Small changes will make a big difference

Back at my desk after 2 inspiring days at the IoF Fundraising Convention 2019. Thank you to all those who worked so hard to make it such a brilliant event. I'm truly proud to be a fundraiser, have had the chance to share a failure and work in a sector with so many inspiring people. Here are my thoughts...

Often you can listen to sessions and come away thinking that doesn't apply to me, I can't achieve that in my context. This year the sessions felt different, it felt like the overwhelming message was the we all have the ability and power to make changes, however small, that will make a big difference. Here is a list of just some of the things I heard that I think we can all do.

• Put yourself first
• Find a mentor
• Share a failure
• Pick up the phone and say thank you to a supporter
• Ask for help
• Call someone out for their behaviour
• Give a colleague some feedback
• Be curious
• Connect with other fundraisers - learn from others
• Start gathering supporter insight and satisfaction
• Find one thing and commit to improve it by 1%
• Test and learn

The compound effect of all of our actions (that we all have the responsibility to make) will mean that we will raise more money for the causes we care about, address issues of mental health, stress and burn out and change our working cultures for the better.

I really believe this is possible. Before you get the post conference blues think of things you are going to change today to make a difference - share them with someone - ask them to hold you to account. I know we can do it.

I work with teams to help them look at small changes that they can make and become habit to help them see big change in they way they fundraise and communicate. If your interested in talking more about how small changes can make a big difference drop me a line ([email protected]) I'd love to meet for coffee.