The Chinese word for affluence (Ta Yu) is made up of two symbols.  Strength and creativity within.  Clarity and light without.  Affluence will come to you through your own creativity after you get very clear about expressing it.

Last week I gave three speeches (one in Austin and two in San Antonio.) At the beginning of each, I asked people to write down what they wanted  (both from the speech, and in a long-range goal.) Throughout the session,  I asked people to apply my information to their own goals.  At the end, 100% said they had received what they wanted from the speech.

Affluence.  If you have a strong goal and you are clear about the steps you will take towards it, you are probably going to get what you want.

Coincidentally, last week I received an email from a young woman in Atlanta who had heard me speak several years ago.  She said, “When you asked us to write down what we wanted, I wanted a boyfriend.  Sounds silly, but that was what I wrote down.  I met my ‘now’ husband soon afterwards. I’m writing to you today because I realized I should tell you that success story to add to your arsenal.”

 – Shar McBee

When you need to influence someone, the best thing you can do is this:  Be flexible.  Don’t be stiff. 

When you pre-determine how you want people to respond, they won’t. When you are preoccupied with “getting it right,” you miss the nuances.

It is usually a brief period when we can influence people.  When that moment wanes, withdraw and wait.  Control your ambition and give people a chance to consider your request. If you push or hover, you’ll lose the opportunity to influence them.

“How to Ask for Donations.”

Fabiano Cafure, an art photographer in Rio de Janeiro, created a compelling short video (one minute) from my article “How to Ask for Donations.”  You can watch it on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ckm5dlSnzQ

Thank you, Fabiano! – Shar McBee

Most of us neglect the obvious. 

This week a client told me, “I got zero response to my marketing letters.”  I asked, “Who did you mail them to?”  She responded, “I bought a list.”  

A cold call (or cold mailing) is less likely to bring results now than ever.  People don’t have confidence.  There is a lot of fear.

I asked my client why she hadn’t requested referrals from people who know her and love the work her organization is doing. Referrals cost nothing to generate.  Referrals create trust.  People respond to them. 

A light bulb went on for my client.  She hadn’t even thought of it.  Of course not.  Most of us neglect the obvious.  She spent time and money contacting strangers, while ignoring people who know the value she brings.

After my client realized this, we created a system so that she won’t waste her time and money again. Most organizations have a system for collecting money, but not for collecting referrals and relationships.  In times like this, your relationships are your best assets. 

I hope you are not neglecting them. - Shar McBee

A hospital auxiliary in Arizona held a used jewelry sale and raised $10,000 in one day.  Everyone has jewelry sitting in a drawer that’s no longer wanted.  Ask people to donate it.  Display it at one of your events.  (The hospital put it in the lobby where lots of people passed by and saw it.) 

Please add your fundraising ideas below by leaving a reply.  Thank you - Shar McBee