What's the Secret to Fundraising Copy that Makes More Money?

👉 Fundraising Copywriting + Phil Psych

It's a proven equation you'll discover in the Certificate in Fundraising Copywriting course taught by copywriting expert Tom Ahern and philanthropic psychologist Professor Jen Shang.

Four weeks of intense, boot camp-style learning and direct, one-on-one coaching from both Jen and Tom.

I just completed the course, and it was outstanding!

>> Insert shameless self-promotion here 😊 >> 

As a member of the premiere Certificate in Fundraising Copywriting cohort, I am the first Canadian east of Alberta to have this unique training. 

And you can get this excellent training, too. It's worth your time and energy, I promise!

What the heck is Phil Psych?

Summed up: it's growing the love of others to grow giving.

As Jen explains it, "Very often, we get thank you letters from charities and the first sentence that you read is, 'Thank you for your generous gift.' Instead of saying that, you could have said, 'Thank you for your generosity,' or 'Thank you for being a generous person.' The little difference there is, where is your eye? Is your eye on the money? Or is your eye on the person?"¹  

If you're ready to learn more about the course and about Phil Psych click here. 

To Jen, Tom, and my Certificate in Fundraising Copywriting classmates across the globe - I'm sending you huge congratulations and gratitude! It's been incredible learning alongside you in our virtual but close-knit first cohort. I'm eager to stay in touch, and I can't wait to celebrate your future successes. 

And to my friends, clients, and colleagues - I'm excited to put my new training to work for you! 

Shoot me a message if you want to chat more about how we can use the profound discoveries of Phil Psych to:

• Help you raise more money
• And grow your unconditional love for your donors. 

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. I'm grateful for each and every one of you.

💛

(1) https://www.marketplace.org/2019/12/26/the-psychology-of-giving/

Advancing Philanthropy - Summer 2018

I'm excited to share that the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's Medical Dragons' Den article I wrote is in the summer 2018 issue of AFP's Advancing Philanthropy Magazine!

Click here to check it out >> Realizing Genuine Donor Engagement

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) members automatically receive a subscription to Advancing Philanthropy as a member benefit. There are over 30,000 AFP members worldwide.

I'm just thrilled to have an opportunity to spread the word about the innovative fundraisers and generous donors here in the Saint John region and across New Brunswick.

It's Complicated

Oh, Saint John. Most times I love ya. But sometimes I hate ya.

I hate when you get stuck in the past.
But I love when you find innovative ways to respect your heritage.
I hate when you bitch and complain, and hold back progress.
I love when you stand up for what's right for all.
I love your grit, but not your grime.
I hate when you act entitled, expect handouts, and dump on those who've worked hard to earn what they have.
But I love your generous, caring side, and your genuine willingness to share with your neighbours.
I hate when you don't appreciate yourself.
And I hate when you can't see your value because you're distracted by pain and poverty.
I want to pick you up and hug you.
I want to give you a kick in the butt.
I tried to leave you, but you drew me back.
You're my home.
I want you to grow, and spread your wings, and reach your full potential.

Okay, I never really hate you.

The First Rule of Good Customer Service Is...

We've all been on the receiving end of poor customer service and left feeling underappreciated and dissatisfied. Why is it, then, that we often can't see how our own actions (or inaction) leave our customers feeling undervalued?

In my years of managing consumer affairs and public relations, the two most important guiding rules I've learned are the Golden one and the Gratitude one. 

The Golden Rule was drilled into my head early: Treat others as you would like them to treat you. It's solid, timeless advice, and something I aspire to apply to every interaction.

But it wasn't until I entered the fundraising world that I really began to appreciate the Gratitude Rule and how important it is to both corporate and non-profit businesses. 

Good fundraisers know that the simple act of saying thank you is one of the most important, yet often forgotten, tools in the fundraising tool box. Donors want to feel their contributions are recognized, so every communication should reflect appreciation for what donors have given, and for their interest and involvement in the cause.

To ignore the Gratitude Rule is to miss an opportunity to connect and build a relationship with clients.

Has this ever happened to you?

• You thank the cashier for giving you back your change, even though you were never thanked for your purchase.
• You offer your time and talents to an organization, but the response was tepid and left you feeling like you inconvenienced them.
• You send honest, constructive feedback about your product experience directly to a company, but never receive a reply.

What if it went like this instead?

• I bought these fabulous boots on sale and the folks at the store made a point of telling me they know I had many choices, so they really appreciated me choosing to shop with them. 
• I expressed interest in volunteering with a local non-profit, and while they didn't have a Board opening right now, they told me how much they appreciated my passion and my contributions to our community. 
• I advised my favorite brand that I'm having trouble locating their product. They wrote back to tell me they've alerted their sales team, suggested other stores to try, and thanked me profusely for my loyalty.

The simple act of expressing gratitude can be the difference between leaving a client feeling indifferent about your business and building a lasting relationship that will bring you more business.

"Most people return small favors, acknowledge medium ones and repay greater ones -- with ingratitude." -Benjamin Franklin 

Creating Mystery in Support of Saint John Arts Centre

Anyone for a little art, mystery, intrigue (+ great food, beverage, and people)? Then you need to know about What's in the Box - the Saint John Arts Centre's annual fundraiser event.

