Not Even a Mulligan

For a number of years, I attempted to take up golf. I say “attempted” inasmuch as after three rounds of lessons and many hours invested, I never really got beyond the frustration level of competence.

It’s a great game. You’re often in beautiful settings with the opportunity to spend time with people you like. So, why didn’t I do better?

You could say I’m not naturally gifted as an athlete. That would only be a partial answer, however.

What I learned during my attempts on the links was that being good—good enough to go beyond frustration and feel accomplished—requires a level of time and focus that I simply was unable—or unwilling—to give.

We all live busy lives. We believe that we can add just one more thing and continue to be productive and competent in that, too.

I could have continued to go out on the course occasionally. To do so would have only allowed me to continue to delude myself. Someday, I’ll be good.

Instead, I gave it up and focused on those things I do well and that give me great pleasure and relaxation. Not that I don’t think about golf from time to time.

Strategic fundraising is a lot like this. There are so many tools, techniques and approaches to raising money. Why not do them all? More is better, right? Wrong.

As with life, the unique fundraising idea is not to simply do more, but to do those things that will actually create sustainable revenue streams and scale over time.

There is only so much energy, time and resource. The lie of our age is that doing more always yields more. More often than not, it gives only pieces of more that don’t deliver.

As you plan your fundraising programs, think strategic fundraising. Polish and hone your program with those things that truly deliver—now and in the future. Now that’s a unique fundraising idea.

Principle 8 of The Eight Principles™ is Invest, Integrate & Evaluate. Always evaluate.

To your fundraising success!