Dear [First Name],

On July 20th I’m re-launching my FREE online workshop, Don’t Ask, Don’t Get, to help fundraisers – development folks, executive directors, and anybody who asks one-on-one for donations. Last Fall almost 2,000 people registered and came away with a richer understanding of the art and science of asking. This year being comfortable and effective asking for gifts is even more important than ever.

Don't Ask, Don't Get starts on July 20th and I invite you to register. The workshop consists of 4 live webinars and several live Q&As (everything will be recorded so you won't miss anything). It’ll help you get a whole lot more comfortable – and better – at asking for money.

Here are 8 great reasons to register:

1. Become a lot more comfortable asking for major gifts and other funding
2. Figure out who should be on your prospect list
3. Determine exactly the right time to ask in the meeting – and how much to ask for – to get the best results
4. Stop relying on special events and grants to raise critical funds
5. Assess your own Asking Style and understand its impact
6. Watch recordings of the webinars on your own schedule if you can't join live
7. Participate in live Q&A sessions with me… or watch the recordings
8. Learn how Asking Matters can support your fundraising journey

Please note:  When you sign up you will automatically be registered for all 4 webinars! The sessions will take place on July 20th, 22nd, 24th, and 27th. All sessions are at 1:00pm ET.

What would we do without technology?

And yet every day I find myself hating it at some point or another – some point where my technology is driving me rather than my using technology to improve my life. And I want to end the relationship. 

I find that inflection point fascinating. If we could only see it coming and avoid it, life would be so much better.

So, what the heck does this have to do with fundraising?!

It’s about the inflection point with our nearest and dearest donors. They’re amazing friends to the organization – the donors we know we can count on. Unfortunately, even if we’re doing everything right, donors sometimes hit a wall and develop unforeseen issues. While we can’t see the inflection point until we hit it, we can do much more to make sure we don’t hit it.

learn how to make sure donors don't hit a wall in the full post

Continuing my series of videos, here's one on selecting prospects and how your Asking Style can guide you. Not everyone will be equally comfortable and effective with every type of donor. In a large organization you might be able to pick donors with whom you feel you can be most effective. In small shops you might not have a choice, but you can use the Asking Styles lens to understand the dynamic between you and your donor and be better prepared to work with it.

What are the board’s most important functions? And what makes for a good board member?

Can a board member serve on multiple boards and, if so, how many?

Last but not least – the $64,000 question (no pun intended) of how much board members should contribute.

Find out Jerry's and my takes on the subject.

We can't stand them but we’ve got to wear them to help keep everyone safe. So, as with any tough medicine, we need to understand our own “why?” Why do we do something? What motivates us? And, as with everything, who we are impacts that “why?”

Here are my thoughts on what motivates each of us to wear our mask:

• Rainmakers: The facts say masks limit the spread of the virus. So we’ve got to wear our masks to reach our goal of preserving life.
• Go-Getters: Imagine the world if we can lick this by each of us wearing our mask. If we wear our masks great opportunity will be ours once again.
• Kindred Spirits: I’d feel awful if I got others sick, and I’d feel guilty if I didn’t do what’s being asked of me. I know in my heart this is what I should do, even if I can't stand doing it.
• Mission Controllers: Wearing masks is the plan, and I can follow the plan. If we all follow the plan we’ll achieve the desired result and get through this.

Delighted to volunteer with another wonderful local organization – my public library (which I can see from my window).

I led my first breakout-room Zoom training last Tuesday and it went well. The technology worked great and board members seemed to enjoy the small group chats.

In leading these calls I've noticed another silver lining.  I'm finding introverts are more likely to attend electronic meetings, and more likely to participate – at least in the chat room if not verbally.  Further, in a chat room introverts can take the time to form their thoughts and share them.  In a live situation introverts risk losing their turn to introverts.

However, in overseeing breakout rooms I learned something else about my Kindred Spirit/Mission Controller self.  I've never liked walking around a room to check in on working groups, and now I know it's even more uncomfortable when I'm supposed to pop into various virtual rooms to chat and see how the work is going! Last week it felt intrusive..and how embarrassing knowing it turned all the attention to me when I entered!
 

With all my good thoughts,
 

Brian

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