How to enjoy fundraising more

Part of why I have a job is because people do not enjoy fundraising but it’s required if they want to change the world. And they do. Or they don’t realize that fundraising is a skill. It can and must be learned.

We enjoy things that we are good at most of the time.

I help people who are already good at fundraising get great at fundraising. Maximize their donors. Maximize their impact. Stop the incessant looking for new new new and appreciate the current donors you have. That’s where the most sustainable new business strategy lies anyway.

But what if we centered enjoyment in our work more?

What might be the result?

Ease. Creative ideas. Problem solving. Fun. Deeper relationships. Moving faster even?

Why don’t we talk about how to enjoy the fundraising process more?

There are plenty of type-A folks like me who love goals and the pursuit of achieving (read: exceeding) them.

Isn’t true success that you just love the process? Because let’s be honest, the process is 99% of the work.

Here are 2 ways to enjoy fundraising more that are actionable advice you can take today:

Ask your donors powerful open-ended questions.

Great leaders realize that the power is not in having the answers but actually in asking great questions. Here are a few to get the ball rolling:

• What is something that has surprised you lately in your life or business?

• What is the one global problem that you would solve if you could wave a magic wand?

• What are you most proud of yourself for this year?

One individual is a whole universe to be discovered. What might you be able to learn? How fun and exciting!

Send out a survey of what interests donors most about your mission.

There is nothing more boring than a newsletter that goes largely ignored and a social media post that doesn’t get much engagement.

What do your donors want to learn? What element of what you do do they find fascinating?

When you incorporate more of what is interesting and fascinating, more people will respond and engage.

Here’s a hint: It’s probably not going to be what YOU find interesting or fascinating. You might be too close to the process to see how truly unique and special it is. Allow your donors to geek out over the brilliance of what you do.