You’ve got to be passionate about what you do
I just added an interview with The News Tribune to the sidebar. I’m very proud of how it turned out.
I always get nervous when I talk to the press and my brain starts panicking at every question. If I say I want to get younger members, does that offend older members? What if I’m misquoted? What if, what if, what if … I’m always glad to see the article, just so I can stop worrying. I believe that my passion for Tacoma and City Club really come through.
Which reminds of something vitally important about fundraising, though, and it’s something I only touch on in my book.
You’ve got to love what you do. And if you don’t, you’re doing a disservice to your mission and your organization.
When I was editor of my high school newspaper, I was so devoted and dedicated to that paper I was a force that pulled many others along with me. I don’t mean to sound like I’m bragging about something that happened years and years ago (though I kind of am, I suppose). But I learned a lesson there: people respond to real passion.
I re-learned that at the Grand. I love movies. And so running a movie theater was a dream job. So many of our programs started with me saying, “Wouldn’t it be cool if … ?” Of course, there are a million steps after that question, including running ideas through sound financial channels and not surprising the board. Many ideas died along the way. But the passion I had for them, and the passion I carried for the ones that did get through, was very clear to see.
Passion will get the attention of your donors. I guarantee it. If you are passionate about your mission and trying new things, they will take note. They will take note and remember it when the request for the annual fund comes through? They will take note of it when they show up for a special event you arranged on the fly.
Think critically, be creative, and have fun. If you’re having fun, donors will see that. Everyone will see that, really. It will help transform your organization.
Permalink: Posted at 4:30 pm, September 10, 2009