Thee emotional dilemma
I have already written (at length) about the formulaic nature of fundraising. The chemical power of a good plan. I write about it all the time because I believe in it.
Now, we need to talk about the emotional part - perhaps the most central dilemma in any fundraiser’s well considered plan.
Lately, I have been feeling emotional. This time of year always does it to me. Not in a Christmas-y way. I wish. That would be easier to explain. No, this time of year makes me emotional because it reminds me of so many pivotal moments in my fundraising career.
My first direct mail appeal, the first time I actually cracked Giving Tuesday, being an assistant and having the intimidating gift officers come and stuff envelopes with me in the conference room. One of those early years, I remember diligently taking bundles of letters to the James A. Farley Post Office in Midtown Manhattan. As I went down to take the subway home a MASS of cheerleaders came up on the escalator. They seemed so excited and I realized they were here for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. I remember thinking I was happy for them – that’s a big deal! And then thought to myself, wow I am happy too. Does fundraising make me happy? I feel weird admitting it but that continues to be such a sweet memory for me.
I don’t know if others get emotional thinking about work memories. I also don’t know if others work in a sector that is locked in a chokehold of emotions.
For all the formulas and best practices we try to reference in fundraising, how many times have you decided to do something because it “feels” right? Or received serious feedback from leadership that was actually just a strong preference? Or had a colleague assert “that’s what I would want to read” AND THEN everyone nods in agreement.
“Good point if that’s what we want to see it will probably work for everyone!”
Maybe other industries are like this. I always feel the need to admit I don’t have experience from other high level professional positions. In my mind, many jobs are less emotional and sometimes I yearn for that. But maybe being a Project Manager for a Tech Company is more vibey than I think.
Where am I going with this? I don’t know I’m still in a nostalgic haze.
Seriously, it’s a problem I want to talk about but don’t have an answer for. How do we as fundraisers capture the emotion of the moment and stay strategic? Tame the feelings that compel people to give, that make us good writers, marketers and inspire our ideas without it getting in the way of our critical decision making? Where do we draw the line between what works on our emotions and what works best for the donor file. It’s a tough thing.
Even at my most disciplined, I feel myself turning when someone makes a suggestion based on how they feel. And which one of us is right in the end? It’s so hard to tell. When you feel like every penny counts, the emotions run high but not for the donors.
I feel this oozing into another post. What YOU want to do with messaging versus what is best for the organization. How to swallow what you think is a good idea for something more aligned with your place’s current marketing. Another struggle for the sensitive creative who also loves money…
How do you keep yourself in check when you find yourself running on pathos? Do you surrender and find yourself rewarded with a windfall? Or have you been driven mad by your own human condition while writing an e-blast? Maybe you are not a fundraiser but feel like you are constantly going by what feels right against more stodgy industry standards? Like, comment and subscribe to let me know how you’re FEELING.
