Greetings!
This has been a sad/happy few weeks. Cocoa, our 15-year-old best border collie/retriever mix, was diagnosed with cancer and pretty rapidly succumbed. My husband and Ursus, our other dog, were devastated.  | |
Minnie (top) and Belle snapped by a terrible photographer.
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The answer? Get TWO new-well, new to us-dogs. So we adopted 2-year-old Minnie and 8-year-old Belle.  Minnie is doing just fine, thank you, but Belle is having some difficulty. Right now, in fact, she is in my car, refusing to get out. Or rather, she is calmly sitting there, not responding but happy if I go inside with her and pet her. I'm sure there is a magic phrase that will get her out; I just haven't figured it out just yet.* Magic phrases-the ones that will make our donors and potential donors reach deep into their pockets-are constantly being sought. But it is not the words (alone) that will influence. It is the idea, the very big idea, and how that idea changes the world (your world), that will have meaning for your donors. Magic words: Impact, consequence, as a result of, this is what happened because....those will resonate and those will invite people and organizations to invest in your big idea. Not so magic words include need, lack, want. It's not that those words are unimportant; it's just that they are uninspiring. Inspiring people to get on board with what you are doing is the most important thing that a nonprofit does. Studies show that donors who make larger gifts give more when they believe that their giving matters. They want to make a difference; to have impact. While donors whose gifts are smaller tend to think more about doing good, they also want to know that good will happen as a result of their generosity. As you start closing out this year and planning for next (you are planning, yes?) think about the words that you use when you talk about your organization, the work you do, the vision you have for the future. Ah, vision. Having a vision that goes beyond simply keeping the doors open and continuing to do what you do is vital. Beyond big, your vision needs to encompass your mission and be focused on something large. It is the what of your organization-what you want to encompass. It is your inspiration-the thing that allows you to accomplish, to reach success. As this year ends and we head into a new year, do something daring. Dream. Forget about resolutions. Instead, focus on your vision, for you and for your organization. Only after you can see where you want to go, can you begin to figure out the steps that will get you there. *It was "out." Who knew? ***************** And as you create a vision, think about that work-life balance. Our article by Toni Roldan will head you in the right direction. It will also keep you from getting depressed about the health of the nonprofit sector or the fact that online seems to be replacing in person. But do note that word "seems." It is important to look beyond headlines. If you've ever wanted to be a published author, you need to read Guy Kawasaki APE-How to Publish a Book. Read the review to learn why. Finally, the end of one year, beginning a new one is the perfect time to rethink your fundraising strategies. If you want bigger gifts, you need to have bigger ideas. Open your minds and Think Big. **************
Need help in increasing your fundraising capacity or getting your Board to participate? Help is here. Email me or call 310-990-9151. | 
. Not the way they've been done, but the way they are going to be done. And now just tell you what you can do, but give you resources so you can actually do it.
