Hello, I Love You; Won't You Tell Me Your Name

Unfortunately, most boards of directors are less lofty and prefer to deal in the currency of "return on investment."

Here are some tips for getting your fans, friends and followers to become your donors and volunteers, all from the world of rock 'n' roll.

'Respect'
I've removed myself from the e-mail files of more than one nonprofit because I felt like I was being stalked. Three or four e-mails a week is too many, no matter how exciting your news is. Back in the old days, we had two options for our postal mailing list — get all our mail, or get none of it. Then we got sophisticated (and also got computers), and we could offer quarterly mail, newsletters only, etc. Give your e-mail file options, too — before people decide the only option is to click the "remove" link on your e-mail. Asking how often they want to hear from you shows respect, and people who feel respected are more likely to become investors.