Stewardship. Sometimes it’s easier said than done.
Anyone else had a great idea and said “we should do this…” only to run out of time or resources?
There’s always a meeting to get scheduled, or a where-did-this-pop-up-from emergency on Wednesday that your Monday-self didn’t anticipate. And who isn’t busy scheduling meetings with donors and prospective donors just to solicit those vital gifts, let alone stewarding the relationship?
But there’s precious gold in taking a moment to check-in with those in your orbit.
Whether they are donors, MVP volunteers, board members (and don’t forget former board members too), and even colleagues on the staff, there’s incredible value to pause and reach out to those people.
At Cape Fletcher Associates, our clients and former clients matter in no small way to us. We are committed to doing truly exceptional work, and yet even more importantly, we believe in the vital work that our clients are doing in their communities.
And so, with winter approaching, our hearts and minds turned toward warmth.
We tested a number of knit stocking caps. A number of them!
“Oh, this one is too scratchy!” exclaimed Michael. Or “I like this design, but the poof-ball on the top of the hat seems kinda meh,” John declared.
Finally, the right hat presented itself. And we couldn’t help but share it with our Cape Fletcher family.
It took us time, and it took effort. John is still crosswise with the mailing label printer. But it lets our friends know that we’re thinking of them. We took a play out of our own playbook.
And, in turn, they emailed, phoned, and texted us as hats appeared at their homes and offices.
They provided professional and personal life updates. They asked us for coffee chats and breakfasts. Oh, and they sent us photos. Lots of them, as you can see!
All this to say: Take a moment to reach out to those people in your donor or volunteer network and check on them. Say thank you, and let them know that they are a part of your family, that they are appreciated, and that you are there for them.
No doubt, a touchpoint is likely an effective strategic move as you’re watching your all-important donor retention rate. But, it’s also the right thing to do.
With gratitude to each of you in our Cape Fletcher Family,
John & Michael
Cape Fletcher Associates
Comments