Here’s something to get you started

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These times call for bold moves — for things to happen that are amazing and that will really turn people’s heads. And these might be the best of times for that to happen because it will be surprising and unexpected.

In the coming days, we’ll be looking at how you can bring on just that kind of a breakthrough.

That’s why most of what you’ll be getting from me will be big-picture ideas — the perspective from 30,000 feet, instead of the nitty-gritty details that usually consume our days. (And this comes from a fellow who’s lived and breathed details, directing capital campaigns (not just consulting).)

I’m sure you know as well as I do that stepping back to take a look at the big picture is a high payoff activity. In fact, it’s one of the most important things you can be doing, especially right now in these unusual times.

So we’ll be doing a lot of it. (Hang on, it can be a wild ride!)

Mindset: The hidden key to your success

Take a minute right now to ask yourself: When you’re talking about raising money, when you’re planning your fundraising program, what are your assumptions about what’s possible for you to accomplish? About what inspires people to give?

Considering questions like these is much more powerful than learning a fancy technique or trendy tactic. Of course, techniques and tactics are important, and action is crucial to making any sort of progress.

But often we don’t pause to look at what’s underneath the action. Yet doing that makes a huge difference in how successful we can be in attracting support.

Let me be very clear: Your strategy is built on your mindset — on what you assume about how the world works.

You want your strategy to be different so donors and volunteers see your cause as distinguished from others.

And you want your strategy to be bolder so they’ll want to be close in, strongly connected to what you stand for. Their own hope for the world is strengthened, and that will lead them to inspired deeds, extraordinary and surprising acts that turn heads … and set an example for others to follow.

Stay with me in the coming days and we’ll explore together what’s possible when we pay more attention to the big picture, and to our mindset — and how that turns us into inspired strategists.

More soon … keep an eye out for the next email. I’m glad to be with you on this adventure.