15 Ideas for Fundraisers for 2015

I cannot believe another year has come and gone. I was in McDonald's the other day and asked for a small coffee with two creams. The server immediately asked me if I wanted a senior coffee with either cream or sugar. I found out there was no difference in what I asked for except the senior small coffee is a few cents cheaper than the regular small coffee. I guess that's what happens to you when you have gray hair. Others determine the menu for you.

That is how I will leave 2014. I will also leave 2014 with excitement and passion for the new year. There is never a down day in this business. There are always be goals to achieve, new relationships to create and people to help. Never look back, but always look ahead.

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2015 (in a couple days). I was in the dental chair the other day, and between drill sounds, I thought of 15 ideas to share with you as you enter January.

In no particular order of priority they are:

1. Speak to at least one group on something important to you. Everyone needs to speak in public for a variety of positive reasons. It is a true confidence builder.
2. Read subject matter in this field with a focus on best-of-class programs. Secure results from this analysis that you can test and emulate with your staff.
3. Choose at least one person, and mentor him or her. It is a joy through which both of you will benefit.
4. Attend at least one conference on subject matter important to your growth and development in your current job and in preparation for potential future jobs.
5. Write a blog or article, and share with others from your own perspective.
6. Volunteer for another organization besides your own. You will gain so much from this experience.
7. Learn by watching others, and determine better ways to do your job.
8. Go on at least one road trip with a peer from another organization and see how that person does what he or she does.
9. Create a list of your weakness areas, and strive to improve on these weaknesses.
10. Participate in an online group where you can share ideas.
11. Seek advice from your boss on ways to improve job performance. It always pays to be proactive instead of reactive in this regard.
12. Dream about your career, and set goals and a quiet time table to attain your next opportunity.
13. Critique everything you do, and ask staff to critique its programs and activities.
14. Seek another degree, obtain your CFRE, attend Association of Fundraising Professionals courses or acquire some other type of continuing education.
15. Have coffee with retired development professionals, and ask for their advice. It will make their day, and you will gain greatly from the experience.

Every year is a challenge for professionals in this field. Fundraising is an art and science. Strive to make 2015 your best year yet. I wish for all of my colleagues and their families much happiness, good health and success in this New Year. Continue to support FundRaising Success and my blog. It is appreciated, and remember to always Pay It Forward!