Tired of Technology

Every time I learn how to use a device, there is an update, and whoops.  I no longer can figure out how to make things happen.  It’s worse with software.  Just as I am clear on how to use the thing, it changes.  And I am stuck in a perennial learning loop that, for me, just isn’t fun.

This was brought home to e again the other day when I tried to set up Candly, a product I only use when I am doing a feasibility study or setting appointments that involve a large number of people, each needing a separate appointment for an interview.  I had always loved Candly because it was easy to use.  But this time?  I could not longer connect to my calendar—the main purpose for using the software.  Of course, Reader, I figured it out, but only after wasting a lot of time.

I’m generally willing to take full responsibility for anything that goes wrong.  I’m an imperfect learner when it comes to technology, with little patience. I learn just enough for what I need to do, and don’t go further.  I figure out how to do something that I won’t be doing again for a few weeks, and then I have to go through the whole painful process again.

So it is with relief that I always go back to fundraising.  While tools change (yes, I know.  AI!), fundraising really is all about relationships.  That means getting to know your donors and ensuring that they know about you.  It means being high touch, even for those lower end donors—you never know how much they really have or who they know.

Too much of technology is just cold.  I make a gift and out pops a generic thank you that shows me (a) I’m not known, (b) not seen, and (c) no one has taken delight in my gift.

Recently i made a gift to a local and very wonderful theater group.  Trust me, it was NOT a large gift.  But the heartfelt thank yous I got from staff and board, made me feel like I was a very major donor and you can bet that I will be giving to them more and buying a lot more tickets.

I was talking with a client about the need of their organization to take better care of their donors.  They lose them with what I would say is alarming frequency but, actually, it is below donor attrition for the industry.  After a week, she came back with a plan—a newsletter every quarter, and social media regularly.  Also, maybe a donor recognition event.

I didn’t like it.

Newsletters are ways for donors to get to know you—if they read them.  But by and large they won’t unless they already feel a great connection to your organization.  Social media is not going to  do it for you.  It takes a warm and personal email or phone call or even a text.  One that says, hey you beautiful person, I want to get to know you better.  Save the money you will spend on a donor recognition lunch or dinner and invite a handful of donors to your office for breakfast.  Invite them to see behind your scenes (if it is appropriate).  Let them get to know your staff, your volunteers, and (sometimes) those you serve.

There is a reason volunteers tend to be your most valued donors—they KNOW you, really know you, and they believe you know them.