Do you hear the words data, machine learning and artificial intelligence and ask yourself what it means and how will it benefit society? Business leaders, futurists and Governments readily acknowledge we are now living in the fourth industrial revolution. Today’s creations will bring massive changes in how we work, communicate and live.

When I answer the question so what do you do, the next question is more often than not, how do you ask someone for that much money…? The truth is, I don’t often do the asking. In most cases our job as fundraisers is done in the months and years leading up to ‘that’ meeting. When it comes to the ask, more often than not I have briefed and trained two others to take on that role.

So, your organisation needs more money. Whose doesn't! Knocking on a prospective donor’s door to tell them to give because you do good things will rarely result in a donation that will be world-changing for your organisation.

In every family you can see the similarities around the Christmas table: the talent for singing, the mops of curly hair or the same lopsided smile. But there’s always the one that’s a little bit different, who doesn’t quite fit the mould and you never know if he’s going to grow up to be an archbishop or arch criminal.

Imagine Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud CRM, eTapestry, Salesforce Non-Profit Success Pack, Microsoft Dynamics, or any of the marquis customer relationship management (CRM) systems which serve the non-profit sector, operating on their own. 

OK, so you have identified a major gift prospect. They are engaged. They love what you do. They are interested in supporting your campaign. You know who will ask. You know where and when that will happen. Just one question remains How do you know how much to ask them for?

“Why don’t we just do a campaign and raise $50 million?” True story, I once sat in a meeting when a member of the senior Executive made this statement. It was made like running a major campaign was the easiest thing in the world. Like $50 million would come to us just because we wanted it. 

Does your brand harness the power of emotion? Few businesses understand the power of emotion in branding. 

Big, hairy, and audacious. Most organisations do not have a brand strategy. As a result they are not using their brand as a lever to engage and drive preference.

Do you know your values? Quick! Name your company’s values. 
A lot of organisations don’t even have values. They were created without leadership ever taking the time to articulate what they stood for.