No Time, No Money... No Communication?

For most small nonprofits, slowing down to communicate is a luxury you can't afford. At the same time, you know if you don't tell your community and prospective donors about the good work you do, they won't know enough to support your organization.

Knowing it pays to communicate, but you don't have the time or money, consider these five tips.

1. Eyes and Ears
Gather everything you've published in the past six months - press releases, brochures, newsletters, printouts of your website, bulk-mail letters. Invite three to five friends or associates with little knowledge about your organization to review them and provide their candid opinions. Listen carefully and objectively.

2. Pen to Paper
Use what you've learned to write a quick plan - including assignments and deadlines. Do it today! It doesn't have to be perfect - any plan is better than no plan at all. And comments such as "incorporate more pictures" and "use language that appeals to older readers" can get you started.

3. Show, Don't Tell
If you could have donors' attention and hearts for just two minutes, where would you lead them? Take them there. In everything you do, illustrate your mission. Show, through stories and pictures, the compelling work you do and how you change lives.

4. Penny Power
Analyze the return on investment of your current communications. Consider focusing entirely on a key audience you are trying to reach. Seek low-cost, high-yield opportunities to keep your name in front of this very specific constituency.

5. Nothing Beats a One-on-One
For the ultimate cost-effective, low-budget communications, have a conversation. It's as simple as that, but often, this is the most overlooked strategy. Decide today to have at least one conversation a week with someone that needs to grow closer to your organization. And remember - listen more than you talk.

Your good work deserves to be known. Start with a plan. Identify what you need to say and who needs to hear it. Then say it. Say it again, and listen to the echo as it comes back to you through words, deeds and gifts.

- Karin Cox, MFA, Senior Vice President (Wilmington, N.C.) kcox@hartsookcompanies.com

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

"Stay in touch with donors every month." - Rosalea Maher, Youth Emergency Services, Inc. (Omaha, Neb.)

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.
"Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union.
"Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," 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 Gretchen DiGiovanni, gretchen@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Career Booster!

Looking for ways to invest in your organization's future? Join us for a seminar packed with valuable fundraising strategies! Whether you're on the West coast, East coast or somewhere in between, plan to participate in the Hartsook Companies, Inc. Fall Seminar Series:

November 15 - Detroit, Mich.
December 5 - Santa Barbara, Calif.
December 12 - Raleigh, N.C.

This full-day seminar provides an opportunity for you to learn from some of our top consultants; network with fellow fundraisers, nonprofit professionals and volunteers; and gather valuable ideas you can implement immediately. Visit the Hartsook Companies website at www.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. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Gretchen DiGiovanni, gretchen@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

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