Hurry Up and Slow Down

Today I was working with two clients. Both are very conscientious about taking the right steps toward a campaign.

Both began planning more than a year ahead of when they wanted to conduct a campaign planning and feasibility study.

The result:

• Time to develop and refine a case statement that resonates
• Time to do a deep dive on who are their potential major donors
• Time to really connect with and have conversations with their potential major donors

When it comes time for the study, they will both be very prepared. Most of their top potential donors will be receptive to sharing their insight in a confidential setting.

We have been moving at a rapid pace—researching, studying, asking, evaluating and communicating. A steady, but rapid pace.

Too often we see nonprofits not planning ahead, and then suddenly trying to rush a study process and then rush a campaign.

These two clients will have the benefit of a thoughtful, strategic feasibility and planning study and the benefit of being ready—barring any surprises in the study—to move toward a campaign that moves at a fast pace toward the goal.

If you are looking at a major campaign, begin taking the right steps at least a year in advance—and ideally two. Hurry up, slow down and prepare. It will put you in the fast lane toward a successful campaign that is rewarding (and dare I say fun) for all involved!