Years ago I traveled almost constantly in my work and every Monday I’d head for the airport and return home on Friday.

So, when asked what her Dad did for a living, it came as no surprise that 8 year-old Caity Craver answered: “He’s a flight attendant”.

What did surprise — and delight — me occurred one Monday morning as I bent down to hug Caity goodbye for the week. When finished she looked up at me, and wished me a good week.

Then, as I opened the door she enthusiastically ordered, “Give ‘em extra peanuts, Dad”.

That’s probably some of the best direction I’ve ever received. And it’s some of the best advice I can pass on to you.

We all fall into ho-hum, business-as-usual routines when it comes to relationships. So, whether with friends, colleagues or donors, simply adding a little variety, or doing something special helps deepen the relationship.

Simone Joyaux calls these extraordinary experiences “memorable moments”.  I call them “extra peanuts”.

Whatever you want to call them these special experiences can be as simple as holding an informal gathering for donors at your office where you tell them how you spend their money and invite their input.

Or you might collect donors’ stories of the joy they get from giving and share them on your website. Or invite donors to tell their stories at events.

I wished I worked at a zoo, because one of my favorite suggestions from Simone is to invite donors to help feed the animals.

There are numerous ways to create extraordinary experiences, delight donors, engage their interest and create surprise.

As Simone preaches, “If you focus on these, rather than always focusing on raising more money, ironically the increased donor loyalty will result in more money.”

Next time as you head out the door to the office remind yourself to “give ‘em extra peanuts”.

Roger

P.S.  Extra Peanuts for Peer to-Peer Fundraisers

For Agitator readers charged with making the most out of P2P events, here’s a FREE webinar on how to optimize those efforts and bring in more money.

On Wednesday, October 19, attend the second Peer-to-Peer World Virtual Conference! Register free right here.

Our sister company DonorVoice and three other firms that serve nonprofits have come together to share their experience and knowledge of peer-to-peer fundraising.

The DonorVoice session, led by Josh Whichard, will cover how to increase retention, satisfaction, and funds raised by improving your donor experience. Plus, great tips on getting and using feedback without breaking the bank.

I guarantee it will be at least the fourth best session out of the four sessions.

Seriously, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. So please register today!