This post is a bit more personal than you may be used to, but this is a very interesting time.
I’m very nearsighted, and I’ve had glasses since I was a little girl. Yes, I was one of those kids with jelly jars, and I sure got teased a lot.
But that changed last week when I had my first cataract surgery on one of my eyes. I can now see without glasses or contacts. It’s absolutely incredible!
Of course, my eyes are still adjusting, so it’ll be a bit of time before it’s all balanced out. I may still need glasses, but it’s certainly a brand-new world for me!
Any type of surgery is nerve-wracking, and I was definitely apprehensive when I went in. But the nurses and staff were all very helpful and pleasant, and the procedure itself went by really fast and painlessly.
When I got home, I was to take it easy for a day. Lo and behold, I received a phone call that afternoon from the nurse who first admitted me, asking if I was alright and if I had any questions.
I’m sure this is standard operating procedure with this eye doctor’s practice, but it sure made me feel good, knowing that someone I had only just met this morning cared enough and took some time to make a call.
What does this have to do with fundraising? I’d say, take a lesson from this doctor’s office when it comes to your donors—especially your monthly donors.
Did something special happen? Did your monthly donor make an extra gift? Did the donor decide to change their credit card gift to EFT/ACH/direct debit? If so, why not pick up the phone? Say thank you, and ask if the donor has any questions about you, your cause, and their gift.
Especially in this day and age, where so much is automated and computerized, it’s good to know that we’re also human beings who, every now and then, just want to know that other people care—especially colleagues, especially donors. So think about this the next time you decide what it takes to better steward and recognize your donors.
Start with that phone call or, if you can’t reach the donor by phone, send that handwritten note letting him or her know you’re grateful–letting him or her know there’s a person at the other end who cares. Trust me, the donor will remember! I sure will!
