Blog Archives
Giving Tuesday
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday . . . didn’t shop at all this past weekend (except for a few groceries to feed my crew of teenagers). However, I learned of a day that I could really get into: Giving Tuesday.
I have a theory: You will receive only what you FIRST give away. That means, for example, if you want more business, give some of your business away (see The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann.) If you want more money, love, friends . . . give away money, love and yourSELF first and you will 
see an increase in those things.
So, here’s an opportunity to test this theory.
1) Find some things to give away today in honor of the special name . . . it doesn’t have to be big or a donation to a worthy non-profit (although that is encouraged, of course). Find simple things, things that you already have . . . some examples: Give someone your undivided attention for 10 minutes; share chocolate; be on the lookout for a colleague that’s having a rough day and give them a word of encouragement; buy lunch for your boss . . . CHALLENGE – do something like this every day for the next 10 days. Be as innovative and imaginative as you like.
2) Over the coming weeks, observe the affects of your giving and use this blog to post your comments. Describe what you gave and what came back to you. Another Theory: what you receive will probably NOT come directly from the person / people you gave to.
Thank you for helping to test this theory. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Give to your donors FIRST
The Divine Economy is automatic and very simple – we receive only that which we give. (Napoleon Hill)
If you are reading this, you are probably itching to do more to generate revenue for your non-profit organization. You are probably frustrated that the only options you see seem to be methods that are passive, with a “wait and see” component. What if you could be more active and in control of your fundraising success? What if you could set a goal and be able to manage the results?
This video from the Chronicle of Philanthropy is revealing: http://bcove.me/lloo3j30
The professional fundraisers in the clip indicate that they are increasing their communication and stewardship efforts. If you are engaging in this, that’s great. However, if you aren’t careful this extra communication could be viewed as a lot of “talk” . Your donors are already receiving thousands of messages each week from many sources. They are all designed to persuade your donors to part with their hard-earned cash.
Instead, why not offer to give donors something they want and need in this economy? Further – do it before they give you more money. Why not be the first to offer something? Michael Rosen, CFRE of ML Innovations, Inc. encourages non-profits to offer value to donors and prospective donors – especially to the business community. (See radio program of October 12, 2011)
In other words – be the first to give the donor something. Give them something that helps their business grow and be in a better position to help you. Become a trusted partner in other people’s success, and you will create a network of raving fans.
We have two programs that are active and innovative. They involve a new approach to promoting your organization so that you don’t have to just “wait out the storm”.
The Pathway Partners program gives your non-profit organization a way to engage small businesses and help them grow. A key element is also the ambassadorship component that gives donors and volunteers a customized tool to generate word-of-mouth marketing for your organization.
Corporate Programs – investigate this and encourage your corporate partners to engage in a program that includes Profit and Philanthropy. It is a value-added plan that generates extra income and builds communities at the same time.
These two streamlined programs are based in a practice of cooperation and collaboration. You are no longer passive and forever making YOUR case – the methods are truly donor-centered. It changes the nature of your organization’s communication and stewardship. It also transforms the lives of your donors so they can help you transform the lives of those you serve.
The guests on our radio show this week give us practical advice and inspiration on reaching out in a new way to achieve fundraising success. We debunk the myth of a competitive model and offer tools to get you on an immediate path toward taking control of your own success by investing in the success of others FIRST.
Contact Laura for more information: 614-915-4324 – – – philanthropyplus@hotmail.com
Capturing Your Organization’s Stories
Wild Apricot Blog : Capturing Your Organization’s Stories.
It is important to tell your organization’s story – it’s not all about the MATH and “bottom line” numbers. The blog article referenced above has great advice on how to engage your “raving fans” and volunteers to gather photos, leads on stories and various ephemera that can make a heart-felt compelling case for support.
The YouTube video below is a piece I put together recently for a couple that received an award for outstanding philanthropy. They ran a successful small business that became the engine for major gifts and planned giving to several outstanding non-profit organizations. Building these relationships and telling their stories inspire others to higher levels of philanthropy that will benefit your non-profit fundraising efforts as well as many other organizations.
