Even though I SAY “seize the moment!”, it’s rare that I do. Life just requires so much rhythm and responsibility. But this time, I seized—BIGTIME.
A few of the organizations that Zion Consulting works with are in Israel, and the opportunity arose for me to spend most of the month of May in-country with them, seeing, sensing experiencing, and feeling the world that is theirs.
What does this have to do with you? With fundraising coaching? I’ll tell you.
Our clients are the heartbeat of Zion Consulting. It’s for THEIR good we exist, for THEIR success we coach, and for THEIR sustainability we work. You could say our clients are our partners. Getting on the ground, in their world, made the challenges, storyline, and needs come alive in a brand new way.
So…who are your partners?
Your donors are. The “why” of the Zion team is to partner with and empower organizations toward sustainable mission funding and freedom—unto impact. In essence, our purpose is the success of your mission. Your purpose is the success of your mission.
Now, slide on the lens of donors and nonprofit organizations. Your purpose is to impact your focus area. Your donor’s purpose is to impact that same focus area. Remember, they are giving THROUGH you, not TO you. Endeavor to get to know YOUR partner as you labor TOGETHER to make a difference.
Seeing your donors as partners changes just about everything. Ask yourself:
How much do you know about their worldview and environment?
What draws them to your cause?
Why do they remain loyal?
What barriers to partnership do they experience with you?
What storyline makes them feel fulfilled and assured they are actually making an impact?
In short, GET ON THE FIELD with your donors.
Create pathways for personal connection, send inquisitive questions, ask for their insight and advice…lay a foundation for relationship and loyalty. Be loyal to them — they are loyal to you!
Even though it’s a bit of a slower month for fundraising usually, June still holds opportunities for some important groundwork - especially relationally. Subscribers -check out the plan below the fold - it’s almost enough to wallpaper your office with. ;)
Happy Summering friends!
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