"...Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity..."

This week, I am reading quotes from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu from his various works.

Reflection questions:

• Are you watering your fundraising appeals with worry and desperation?  Or, are you watering them with kindness and optimism?

• During a busy fundraising season, how are you embracing the saying, “do your work, and then step back. The only path to serenity”?

Reflection on Quote:

In the United States, we have trained our donors to give between November and December, which means that a prepared fund development professional has already finished their year end letter.  Or maybe not.  Yes, when we enter a busy season of fundraising, it can be very stressful and that stress can leak out into the appeals we send.

How we write our appeals to donors does affect the outcome.  We can approach the writing with worry, fear, desperation.  And, our appeals will reflect that fear and worry.  And, our donors will react - some by giving out of fear, but others will choose not to give at all.  Or, we can approach the writing with confidence, kindness, optimism, and solutions.  And, our appeals will reflect that kindness and optimism.  These appeals attract donors because they give donors a greater vision of what they can accomplish by joining with the mission and constituents we serve.

This work has entered the public domain.

What do you think?

To explore fundraising coaching deeper and to schedule an exploratory session, visit ServingNonprofits.com.

Music credit: Woeisuhmebop