For Success in Fundraising: Do Only One Thing at a Time

Sometimes we're tempted to mail the kitchen sink to our donors -- communications that will inform, educate, inspire, motivate ... and, by the way encourage them to send a gift. In this podcast we talk about the importance of one thing at a time when you want to influence donors. Plus, we tell you the one type of mail your donors want to receive.

Program #6

Play: Do Only One Thing at a Time
(right click or "save as" to save the file for later).

Or subscribe via iTunes here:

Time: 13:50

Comments

[Jim DeRosa]

First, I want to let you know that I love the podcast. It is informative and thought provoking.
But... there is some sort of audio feedback issue, like a high-pitched buzzing echo after your speech that it very distracting and sometimes I find myself paying more attention the the noise than what you're saying.
Keep up the good work and thanks for your insights.

[Chuck Warpehoski]

Great podcast, just one question.

When you say "do one thing at a time," you highlight newsletters as the place for education, to show impact, and more.

Are you saying then that newsletters should do more than one thing at a time?

[Jeff Brooks]

Thanks for the question, Chuck. My answer is, "yes and no." I think newsletters ought to do one thing, and that thing is "report back to donors." Of course, reporting back is done in a number of different ways, as you point out. (Though when I see "educate donors" as a goal, alarms go off: most donors don't want or need educating; it's best to do things that build the relationship. Education will happen along the way with those who want it.)

[Chuck Warpehoski]

Thanks Jeff, that helps. My organization is an advocacy org, and in our newsletter, I've had positive responses with pieces on how to write a letter to the editor and such--pieces that help the reader take action on issues they care about.

That said, I agree that raising awareness is often over-sold (see for example http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/23/18-awareness/)