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

May 16, 2006

TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More

This sounds somewhat idealistic to many, yet in reality, it is the most economical, efficient way to organize a successful advancement team. Here are three focal points to consider when building your TEAM:

1. A TEAM approach to relationship building ensures that there will always be someone within the organization that has a rapport with strong supporters. Relationships should be built by members of the TEAM, but not with them - the connection should be between the organization and the donor.

2. Empower knowledgeable experts within your TEAM, then work together to most efficiently and effectively serve your constituency. For example, let event specialists handle events, accounting staff work with financial issues and development specialists move relationships forward. However, relationship building should be embraced by everyone.

3. Establishing a TEAM requires a leader. Without leadership there is chaos and organizations in chaos rarely attract philanthropists. I often say; "There are no leaders if there are no followers." In this situation it also would be appropriate to say; "If there is no leadership, there will be no contributions."

It comes down to common sense and treating others as we would like to be treated - genuinely from the heart, not strategically from the head. Be nice to people, celebrate their gifting choices regardless of the size or designation and you may be surprised what you learn AND receive.

- Vernon J. Henricks, Senior Vice President (Wichita) vern@hartsookcompanies.com

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Make certain all departments communicate and run news releases and other public announcements past key people to ensure there are no concerns, changes or surprises." - Barbara Buoy-McCray, Catholic Relief Services (Baltimore, Md.)

If you are interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, contact 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

• "Another Two Dozen Best Practices^SM,"a special edition featuring suggestions from 24 Hartsook Companies consultants

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@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

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

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 Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

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