Award Winning Blog - Agitator

Volunteers: A Major But Oft-Overlooked Resource

Tom and I began working together 46 years ago at Common Cause, founded by the remarkable, accomplished and extraordinarily prescient John Gardner. Among the values Gardner instilled in both of us was the value of volunteerism and the importance of respect and proper management and accountability for each volunteer who worked at Common Cause. His […]

Learn More April 26, 2017

Are You Exciting?

I was intrigued by a chart Jeff Brooks recently featured in his post, How emotional experiences can drive donor loyalty. The focus of the chart was emotions and their importance in shaping relationships customer have with companies. In this case, the question was the extent to which certain emotions, based upon past experiences with a company, would […]

Learn More April 25, 2017

“Award Winning” Nonprofit Brands

Brands can create significant connections with consumers and donors. Each year the Harris Poll conducts a benchmark study to determine how deep those bonds go. Then, in a variety of 18 categories including airlines, hotels, banks, rental cars — and yes, nonprofits — they honor the highest ranked brands in each award category. The Harris […]

Learn More April 24, 2017

Direct Mail vs Email?

I already know your answer … do both. And of course you’re absolutely correct. The infographic you are about to see cites more evidence. According to this research (on this point, from Royal Mail), customers spend 25% more when businesses use a combination of direct mail and email marketing. The old one-two punch. That said, the […]

Learn More April 21, 2017

Three off-ramps from the volume hamster wheel

You get it. You’ve read all the think pieces, including ours and our other one, that show that many, if not most, mature organizations overcommunicate with (and especially overmail) their donors. You know it’s the top complaint you get: “you mail too much” and “take me off your list” fight for your #1 and #2 comment […]

Learn More April 20, 2017

You Probably Need A “Schultz Hour”

New York Times opinion writer David Leonhardt, in a terrific column, has great advice for all of us. Get yourself a “Schultz Hour”. Huh? According to Leonhardt, “When George Schultz was secretary of state in the 1980’s, he liked to carve out one hour each week for quiet reflection. He sat down in his office […]

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