Contact Laura to set up your organization’s editorial calendar – tell great stories and widen your network of raving fans!
philanthropyplus@hotmail.com 614-915-4324
Time Well Spent
Americans always know what time it is, but they never seem to have any . . .
– Anonymous European
When I host online Mastermind sessions, I ask two questions:
1) What do you want most for yourself or your organization?
2) What are the primary obstacles keeping you from reaching that desire?
The answers to #1 are inspiring, visionary and noble – and every one distinctly unique. The answers to #2 are almost always the same: Not enough time and not enough money.
Regarding TIME – every day has 24 hours – we all have all there is. It is not a lack of time that is the obstacle; rather, it is how we are choosing to use that time.
Regarding MONEY – when you spend your time wisely and strategically (as related to your purpose), the means for accomplishing any aspiration will develop.
Consider these common uses of time and money:
| Activity | Your $$ | Your Time/Year | Your Time/Week | |
| MBA – online from a highly respected University | $89,000 over 2 years | 500+ hours | 10+ hours | |
| Hiring a non-profit organizational and fundraising consultant | $50,000 per year | 100+ hours | 2 hours | |
| Attending seminars and executive coaching sessions | $4,000 per year | 180 + hours | 3.5 hours | |
| Entertainment- Cable TV
– Movies – Concerts – _________
|
$ _________
per year |
__________ hours
|
__________ hours
|
In our Mastermind Groups for Non-profits, we help each other to maximize TIME to raise more MONEY. While working on an advanced degree, engaging in continuing education and working one-on-one with a coach are edifying pursuits; consider the amount of time and money spent in relation to what those activities can do to help achieve real success. With Mastermind groups and accountability partners, we have an on-going system for personal and organizational improvement at much lower costs – both in time and money.
Mastermind Groups are a proven method of time management: learning how to do more in less time and with less effort . . . In addition, the Mastermind Groups for Non-Profits add a specific education element focused on the most effective fundraising methods.
If you are ready to take action and remove the obstacle of “tempus fugit”, then join us for a sample Mastermind Session . . . Click on the MASTERMIND tab for more information.
Overcoming Adversity
How do you view adversity? Set aside the time to listen to an inspring call:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf
The attitudes, principles and actions that they discuss are exactly what we work through in Mastermind Groups. Check out the MASTERMIND tab to learn how you can follow up the inspiration with ACTION.
Use Business Cards to Promote your Organization
10 powerful ways to use your business cards
By Beth Davis, Founder/CEO of Gold Star Referral Clubs
While this was written for small businesses, it is applicable to your non-profit work as well. . . . LAM
- Never leave home without them: Keep a supply handy at home so that you can restock your wallet/purse every day when you leave.
- Give and Receive: The best way to get someone to want your business card is to ask for theirs.
- Insert a card into all your mail: Starting today, don’t ever seal an envelope without your card in it, even your bills. The person that opens the envelope might know your next best client.
- Be generous: Business cards are the best value for your advertising dollar. Be able to give someone as many as they ask for. Always offer 2 – 1 for the person and 1 for them to pass along.
- Be ready at every occasion and any occasion: You can never predict when it’s a good time to give a business card. Buffet line, gas station, birthday party . . .
- Ask for a referral: You will be surprised at how well people will respond to, “Here are two of my cards. I would appreciate a referral and would welcome a call from you or family or anyone you know you may need a ____”
- Visit trade show: Ask for business cards from the show vendors, give yours in return. Read some of their card out loud and ask them about what they do. Make a friend. Then follow-up.
- Make it a coupon: Hand-write a special offer or a discount for your service or product on the back of your card. Initial it. Invite them to visit your business.
- Attach a small gift to your card: Attach a mint, a specialty cookie or other small (but useful or tasty) promotional item.
