Comments on: How Long to Hold a Lead http://www.asmallchange.net/how-long-to-hold-a-lead/ Making sense of fundraising for non-profits. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:57:23 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Leanne http://www.asmallchange.net/how-long-to-hold-a-lead/comment-page-1/#comment-57539 Leanne Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:34:11 +0000 http://www.asmallchange.net/?p=754#comment-57539 One of the things I do in addition to the follow up you mention is to send them a hand written thank you card, touching on a point we shared in conversation or a common interest. I usually do this first and then, as time goes on, try and look for meaningful ways to connect them with my organization even further, making sure to build upon the things I wrote to them about in the first thank you note. Also, depending on their receptivity, I'll send article clippings- actual, physical clippings via snail mail-about something they shared with me (their love of trains and the stock market would be a clue for me to mention Warren Buffett's latest move, for example). These little "touches" let them know that I am connecting not only with their ability to help my organization or their interest in partnering with me, but it indicates a sincere (and it MUST be sincere, btw!) desire to show them that I see and value them for who they are as an individual, not just a dollar sign. I've done this before, even when others thought it was pointless and seen engagement and contributions increase substantially. We're in the relationship business, when all is said and done, and while I can't have truly meaningful interactions with every volunteer or donor, I can look at them holistically and step outside of the development/fundraising box as often as possible to let them know they matter to my organization as much as the people my organization serves. One of the things I do in addition to the follow up you mention is to send them a hand written thank you card, touching on a point we shared in conversation or a common interest. I usually do this first and then, as time goes on, try and look for meaningful ways to connect them with my organization even further, making sure to build upon the things I wrote to them about in the first thank you note.

Also, depending on their receptivity, I’ll send article clippings- actual, physical clippings via snail mail-about something they shared with me (their love of trains and the stock market would be a clue for me to mention Warren Buffett’s latest move, for example).

These little “touches” let them know that I am connecting not only with their ability to help my organization or their interest in partnering with me, but it indicates a sincere (and it MUST be sincere, btw!) desire to show them that I see and value them for who they are as an individual, not just a dollar sign.

I’ve done this before, even when others thought it was pointless and seen engagement and contributions increase substantially. We’re in the relationship business, when all is said and done, and while I can’t have truly meaningful interactions with every volunteer or donor, I can look at them holistically and step outside of the development/fundraising box as often as possible to let them know they matter to my organization as much as the people my organization serves.

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