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• Updates
• Podcasts
• Books
• Presentations
• Articles
Updates
Podcasts
We know you're busy. We also know that everyone doesn't get all their information from the printed page. That's why we've introduced our Smart People Podcasts. Just download and listen to some of the world's smartest people give you the information you need to be the best fundraiser you can be.
November 2006 - Polling donors and prospects can give you a strategic edge in today's demanding Charitable Marketplace. Join Fraser Green as he talks with Jim Matsui - one of Canada's most respected pollsters
November 2006 - Join Fraser Green as he talks with the University of Calgary's Tony Myers about the critical role research can play in your fund development program
June 2006 - Fundraising today is a tough business. Join FLA's Fraser Green as he talks to Bernard Gauthier - one of Canada's smartest and most successful communications professionals
Books
We're great believers that smart fundraisers don't just read fundraising books. Here are some that we recommend highly.
And, once you've read a book on our list, we'd love to hear your review!
New for 2007
On Becoming a Leader
by Warren Bennis
2003 – Basic Books (Perseus Book Group, New York)
This is the best book we’ve ever found on the subject of leadership. We believe that our sector suffers from a leadership deficit – and this book can make a real contribution to reducing that deficit. Bennis gives a very practical and well-researched list of leadership attributes which can be learned and practiced by just about anyone.
Unleashing the Idea Virus
By Seth Godin
2001 – Hyperion Books
Seth Godin is one of the hottest new-wave business writers around (his book ‘Purple Cow’ is on our book list already). In a lively and thought-provoking way, Godin describes how idea viruses are created, and how they can spread like wildfire. You’ve got to love a book with titles like “Van Gogh Lost His Ear to Prove a Point”. This book is a lot of fun.
Love is the Killer App
By Tim Sanders
2002 - Three Rivers Press
Sanders (a Yahoo pioneer) is another new economy business writer who has a refreshing new take on what it takes to succeed. He moves beyond the traditional ‘military authority’ model of personal power and makes a powerful case for a new paradigm. Sanders argues that today’s successful people are ‘love cats’ who share freely of their knowledge, their networks and their compassion. This is a lively and simple book about how to build your personal brand to its max.
Getting to Maybe
By Frances Westley, Brenda Zimmerman & Michael Quinn Patton
2006 – Random House
This is a unique and fascinating book about social innovation – within the context of scientific complexity theory. We know, we know – this one sounds like a Ph. D. dissertation. But, it’s actually a very accessible and thought-provoking read. Essentially it takes the individual who’s out to change the world in some way and provides a very useful map of the ever-changing environment in which that individual functions. The essential argument of the book is that the individual who understands the environment has the greatest chance of success. We guarantee that this book will make you think!
“One of the barriers we often see in not-for-profit organizations is what the media calls ‘compassion fatigue’. What would we tell the director or a voluntary organization whose members have been battling the illness, poverty, violence or fear that seems to be always with us?
First, it strikes us that voluntary-sector organizations have become embarrassed by real emotion and genuine passion as they have become more professional. Dependent on government funding, many voluntary-sector organizations have become overly cautious. Part of their challenge is to find the courage to articulate the vision that can rekindle the flame.
Speak passionately about the things that really matter to you. Give voice to those you serve who live the problems you want to attack.”
Bravo. We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves.
2007 Pick of the Year
Made to Stick
By Chip Heath and Dan Heath
2007 - Random House
This book is a must-read for all of us trying to communicate with our donors and prospects in such a fragmented, noisy and crowded world. While we’re all exposed to thousands of messages every day, Made to Stick shows you how to cut through the clutter and get our messages across.
The Heath brothers show us how sticky messages are simple, concrete, unexpected, credible and emotional. They also stress the importance of storytelling in communication – and we love that. If you only read one book on our list this year, make it this one.
Plus, you’ve got to love a book that has a big strip of fake duct tape across its front cover!!
Reviewed in 2006
Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman
Bantam Books, 1997
Humans are emotional animals. To understand and motivate donors, it’s essential to tap into their emotions. This book is a great introduction into the emotional side we all possess.
The Cluetrain Manifesto
Rick Levine, Christopher Locke, Doc Searls & David Weinbergber
Basic Books, 2000
This is an information technology business book that gets us back to very old principles. The authors argue that new technology allows buyers and sellers (make that donors and fundraisers?) to return to ancient market practices – namely having relationships and conversations with each other.
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Robert B. Caldiani, Ph.D.
Quill William Morrow New York, 1993
The author applies his psychological expertise to the question of how we influence others to comply with our wishes – and how we are influenced to comply with the wishes of others. There are actually six simple ‘secrets’ of influence – which are clearly and simply explained.
Loyalty Myths
Timothy L Keiningham, Terry G. Vavra, Lerzan Aksoy & Henri Wallard
John Wiley & Sons, 2005
Customer satisfaction and customer loyalty are all the rage in the corporate world. Companies around the world spend billions engineering programs to build satisfaction and loyalty. But it isn’t easy and it isn’t simple. The authors list no less than 53 myths about loyalty approaches that don’t work – and offer some prescriptions as to how true loyalty is actually achieved. (Note: This isn’t an easy read – but donor satisfaction and loyalty are becoming very important to fundraisers.)
