Interactive multi-media solution improves targeting, relationships
December 22nd, 2009
We’re all in the relationship business, right? From the moment the first direct mail fundraisers sent out letters, the goals were to obtain a measurable response, create revenue, and hopefully, to establish relationships which would remain profitable over time. Read the rest of this entry »
“…But enough about me… let’s talk about YOU!”
December 20th, 2009
Have you ever gone to a social event and been stuck next to the person who can’t stop talking about himself? He goes on and on incessantly. You patiently listen to all the minute details of his job. Then he prattles on about his house, his kids.
Without even giving you a moment of silence to engage in the conversation, he shares his one sided views on everything from politics to the local sports teams. He never gets around to asking about you. He’s just interested in talking about “ME.”
You wait for the opportune moment when you can slink away gracefully. Read the rest of this entry »
12 ways to rock your (non-profit) world……and raise results
December 18th, 2009
Remember the olden day before Al Gore invented the Internet?
Direct mail was king in the direct response fundraising world. Then came the web and the predictions that it would soon dominate all other media, making books, magazines and newspapers obsolete. And, oh yes, direct mail was on its way out.
Well kids, here we are in 2008 and I still get the Boston Globe daily, still keep putting new books in the bookcase – and still toil over my direct mail strategy and creative every day. So nothing’s changed, right? Not quite. Read the rest of this entry »
“Full Service” is Only Half the Story
December 16th, 2009
DaVinci Direct is a “full-service direct response agency.” That’s the descriptor most of our competitors use as well. But this industry has changed so much in recent years, we believe that flexibility, breadth of knowledge and strategic partnerships are the best way to stay nimble and highly responsive to client needs.
Top 10 Copy Points the Work
December 14th, 2009
1. Make “you” (the donor or prospect) the hero
Think of your letter as a conversation. Talk about “me! me! me!” and it’s boring. Talk about you – how much we know about you – how vital you are to our work – how we couldn’t do it without you – and it becomes more engaging. Consider the fi rst line of a letter your “headline.”
2. Focus on a Single Offer
Don’t make the mistake of trying to list all aspects of your mission in every letter. Make the offer clear and compelling. Tell them, in simple terms, what their gift will do. Read the rest of this entry »
Changing Partners. Or, How to Hire a Direct Response Agency
December 12th, 2009
Having been on the receiving end of many Requests for Proposals over the years, I’ve seen the many different ways non-profits approach the weighty task of hiring a direct marketing agency.
Since this partnership is an important one, and likely to affect your fundraising program for a number of years, I have prepared a checklist of items that may make your task a bit easier and more efficient. Some items fall into the category of “Doing your “Pre-RFP Homework,” while others are about the RFP process itself. Read the rest of this entry »
The Care and Feeding of the Creative Mind
December 9th, 2009
Breakthrough creative. Everyone wants it. Few achieve it. If you’re on the client side and want to get the most out of your creative partners, here are a few tips on how to play the muse to your creative team. Read the rest of this entry »
How to treat your direct mail donors during a disaster
December 6th, 2008
HURRICANE KATRINA slammed into the Gulf Coast with all the fury that was predicted. Entire communities, including most of New Orleans, were swallowed by the surging torrent. Along with the heartbreak of shattered families and horrible loss of life came dire long-term economic consequences.
Then, hot on the heels of Katrina, came Rita. The Category 3 storm did not cause the same massive loss of life, but left the region with billions of dollars of additional damage.
As always in time of disaster, Americans responded generously – and continue to respond – not only with money, but also by opening their hearts, homes and communities to those who had suddenly become homeless.
Our best hope is that communities can be rebuilt, individuals and families can recover in mind, body and spirit – and that some good can come of the shortcomings in disaster preparedness that were brought to light.
At the end of it all – indeed, in the midst it all – comes the inevitable question: How will these massive national disasters affect my own fundraising program? Read the rest of this entry »
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