Annual Giving (like hair style) has trends. Some trends are good, because they give us an opportunity to rethink our programs. The proliferation of mobile phones, for example, certainly creates an opportunity for us to rethink our call centers and to make them more efficient, virtual, and productive.
But other trends only end up distracting us from the fundamental principles that have guided our industry for decades. Mobile phones could just as easily fall into this category too. It’s great to reach your prospects in new ways, but you won’t do much fundraising if you forget how to build substantive relationships with your supporters.
It’s 2012. Do you watch the trends in annual giving? More importantly, do you know the difference between and one that creates an opportunity and one that creates a distraction?
