by Marc A. Pitman | Aug 4, 2008 | Fundraising Secrets
On a whim, I decided to go through the process of buying my own Ask Without Fear! fundraising ebook from a new listing I’d posted on Craigslist. Oy. What an experience. First, I found out I couldn’t buy my own book from the seller’s PayPal or...
by Marc A. Pitman | Jul 23, 2008 | Fundraising Secrets, Samples & Tools
I promised to provide very practical advice. Here’s a quick tip that will improve virtually all your written communications: fold your letters so the donor names shows up when they open the envelope. This simple technique is powerful. Studies and experience show...
by Marc A. Pitman | Jul 1, 2008 | 3. Ask, Fundraising Secrets
I just got an email from a person I didn't know telling me about a firm I didn't ask about. It felt like spam. Here's my response: Hi [marketer's name], I'm not sure how we connected. This feels a bit unsolicited to me. For what it's worth: I love that you...
by Marc A. Pitman | Jun 17, 2008 | Fundraising Secrets
I’m reading Katya Andresen’s Robin Hood Marketing: Stealing Corporate Savvy to Sell Just Causes. It’s pretty amazing…and I’m only 25 pages into the book. I’m simply floored by her first “Robin Hood Principle”: Focus on...
by Marc A. Pitman | Jun 15, 2008 | 1. Research, 2. Engage, Fundraising Secrets, Internet & Social Media
Most of my nonprofit executive coaching clients are surprised that so much of my “Ask Without Fear!” fundraising training is based on listening. I guess most of us fall into the trap of thinking that all we need to do is memorize a great schpeal, give it,...
by Marc A. Pitman | Jun 3, 2008 | 3. Ask, Fundraising Secrets
One of my biggest frustrations is getting a passionate email appeal, clearly stating a need, but not telling me what to do to fix it. Do you want me to give money? Send a letter to the editor? But it’s worse to get an email asking for a donation without a link...
