I can still recall my delight years ago when a new colleague gave me a beautiful handmade birthday card.
On the back she had designed her own logo, framed with the words “because Hallmark doesn’t know how nice you are.”
I kept that card for years.
The personal touch can set your organization’s appeal letters apart too.
Woman with many reminder notes and pen in the mouth
You’re familiar with lift notes, those extra pieces of paper slipped into a direct mail package to ‘lift’ response? Lift notes used to considerably boost response to direct mail pieces. Donors may be more savvy these days but they’ll still respond to the personal touch.
So how can the small shop fundraiser personalize the “lift note?”
As you segment your organization’s database for your direct mail appeal, began polling your board members and volunteers for possible connections with donors. Schedule appointments in advance for them to come in to write personal sticky notes for those donors they have a personal connection with. Spend a little extra time with your major donors.
I’ve used this tactic in more than one small shop. It works. And it’s a win-win for donors and board members alike. Just make sure that you begin planning well in advance, at least four to six weeks before your scheduled mailing date.
Post-it notes make terrific additions to your thank you letters as well, giving the opportunity to write a little something extra.
Remember to go big. Go bold.
Think of going with over-sized Post-it® notes in neon colors. Using brightly colored ink.
And watch your response rate soar.
Want more tips on ramping up your next direct mail appeal? Simple Development Systems is “packed with easy, high-impact action steps from Pam, and an amazing amount of valuable content and links from experts like Tom Ahern, Ken Burnett and Jules Brown.” Even better? It’s on sale now!
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I can’t wait to meet with you personally.
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