Social Media Minute: Recent Reader Feedback

Here is some feedback from our social-media sites, blogs and article comments sections from the past few months.

“The 8 Basics of Donor Retention”
Navigating Off the Napkin blog, July 2
By Angie Moore

Angie, at Operation Smile, we live and breath #8. We have an internal philosophy that is articulated and shared with our constituents as our “Donor First Commitment” (below). We message this commitment along with how to reach our Donor Services team in our new donor “Welcome Kit,” on our acknowledgements and even on our mid and major gift (pledge) forms. This commitment requires focus and attention on numbers 1-7 listed above — they all tie together!

Operation Smile — Our Donor First Commitment: The immediate, life-changing surgeries we provide to children in remote locations around the world could not happen without our donors who generously contribute their hard-earned resources and time to our cause. We thank you for your compassion. In return for your support, we are committed to you. We are committed to serving you, our donors, volunteers and advocates with the same exceptional care that Operation Smile provides to children and their families around the world.
— Jann Schultz,
AVP Donor Services, Operation Smile

“I’m Ticked Off!”
Navigating Off the Napkin blog, May 14
By Angie Moore

Couldn’t agree more, Angie. There is far too much focus on process. Evaluating each vehicle irrespective of the whole program and performance thereof is just another example of [why] fundraising programs continue to struggle in so many organizations.
— Larry C. Johnson

Larry, you say it well. We must make sure the people who enjoy measuring the success of these programs and passing judgement (and budget) over them understand the bottom line is THE metric.
— Angie Moore

Fantastic article, Angie. You are spot on. Some really great organizations were disparaged. Perhaps donors won’t read that article, but other media organizations might, thus perpetuating the wrong message. We all need to be better advocates for our sector. (But your focus group findings are very encouraging!)
— Chris Ragusa

Great article, Angie! A thought-filled defense of direct response FR. Sadly many of our FR colleagues are of the belief that prospects flowing into their major and planned gifts programs “just happen.” Clearly they missed marketing 101.
— Charlie Cadigan

“30 Ways to Lose Your Donor”
Outside Counsel blog, July 22
By Willis Turner

There’s nothing that conveys emotion like the human voice. Making strategic calls to your donors is important. Another way, less invasive and also very powerful, is to send a personal voice message or an informal personal video within an email.
— WRRadioPat

"Heart and Head or Heart vs. Head?"
Outside Counsel blog, July 15
By Willis Turner

The “Identifiable Victim Effect” has now been well documented. We’re all story people. Not data people. And not data + story people. It’s well worth remembering — and the reason why all good fundraisers and nonprofit marketers must become good storytellers. Thanks for this great article. And here’s one I wrote on the same topic: http://www.clairification.com/2012/05/06/one-incredibly-dramatic-way-to-create-winning-content
— Claire Axelrad

"Just a Stranger on the Bus"
Outrageous Hope blog, July 11
By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

This morning I read “Just a Stranger on the Bus.” I want to thank you for writing that. … You so clearly stated what should be obvious, “The real threat to mankind isn’t nuclear war or natural disaster. It’s lack of compassion and the isolation that comes from apathy.” I can assure you that your words will be shared with others as I move through my efforts. Thank you so much for a beautiful story, for your perfect response to the situation, and for sharing it.
— Barbara J. Shaw

I just read the editor’s note from the July 2013 issue of FundRaising Success, and my eyes were leaking. What great writing and what an incredibly sweet story. I like to think of myself as someone who responds when people need help, but I appreciate the reminder of how important that is. Thanks for sharing.
— Lisa Gardner

"It All Begins With Prospect Research"
Pay It Forward blog, Aug. 9

By F. Duke Haddad

Great article, Duke. I love the story about the elderly woman and her generous donation. This demonstrates the importance of engaging all donors, regardless of the size of their previous donations, and the reward that can be gained by investing in those relationships with a long-term focus.
— Todd Rimer

"The 4-Quadrant Theory for Gift-Club Success"
Pay It Forward blog, Aug. 16
By F. Duke Haddad

Very good reminder and examples. Curious how you or others might see this model being successful with a nation-wide membership base? Much easier to coordinate and host local events with a local membership base … not so much when the members & prospects are far flung? I guess I am assuming that a $1,000-$5,000/yr donor would likely not spend an equivalent amount to return to campus for annual events … I’ve pondered using virtual events, for this purpose … just haven’t made the jump.
— RinaSD

"Giving In or Giving Up?"
Old Dog Fundraising blog , May 30
By Pamela Barden

Excellent advice, Pamela. Balanced, thoughtful and true. Thanks for sharing your perspective. I’ve lived through this as well and, sometimes, the frustration can really get to you. It always helps to know you’re not alone.
— CharityClairity

Insightful information, Pamela. Your years of experience and battle scars serve you well!
— Eric Streiff