Hindquarter Report
It is time to go deeper.
“To Be a Fundraiser” is three months old! Now is the perfect time for a look-back.
This Substack launched August 3. Three months, thirteen posts, good conversations started. Thank YOU for reading along! These are the wins, the ways I intend to do better, and how I’m thinking bigger.
Wins
Starting! It’s always hard to take the first steps and trust that we will figure it out as we go forward.
Asking. Every person I’ve asked to collaborate with me has been enthusiastic, supportive and positive – even the ones who have declined. (Pay attention, fundraisers!) I’ve had such remarkable responders! You can read their thoughts here. There are additional top-tier people coming up, I promise you.
Collaboration brings energy. Thanks, Kelly Wendell, for editing the words and helping keep it all organized and moving along! Samantha Roose-Christy, I’m grateful for your strategy and vision.
Do Better
My collaborators deserve more thanks than they have received from me. Plus, renewing these connections has been the best part of the project!
Sometimes I’ve been prepared a few weeks ahead on the calendar; sometimes only a few hours! The former feels better. I’ll stay ahead.
I will resist equating success with the number of viewers and subscribers. While I’m glad to see numerical growth, I’ve found what makes me feel successful is hearing about the conversations and self-reflection that are sparking.
Think Bigger
I believe more than ever that this perspective – that fundraisers will grow more by focusing on their self-awareness rather than their skillsets – is vital, and needs more attention. More people need to be talking about this.
My posts need to be deeper, more substantive, longer. That’s going to happen.
It’s time for me to offer personal coaching to individuals who want to go deeper. Want first access to coaching? Save your spot by sending me an email [PNH333@gmail.com] with the subject “Coaching.”
Speaking of quarters…Q4 brings very high expectations on fundraisers. You are right in the heat of it, I know. Your goals matter, the year-end opportunities are real. Even so, I would gently remind you that being frantic is never good. Slow down, show up with donors as yourself, listen well, be curious. (Trade secret: This is how goals get crushed.)
Most of the people with whom you meet are in their “fourth quarter” of their life, and the desire inside them to make a significant gift has everything to do with that awareness. Perhaps your interactions also need to be “deeper, more substantive, longer.”
PS: Is now the time to finally ask for some coaching, fundraisers? Email me at PNH333@gmail.com