As we head into the New Year, it’s only natural to start reflecting on the year gone by and begin planning for the year to come. As you begin this process, you’ll want to think about things you did well and those you wish you’d done better.
The years seem to go by faster and faster. It’s hard to imagine that it was 20 years ago when we were so worried about Y2K (the Year 2000).
If you’re 40 or older, you clearly remember New Year’s Eve of the year 2000. We wondered if the world as we knew it would implode as the clock struck midnight, and eagerly waited to see if our computers would work, if our bank accounts would crash, and whether our faucets would run. Of course, they all did.
And, if you remember Y2K, it’s likely you remember the movie, City Slickers with Billy Crystal. In the most famous scene, Curley talks about the One Thing: The secret of life.
Of course, he doesn’t reveal what that secret is. You have to figure it out for yourself.
What’s Your “One Thing” When it Comes to Fundraising?
The same thinking can be applied to fundraising. It’s not the same secret of success for everyone. You have to figure out what works for you.
In order to find that thing, you may need to try something new. Whatever it is, stick with it. Commit to trying it for a year. It’s a new year and a new decade. And as they saying goes, New Year: New You.
Of course, what we really know about resolutions is that they generally don’t stick. They last through about January 5th and then fade into the past of good intentions. So it’s important to pick something you are committed to. Something potentially so important that it would be crazy not to do it.
Consistency leads to success!
What I’ve learned over the years is that consistency leads to success. Pick one thing you can do and do it! Over, and over, and over. Even when you don’t feel like it.
The one thing that could change your fundraising forever, and the trajectory of your career, likely has to do with how you treat and interact with your donors.
Try Setting One Big Goal for Yourself
Every year, I set big goals for myself. I choose one big thing that will change the trajectory of my career (or my life). I break that goal down into monthly, weekly, and even daily tasks.
One year, my one big goal was writing a book. Now I’ve published three books. I wasn’t really sure if I could write a book, but I committed to writing at least one page per day, whether I felt like it or not. And I did. I wrote one page a day. Every day. Until I had a book.
Another year, I issued the Major Gift Challenge. That was back when I only had a handful of followers, readers, and subscribers. I committed to teaching them (you) how to raise major gifts through one task per week through a series of blog posts. It was a slog for everyone (me and you) but we did it. And it’s not too late to take the Major Gifts Challenge — in fact, that could even be your goal for next year.
And you don’t have to wait until the New Year…
It may seem early to make New Year’s resolutions or set big goals, but I don’t think so. You can get started on them early. Right now. Today.
Whether it’s calling donors, writing handwritten notes, sending personal emails, or something else, make a commitment to your donors in a way you’ve never done before.
Maybe it’s something bigger — like starting a capital campaign or taking an extensive course on major gift fundraising.
Maybe it’s writing a book or learning a new skill. Maybe it’s finding a cure for a disease, or creating a new work of art.
Ask yourself:
- Who do you want to be?
- How do you want to be remembered?
Now, do something to move yourself in that direction.
Need Inspiration? Here’s My “One Thing”
This past year, my big goal centered around my new venture, the Capital Campaign Toolkit. Maybe you’ve heard me mention it once or twice before.
This project has become my passion. We’ve created a whole new way for nonprofit organizations to approach their capital campaigns. It presents people with an entirely new dynamic — and something that’s much more affordable than the standard campaign model.
If we spread the word well, this thing we’ve poured our time and energy into is going to change the way nonprofit leaders lead capital campaigns for years to come. And that’s exciting for me! I’m absolutely committed to its success.
For more than a decade, I’ve endeavored to teach everyone I can how to become better fundraisers. It’s my way of helping the most people… and doing the most good in this world. The Capital Campaign Toolkit is an extension of that dream. It empowers nonprofit leaders to lead their own successful, cost-effective, capital campaigns.
And that’s how I want to be remembered — as someone who helps people achieve great things!
Commit to your One Thing today
So what’s your one thing?
Give it a little thought and then leave a comment below. Commit to it now, right here, with your public statement. Remember — as long as you’re committed, good things will follow.
Don’t be shy… declare your ONE THING below!
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