Banish Overwhelm! Get (Much) More Done in (Way) Less Time!
Oct 05, 2017
Today, we attack overwhelm, analysis paralysis, and general busy-ness. There is a better way to live your work day - and it's actually easier!
Have you ever had days when you're busy every minute, going as fast as you can, but then wonder over that well-deserved adult beverage, "What did I actually get done today?"
We have a simple antidote. It works like magic and will supercharge your career.
Before you go home every night: reach out to three new prospective donors. For extra credit, make meaningful contact with three existing prospects or donors.
You can do this in one hour! And if you do, you will contact a stunning 750 new prospects every year - likely adding 30 valuable new donors to your portfolio.
Plus, you will make everyone already in your portfolio feel seen, heard, valued.
And you will happily reside in the top tier of fundraiser productivity.
Not bad for an hour's work, right?
Which brings us to the critical point: block this hour on your calendar every day and make it happen. Do it first thing in the morning to avoid temptation and interruption and guarantee yourself high productivity no matter what else happens. Or if you're really good at protecting your time, pick an hour when your energy is highest, keep it inviolate, and rock it out!
If you need inspiration, we like Brian Tracy's Eat That Frog and Stephen Covey's classic, simple instruction to do "first things, first" in Seven Habits of Highly Successful People.
And definitely take a look at our videos, "What To Do At Your Desk, Every Day" and "People Management" for tips. Our "Purpose Driven Productivity Worksheet" is a useful tool.
The big principle here is simply this: keep your eyes on the prize. Volume matters - it is the foundation of every great fundraising career. More first conversations and genuine, quality relationships - these are your stock in trade. Prioritize contact with donors over all of the more seemingly urgent or immediate tasks and you will build a wonderful portfolio and an outstanding career.
Which you can do in one hyper-focused hour a day!
You've so got this. Try it for one week - an hour a day without fail - and let us know how you feel!
