.”) And lets not forget the poverty conscious people, who love to tell you over and over again they have no money. And they continuously talked about the debt. I became totally frustrated and I found myself convincing people that this business would benefit them. This just wasn’t working! This was not me….. Then one day, I gained insight; this business is not for everyone. It is just for the few, who have courage, who have wisdom, who have vision, and who want to take action to change their lives. Once I came upon this realization, I was free! I stopped being frustrated about being someone I wasn’t and pursed my business. I decided to be my true authentic self and run a very successful business. What does it really mean to be authentic self? In the early stages of life we are often focused on pleasing others…parents, teachers, bosses, and spouses. In an effort to get our needs met, we learn to play by other people’s rules. But as we mature, we become more competent, independent, and able to meet our own needs. Read more
Keys to Home Business Success
When evaluating successful home businesses, there are certain things they all have in common - things that you could say were essential to their success. In fact, without these things a home business is sure to fail. It does not matter what type of home business you have or how successful you want to be, you need to know these keys to home business success in order for your home business to thrive.