Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

April 8, 2008

Sometimes, knowing what not to do is a great place to start. While every campaign is unique, here are five common pitfalls to avoid to increase your campaign's chance of success.

1. Starting without a Map
   With a qualified staff, great volunteers, and a compelling need, you're ready to go. Not so fast! The time spent developing a well-conceived plan that involves everyone close to your organization will pay off in the end. This plan will not only guide you, but will deepen the commitment of those who participate in its development.
   
   
2. Forgetting the Lights
   Does your Campaign Plan include a strategy for keeping the lights on? If your annual fund donors simply redirect their gifts to the campaign, you're not making progress. Make sure your plan includes ways to "grow your givers."
   
   
3. Identifying "Rich People"
   Well-known "rich people" are wonderful, but when identifying prospects look closely at the people you already know well. Help them imagine the kind of impact they can have, show them how to make a large gift, then ask. Of course you will want to pull others in, but don't overlook those already at your table.
   
   
4. Asking Too Soon
   Are you successful if you get a meeting, ask for $50,000, and walk away with a check? Not necessarily. Did your donor see the facilities, talk to your clients, or understand how you impact those you serve? Did the donor give to a building fund, or to changing lives? Give people an opportunity to invest in hope.
   
   
5. Saying Thank You and Good Bye
   You've thanked your donors, and have the plaques to prove it! But have they become a part of the change they helped create? Have you included them in the life of your organization? Their gift means they care. "Thank you" is just the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

- Karin Cox, MFA, Senior Vice President (Raleigh, North Carolina) kcox@hartsookcompanies.com

Another Smart Idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Never forget your alumni's (donors') spouses. Keep them in the loop ... for now and later."
- Jill Belcher, New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM)

If you are interested in Best Practices and smart ideas, see these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• Getting Your Ducks in a Row! . . . Proven Strategies for Exceeding Your Capital, Endowment and Operating Campaign Goals
  No development officer should be without this book. Bob Hartsook's guide brings together outstanding authors and sources providing a tool box of strategies for effective campaign fundraising. Each page is filled with ideas, concepts, plans, strategies, approaches and suggestions that result in success. Available for $19.95 (plus $3 S&H) through ASR Philanthropic Publishing by calling toll-free 1-866-630-8500.
  
  
• "Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers" by Robert G. Swanson (2007, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). This book shares proven strategies you can implement immediately to give Board members the confidence and tools needed to cultivate donors, solicit gifts and strengthen your organization's position in the community. To order this book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.
  
  
• "Best Practices Coast to Coast," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union.
  
  
• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas.

For a free copy of "Best Practices Coast to Coast" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection", please email Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Career Booster!

Looking to advance your career? Look to the Hartsook Consultant School: September 25-27, 2008. This intensive three-day program provides an opportunity to work intimately with our finest consultants who will share practical, experiential and theoretical wisdom with fundraising professionals who are ready to take their profession to the next level. Email tammy@hartsookcompanies.com for more information.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.