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing
Al Reis & Jack Trout
Harper Business 1993
An enjoyable and simple read. Every fundraiser needs some marketing knowledge - and this is a great source.
Body Language
Julius Fast
Pocket Books 1970
What your donors do can tell you more than what they say. This book is a great introduction to the subtleties of body language.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey
Simon & Shuster 1989
A classic for anyone interested in career or personal growth.
The Leadership Challenge
James M Kouzes. & Barry Z. Posner
Josey Bass 2002
A must-read for anyone aspiring to a leadership position in their organization - or anyone in a leadership position who isn't sure what to do with it!
Business 2010
Fred Harmon
Kiplinger Books 2001
A wealth of information on the big picture trends that will shape philanthropy - as well as business - during this decade.
The Power of Simplicity
Jack Trout
McGraw Hill 1999
Remember the old KISS rule? This is a fun read that reminds you to do just that.
Boom Bust & Echo
David K. Foot
Macfarlane Walter & Ross 1996
The author argues that 'demographics is two-thirds of everything' - and we agree!
Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind
Al Ries & Jack Trout
McGraw Hill 1981, 2001
This one is Fraser's marketing 'Bible'. Powerful. Simple. Lasting. A true marketing classic.
The Tipping Point
Malcolm Gladwell
The definitive work on viral marketing. A must-read for anyone involved in e-fundraising.
Purple Cow
Seth Godin
Penguin Group 2003
If you're not remarkable, no one will notice. This is the author's premise - and he makes a powerful case!
Good to Great
Jim Collins
Harper Collins Books 2001
A business classic that every non-profit leader should have in her top drawer.
Authentic Leadership
Bill George
Josey-Bass 2003
Leadership isn't flashy. Itís deeply rooted in mission and values. This is a great read for anyone looking to get back to the first principles of great leadership.
Jump Start Your Business Brain
Doug Hall
Brain Brew Books 2001
"The three laws of marketing physics? Are you nuts?" This guy is a marketing contrarian - one who makes more sense than everyone in the mainstream put together.
Who Owns Tomorrow?
Richard Worzel
Viking Canada 2003
A fascinating trip to the future with thought-provoking ideas as to what it might look like - and how you might fit in it.
Point, Click & Wow!
Claudyne Wilder & Jennifer Rotondo
Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer 2002
A practical hands-on guide to doing effective powerpoint presentations. Kind of like 'powerpoints for dummies' - and many of us could use it!
The Rise of the Creative Class
Richard Florida
Basic Books, 2003
A fascinating look at the new economic class of creativity workers - and how they're transforming work, leisure, community and life. A must read for leaders who need to attract - and keep - great people.
10 Steps to Sales Success
Tim Breithaupt
AMACOM - American Management Association 2003
Most fundraisers could take a page or two from the salesperson's handbook - and hustle more money. This is a great read for the fundraiser who knows she need to 'just get out there and do it'.
The Fall of Advertising & The Rise of PR
Al Ries & Laura Ries
Harper Business 2002
I've thought for a while now that advertising doesn't work anymore. The authors kind of agree with me. They argue that advertising can't help you build a brand - but it can help a brand maintain its position once it's on top.
Presentations
We've got lots of great stuff we'd like to share with you... Articles we've written. Presentations we've made at fundraising conferences. You're sure to find something here that will help you raise funds more effectively.
If you're a client - or if you've already checked in, after you've visited, we'd love to hear what you think. Please let us know if you found this section useful.
Powerpoint Presentations
2007 Follow-Through is Everything
2007 Fundraising Essentials
2006 Iceberg Philanthropy
2006 Listen for Money: Understanding National & Global Perspectives Through Research and Surveys
2006 CAGP Calgary The Iceberg Effect
2005 CAGP Calgary The Iceberg Effect
2005 United Way Canada DM Ain't for Amateurs
2005 CAGP Quebec-I am Contrarian
2005 AHP Canada - What Works in Today's DM Market
2005 AHP Canada Fundraising is PR PR is Fundraising
2005 AFP Ottawa Fundraising Day-The Fine Art of Leveraging
2005 AFP Ottawa Chapter Accelerating Your PG Program
2004 AHP Leveraging Market Research
2003 Smart Communications
2003 Moving Direct Mail Donors to Legacy Gifts
2003 FLA Client Satisfaction Survey Results
2003 AFP Donor Poll Results
2002 AFP Ottawa Chapter Smart Marketing
2001 CSAE Marketing 101
2001 CSAE market research
2001 CSAE market communications
2001 Crime Stoppers Fundraising Essentials
2001 Algonquin College Strategic Marketing
2000 Are you up for a capital campaign
Articles
De-siloing fundraising, by Pat Porth, January 2007
Fraser Green & Tony Myers six part research series, 2006
Decima Research, by Jose van Herpt, December 2005
2005 AFP Baltimore Smart Marketing Handout
2004 Leverage-The Future of Direct Mail Fundraising
2003 Front & Centre PG from a Contrarian's Point of View
2002 Hiring the Right Fundraiser
2001 Motivation for Planned Giving
2001 Letter to clients Planning for the Downturn
2001 Front & Centre Measuring Your Donor's Value
2001 Citizen Article - Seven Tips to Smarter Giving
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