Today’s Mission Moment Monday takes a look at the importance of clearly spelling out what you’ve done to help the person in your story.
A shout out of thanks to Shema Ruperto, Director of For Kids’ Sake in Carbondale, IL. She is a tiny but mighty woman with a huge passion for her work. She is not a paid staffer, but works full-time to ensure orphans at a school in Bangladesh are well cared for and receive a quality education. These children receive the care and school you want for the children in your life.
Take a listen as Shema shares a success story:
As readers and followers know, I’m a believer in sharing your annual fundraising goal, or funding gap as an update in your story. The “secret sauce” to this part of the recipe of successful fundraising communication is to include an update about where you are as of TODAY in reaching your goal or closing your gap.
Shema graciously granted me permission to retell her story. In my version I wove in details about the work of the school and the orphanage. This is the key…dig in a little deeper to talk about exact results (things you can measure) and transformations (things that are felt or dreamed of) for those you serve.
Shema and I had a short conversation to discuss what I may have done differently in sharing her story. Before you view this short video, what did you hear that I shared that may have been missing from the first version?
Remember you are putting a face on your impact. But you are also putting a face on my impact, as a supporter. I must know how my gift made a difference. And as a passionate supporter, when you let me know there is financially more to do, I’ll often make another contribution.
Go. Share more mission moment + funding gap updates today.
Creating knock-their-socks-off stories requires words that cause immediate emotional reactions. Download the free 100 emotionally-connecting words list to jump start your stories.
Lori, Thank you for that valuable coaching session! My team watched the video and they were floored by how you converted my message into such a powerful story… with no advanced preparation! You are the real deal. Thank you!
Shema,
It’s an honor to learn more about your important work at For Kids’ Sake…and to have the opportunity to work with you. Thank you for ALL you do to make our world a better place.
Wow – thank you for such a powerful lesson, Lori! Your story-telling skills are inspiring. I’m definitely going to keep your advice in mind as we move on to our next fundraiser.
Thanks, Ryan! Keep up the amazing work at For Kids’ Sake. Your work is making a huge difference in the world.