The time has come for you to remember that you (a charity or not for profit) are nothing without your donors. The ongoing, internal clashing of your marketing and your fundraising, your boards and your staff, your consultants and your agencies, have grown tired and old. And your donors couldn’t give a crap about…
At the risk of sounding like a braggart, a lot of the work we do with our clients is successful. Results are up, more money is coming in, donors interact and share, development staff are happy… Why? Because we think inside the box. Oh, I know the golden goal and drive in life and business…
The other week, we launched a new series called “Three Things”. The concept is short posts about three things you can do – immediately – to make something better. I’m reaching out to my expert friends on their thoughts and opinions and will post them as they come in. Today’s “Three Things” comes via Ann…
This is from my local paper. It’s a donors viewpoint on the current marketing and communication efforts of a local hospital (who also recently went about a rebranding exercise to change their logo and brand positioning) that is spreading the news of its great work in newspaper ads and wraps… This donor also…
This is one of those blog posts where Jen says “You’re really going to post this?“. And I nod. Now, my goal is to be helpful. Take a look at your own direct mail pack and see how it compares. Do you see some similarities? If you aren’t sure about something you are considering or…
This morning I read over the latest Ahern in my inbox while my coffee brewed and of course, my brain starts spinning. His newsletter talks about how you! too! can make your crappy 12 page newsletter written by marketing and communications that goes on and on about how awesome you are, an actual donor love…
I won’t deny it. I have an awesome family. The best. There are two Love family-isms that changed my life. They were such great lessons – and taught to me with such love and respect that I they have become guiding principles in my life. And, like all fundamental truths about feelings and emotions, I’ve…
“Our direct mail is dead.” “No one really opens our emails.” “Our donors don’t care about monthly giving.” “My last appeal was horrible. No one gave.” “We stopped sending them information on that – donors hated it.” Have you ever thought, maybe, what is wrong with your donors is… well… you? I see and hear…
In my inbox this morning – the latest from Mr Tom Ahern. His messaging is about the one size fits all of most crappy charity communications and fundraising. I hate to use the word crappy, but it’s true. His message is perfect as always. He ended his post with two thoughts: Thought for today: Do young…
Agent Mark: Field report from Jamaica I’m just back from filming our first international video documentary on a non profit in Jamaica and every time I return from working on a new project – whether its helping a client with their project or getting involved first hand – I am reminded exactly why I became…