What: Participating artists will donate original artwork to the Saint John Arts Centre where the pieces will be concealed in ‘mystery boxes’ in anticipation of the event.  

Guests at the event can enter a draw for a chance to purchase one (or more, if they choose) of the 50 ‘mystery boxes.’  By choosing to take part in the draw, guests commit to buying one of the ‘mystery boxes’ of art for $100 if their ballot is drawn - and they won’t know what they’ve won until they open the box! 

When: Thursday, 20-April-2017, 7:00 pm

Where: Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza, Saint John, NB.

Why: Funds raised will support Saint John Arts Centre programs, including the important Artists’ Rights Fees program for artists who display their works in the Saint John Arts Centre’s galleries.

Tickets are $75 each and are eligible for a $25 tax receipt. Wine, beer and food are included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased online, by contacting me, or by calling the Saint John Arts Centre at (506) 633-4870.

Learn more www.sjartscentre.ca

Getting Excited About The ECMAs

Since returning to Saint John, I’ve been lucky to have played key roles in helping to advance a number of inspiring organizations in our community. And now, through Way Up, my freelance communications business, I'm always learning new skills, and continuing to make new connections.

For the past months, I've been working with the East Coast Music Association as sales as community engagement manager for the East Coast Music Awards Festival and Conference in Saint John - April 26-30, 2017.

This five-day, non-stop musical celebration showcases and recognizes the best of East Coast artists and music. Hosting this esteemed event will be a major contributor to growth and development in our community, and I'm thrilled to be part of ensuring its success!

There's lots of excitement leading up to the event.

• Several Uptown businesses have decorated their storefronts with East Coast music flair to show their support and appreciation for awards nominees and festival participants. 
• The ECMA storefront in Market Square (Level 1) is your destination for ECMA apparel, information, and event tickets.

By-the-way, tickets are going fast. Don't miss out! Purchase your tickets here, or call me at 343-5154.

Celebrating the Energy Outstanding Businesses Bring to our Community

For the past three years, I've been having a great time as a member of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Awards Task Force.

#OBASJ - it's all about celebrating the energy and enthusiasm that our region's many successful businesses, organizations and individuals bring to our community.

Our lucky all-volunteer committee gets to plan and execute one of The Chamber's signature events (and the most fun event, I might add... but I may be a bit biased.)

In addition to a lot of fun, it's also an opportunity to live my Way Up values of helping to ensure our community members feel supported and celebrated as they grow their businesses, spread their wings and achieve their dreams.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. You're all stars and it's our honour to recognize your contributions!

Event details:
2016 Outstanding Business Awards
Thursday, Oct 13th
Saint John Trade and Convention Centre
Reception: 5:30pm
Dinner 6:00pm

There's still time to get tickets!
Go to The Chamber website for details.

UP to "some good" with POWER UP!

Brenda Murphy and Vicki Cosgrove at the Saint John Women’s Empowerment Network asked for my help to create promotional materials for a new train-the-trainer program they’ll offer in spring ‘17. The program is open to women across Canada interested in offering POWER UP! leadership empowerment training in their communities.

The Saint John WEN's POWER UP! program has empowered over 300 local women in the past 7 years, and helped them be successful in taking their next steps in life.

Way Up Strategic Solutions and POWER UP! – sounded like a perfect match! Count me in!

I wrote, designed and created this promotional sell sheet that can be printed, shared on social media or emailed and my clients can make modifications on their own going forward (saves them time and money). My talented partners at Rod Stears Photography shot the photos of Kathy and Trish, two POWER UP! graduates featured in the materials.

You can learn more about this powerful community success story at www.sjwen.ca, on their Facebook page or by contacting Brenda Murphy at the Saint John Women's Empowerment Network  by email or phone: (506) 642-9033.

Are you looking for help with a communications or marketing project?  Get in touch! I'd love to find solutions with you. Reach me at by email or by phone (506) 343-5154.

P.S.: Everyone at the SJ Women’s Empowerment Network would greatly appreciate your help to spread the word about this new program. If you know of anyone who might be interested in the POWER UP! instructor training course, or if you have contacts around the country who might be willing to share the sell sheet with their networks, please let Brenda know.

Look Up. Waaayyy Up.

For many fellow Canadians, before All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulguhm, there was The Friendly Giant.

Dressed in our footy pajamas, we'd perch on our living room floors with our faces so close to the boxy black and white television set that we could almost climb in. We believed the castle really was so big that you had to look waaayyy up. And we watched right to the very end to make sure those three wooden chairs got put back exactly where they belonged before the drawbridge closed.

Friendly, Jerome and Rusty

Much has changed since the days of rabbit ears and two channels, but one thing that will never change: the value of a well told story.

Friendly Giant taught us, in his quiet, thoughtful way, to use words, pictures and music to not only tell, but to show stories.

There's always more to learn, but most of what we professional communicators really need to know, we learned from Friendly, Jerome and Rusty.

Oh, and while poking around the internet thinking about this post, I stumbled upon this:

Look Up – Way Up! The Friendly Giant
The Biography of Robert Homme by Grant D. Fairley

In case you're wondering... hell yeah, I bought it!