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. (more…)
The Davinci Direct BlogThe DaVinci Notebook
Archive for December, 2009
Interactive multi-media solution improves targeting, relationships
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
“…But enough about me… let’s talk about YOU!”
Sunday, December 20th, 2009Have 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. (more…)
12 ways to rock your (non-profit) world……and raise results
Friday, 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. (more…)
“Full Service” is Only Half the Story
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009DaVinci 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
Monday, 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. (more…)
Changing Partners. Or, How to Hire a Direct Response Agency
Saturday, 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. (more…)
The Care and Feeding of the Creative Mind
Wednesday, 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. (more…)
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