I spoke to the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Hickory, NC last week about fundraising in tough times.  The thing that is most important, I told them, is to get your head in the game.

If you buy into the “doom and gloom” thinking that is so pervasive right now, your fundraising results will shrink.  Lots of people are scared right now.  And many are tightening up whether they really need to or not.  Don’t get scared too.  You’ve got to stay positive and focused on the mission of your organization.

Take this short test to see if you have your head in the game.  Answer each statement true or false if you have thought it in your head or if it has come out of your mouth.

1. Fundraising this year is going to be hard.

2. People aren’t going to give as much as last year.

3. We probably won’t reach our fundraising goals this year.

4. We should probably lower our fundraising goals this year.

5. Things are bad everywhere.

6. All nonprofits are struggling.

7. It’s just the economy and there’s nothing we can do about it.

Eye opening? It was for many who heard my presentation last week.  Hopefully you answered false to each statement.  Otherwise you may be suffering from some “stinkin’ thinkin’” that can ruin your focus and attitude.

Here’s the thing: we don’t know what people will or won’t do with their giving this year (unless you have a crystal ball that I don’t know about).  Our job is to continue to tell the stories of our work and give people opportunities to give.  Don’t stop.  Don’t let up.  Don’t get desperate.  Just keep moving forward.

Thanks to my new friends in Hickory for inviting me to speak to their AFP chapter!