As we enter 2023, our team of consultants share their top tips to start the year off strong. Take a quick read through this list and see how you can adopt our consultant's tips to help your organization grow!
Craig Gardenswartz
Focus on Relationships
Organizations focus a lot on creating collaterals to make their pitch...but it's essential to keep in mind how "materials cost money - they don't make money!" In my experience, people give to compelling people, not because they get good paperwork! Invest in building relationships with donors to drive impact and growth.
Cruz Ramirez
Stewardship is Key
It's always a great time to thank your supporters, and the beginning of the year is an especially perfect time to thank them (again)! Tell them how much they mean to you. They provide so much more than dollars in a bank account. Write a note. Send a text, video, or voice note. Encourage your colleagues (leadership, programmatic staff, and volunteers) to do the same.
Jonathan Lipton
Leaders Lead by Example
Whether launching a campaign or simply starting off a new fiscal year, it's imperative to show that your leaders are committed and have skin in the game. Take a moment at the beginning of the year to ensure you have a commitment on the books for each of your board members and volunteer leaders. It will serve as a springboard for your major gifts effort and help activate them to solicit others with the added benefit of saving precious time at the end of year close.
Katherine Sprissler-Klein
Planning Ahead
Calendar year-end is a great opportunity to review donor strategies and prioritize activity for the next quarter. Do your prospects have individual moves management strategies? Do you need to make any adjustments? Reshuffle upcoming gift conversations? Now is the time to invest in planning (while staying near the phone for any year-end gifts).
Sara Hertz
Take Time to Listen
After more than 30 years working as a professional fundraiser, working with people from California to Kenya, from Suriname to Scotland, from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, the most important thing I've learned is that everyone wants to be heard. So put down the phone, the tablet, the notebook, whatever else is in your hands and on your mind, and take the time to listen. You'll be amazed at what you hear. It's often so much more than people are saying.
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