Made it back from the gorgeous, albeit terrifying, ABQ in New Mexico. I swear, there was a death every day on the news. Possible snakes and lions (?) on nature walks. Desolate desert for miles.

But I don't like to be bored. So I enjoyed being steeped in data, learning, all while being on the edge of my seat. 😂

Seriously, though. The conference was exceptional. Organized. Streamlined. Luxury. Incredibly helpful and warm volunteers and speakers.

I wanted to share some incredible one-line zingers from the conference. I have pages of notes, so if you want more context on any of these, let me know. You can book a free call with me as well using the "Scheduling" Tab on my home page.

These zingers are NOT in the short video (you can get more there). I didn't get everything on film because I was pounding the keyboard! 💻 ⏩

⏩ "Write like a creative deviant." -Rachel Zant & John Lepp

⏩ "Write as if your donor has to PEE!" -Steven Screen (You only have a few secs of attention)

⏩ "It’s never too emotional. Be emotional. Don’t act like a robot. We want you thinking, feeling, connected to fundraising. " -John Lepp

⏩ "Be aware of all the times you have been shamed for coloring outside the lines." - Rachel Zant

⏩"Don't offer her [your donor] the lesser role of partner. Tell her she is needed! Brené Brown says that is when a relationship happens. So I encourage you to be vulnerable." -Steven Screen

⏩ "Donors aren’t tired of giving. Your appeal is just terrible." -John Lepp ("i say it with love") ❤️

⏩ "GET TO COMMON GROUND... Fundraise from the bottom of the funnel. -Steven Screen (Connect with potential donors in a way that feels simple and relatable.)

⏩ "[Fundraising] It's not sales, not a gimmick. Throw away your fundraising hat and put on a messenger hat." -Jim Shapiro

⏩"Four ways to tie your offer to a specific, meaningful outcome for MAJOR donors: program funding (all or part), percentage of larger goal, matching, scaled up gift." -Jim Shapiro *gold, new to me*

⏩ "There are NO definitives in this work. There is an art and science to DR. you must acknowledge there are no straight lines or one way to do something." -John Lepp

⏩ "LET THE DONOR CHOOSE THE END TO YOUR STORY. Jim (or Jeff?) calls it choosing your own adventure." -Chris Davenport