- Brand yourself: add your tag line, hook or quote
BONUS CHALLENGE from Laura Anne Miller:
Hand out 50 business cards per day: the owner of a local termite inspection/pest control company does this. In the morning, his wife hands him 50 cards, and he is under orders to return home with NONE. He uses the above techniques and takes every opportunity to give people his cards. He came to town knowing no one, and in a few short years became the leader of a thriving and wildly successful business. Every real estate agent in town knows him and most use his services . . . Think of creative ways you could accomplish this challenge goal!
This, of course, means that you have to get out from behind your desk every single day and go promote your organization. You cannot spend all your time perfecting the website, writing mass mailings and planning the next “event”. Use your imagination and think like a salesman. Call me to discuss – 614.915.4324 – Laura Anne Miller
Raise significant funds in 2011 – and BEYOND
Use the IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution in a special way – you don’t have to sacrifice current donations to build a long-term planned giving progam for your organization!
Take a look at this presentation on Slideshare.net – then contact Laura for more information.
The Dignity of Work
One of my clients, the MCS/TOUCH program was recently awarded a substantial grant to implement a program of community development. It is a summer work program for young people – helping them take their lives to a new level of growth and exploration. An essential part of this program, and of all the services at MCS/TOUCH, is to provide employment opportunities. We have an enormous list of “Pathway Partners” – employers who are willing to give people the opportunity to learn about the positive benefits of a good day’s work. They are small businesses and non-profit organizations that hire the participants and give them the gift of dignity. These business people are interested in making a profit, for certain. However, they are also intensely committed to making an investment in the community. Thank you to all the Pathway Partners! They are making it possible for people of all backgrounds to get to the level where they are net contributors and do not have to be dependent upon “charity” for their survival. . . .
If you would like to learn how to become a Pathway Partner and jump to the highest level of the Golden Ladder, contact Laura Miller – 614.915.4324 or lmiller@nfpcoaching.com . . . The summer works! program fully compensates the participant (up to 120 hours). See: Pathway Partners wordpress blog
If you are a non-profit and would like to learn how we were successful in this grant process, contact Laura Miller at the phone/email above. As a reminder, here is the Golden Ladder of Philanthropy:
The Golden Ladder of Philanthropy
By Maimonides
(From Lowest Level to Highest Level)
1. To give reluctantly, the gift of the hand, but not of the heart.
2. To give cheerfully, but not in proportion to need.
3. To give cheerfully and proportionately, but not until solicited.
4. To give cheerfully, proportionately, and unsolicited, but to put the gift into the poor person’s hand, thus creating shame.
5. To give in such a way that the distressed may know their benefactor, without being known to him or her.
6. To know the objects of our bounty, but remain unknown to them.
7. To give so that the benefactor may not know those whom he has relieved, and they shall not know him.
8. To prevent poverty by teaching a trade, setting a person up in business, or in some other way preventing the need of charity.
About the Author – Maimonides (1135 -1204)
Jewish rabbi, physician, Talmudic scholar and philosopher in Egypt.
Non-profits working harder . . .
This news story came across my desk today:
Non-profits working harder/Donations still down
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=286000019
How are all those events working for you? – if you are like the organizations in this article/survey, probably not as well as you would like . . . and you are putting more time and effort into them.
Why work harder when you can work smarter to bring in revenue? PhilanthropyPlus has 2 “shovel ready” plans that are low/no cost ways to increase revenue now, and build meaningful realtionships in planned giving.
Did you know that Planned Gifts average about 20-25 times the size of the average annual gift? In addition, it solves a whole host of problems for small businesses, family-run enterprises, and high-net-worth families. But don’t be fooled – it takes an authentic person willing to focus on servicing the donor. It also takes time: about 18 months-3 years of CONSTANT cultivation before the gift is “official”.
So, in the meantime, you are under pressure to produce results NOW. That’s what the PhilanthropyPlus processes can do for you. Contact Laura Anne Miller to get started on a path that leads to an increasing stream of diversified revenue.
Unleashed Abundance 