Those of us in fundraising know the potentially devastating impact of investing our valuable time in activity that doesn’t yield the desired results. We find ourselves second-guessing decisions and wondering:
Why did I take this meeting?
Why did we host the dinner party?
Why did I attend that networking function?
Focusing on Activity
It’s easy to correlate the volume of activity — the sheer number of meetings we take and asks we make — with building momentum that will generate positive returns. And activity does generate a kind of momentum because we are, in fact, doing something. But when we place too much focus on activity, it’s easy to feel let down when our efforts don’t pan out and we’re left empty-handed.
When we begin to feel disappointed and frustrated that our time is not well spent, we lose critical momentum. This loss can have a negative effect on your fundraising. You might begin to procrastinate or, conversely, launch into hurried activity. Without any meaningful direction, you are setting yourself up for an endless cycle of worry and stress that generally doesn’t produce results.
Generating Positive Momentum
While volume can create momentum, you want to be sure it’s positive momentum, not a negative spiral.
So how can we orient our fundraising efforts and resources so we create momentum that is:
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Positive
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Forward-moving
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Results-driven
We need to combine our volume of activity with another important factor — velocity.
Momentum = Mass x Velocity
If you increase either mass (i.e. volume of activity) or velocity (i.e. speed), the momentum increases. If you increase both mass and velocity, momentum goes up even more.
Momentum = Mass x Velocity
If you increase either mass (i.e. volume of activity) or velocity (i.e. speed), the momentum increases. If you increase both mass and velocity, momentum goes up even more.
The key to generating productive, positive momentum is to maintain a consistent rate of activity while adding velocity.
And velocity is not just speed. It’s speed with direction.
Setting Your Direction
In my work with clients, I have witnessed teams move from stuck and despairing to fast-paced and purposeful within weeks. Much of it has to do with taking your foot off the gas pedal long enough to refocus and set direction, and get everyone aligned on a few key strategies.
It doesn’t take long, and it fundamentally changes the way you approach your fundraising efforts.
Let me know if you think my coaching can be helpful to you, or someone you know. I look forward to hearing from you!