191. Donor Engagement Kindergarten Style: Use Your Listening Ears- Jonathan McCoy and CFRE, Becky Endicott, CFRE
Listen to this episode
Overview
We continue to arm ourselves with graham crackers and apple juice to fuel these Friday series discussions, Donor Engagement: Kindergarten Style. This week we dive into Using our Listening Ears (said in the least condescending way possible). How are you consciously finding a way to listen not only to your top donors - but ALL donors, employees, & volunteers? Don't fret - we're breaking it down🎉 We're bringing principles, case study examples, and Pro Tips too.
“This is the time. Get to know people and ask those questions. This is the most bulletproof way to know you are building something with meaning.”
Episode Transcript
Download Full Episode Transcript
Episode Overview
Are you listening well? (1:00)
This principle… applied (2:00)
Case studies - where we have seen this in action! (9:00)
Pro tips to help you take action today! (14:00)
Powerful quotes
“Even after spending 20+ years in development, we know it all boils down to getting some serious basics right.” -Jon
“Listening has been a thread since we turned the podcast on at launch.” -Becky
“Who are you surrounding yourself with? Can you lean into building a more diverse group?” -Jon
“Are you listening to feedback? We need to be chronically listening. Donors, community volunteers, and followers will notice.” -Becky
“Beyond just listening, once you listen to all of these channels. Are you responding and taking that next step to activation?” -Jon
“When somebody tells you something that is very difficult to hear, we need to sit in that discomfort and listen.” -Becky
“This is the time. Get to know people and ask those questions. This is the most bulletproof way to know you are building something with meaning.” -Jon
“Are you truly listening to the people right in front of you? Are you inviting people into the conversation to share their story?” -Jon
“Have you polled or surveyed your donors or volunteers in awhile? We want to track what is going on. How can you make mission delivery and communication easier?” -Becky
“All data is trying to talk to you. Are you listening to those numbers that are speaking to you?” -Jon
“There are some evolved leaders that truly want you to reach out to them. Personal founders give out their email addresses. Think about what that means and what that is showing.” -Jon
“We want our communities to be inclusive.” -Becky
Principle: Use your listening ears... Applied 👇
Cognitive diversity is a great thing
Listening encourages loyalty
Once you’ve listened, respond so the person knows you care and are activated
Circle back once you have answers or feedback to share
Show gratitude for candor
Case studies - where we’ve seen this work!
27. A Good Philanthropist Fireside Chat with Ross McKnight
8. How We Sleep at Night: The Founding of Free Mom Hugs - Sara Cunningham
PRO Tips 🎉
Have you polled or survey your donors in awhile? Post-COVID demands we should do it anyway and ask thoughtful questions that we want to 1) track
Make it a point to sit down with 3-5 loyal donors/employees/volunteers/PG donors and understand their connection to your mission and why they continue to give
Listen to your data. It can inform a crazy level of detail and succinctly point you toward your next strategy. ie: google analytics, database queries, email open rates, etc.
Give out your email address leaders (Bob Goff puts his phone number in the back of his books!) Share about how we’ve noticed that the most evolved guests on the podcast - are always listening - always wanting people to reach out directly. There’s no ego here - it’s about service/connection/sharing and spreading ideas
What are you doing to listen to your donors/beneficiaries of color? Showing up to listen equitably and ACT once you have that information is a testament to next level listening.
Add surveys and open-ended questions to your social media content
FREE Workshop! Write less and engage more, today!
Episode Sponsored by
