What can we learn from a five year old about donor cultivation?

My niece, Grace, is 5 years old and very special to me. She’s wise beyond her years and when she moved away from Minnesota to Florida, I was determined to keep in touch with her. I didn’t want her to forget me and I wanted to stay connected with what’s going on in her life. A year and a half later, she has taught me a few great tips for anyone we want to stay connected to, especially our donors and volunteers.

1. Don’t send too many emails. I’ve been told by my very precocious niece that she has “too much to do” to read all those emails.
2. As often as possible, include a photo in my email. Not surprisingly, Grace will NOT read or look at an email that doesn’t have a photo in it.
3. Only use the telephone for special meaningful conversations. Grace has been known to say, “Auntie, Why are you calling me again? You know I don’t like to talk on the telephone.” From that honest comment I learned to place my calls at times when she has something important to share OR when I have a short exciting bit of information to tell her.
4. Send snail mail sometimes, especially if it’s personalized. Grace gets excited when she checks the mail box and there is a fun envelope or package just for her. Come to think about it, so do I.
5. Ocassional in-person visits are helpful.  I visit Grace in person once or twice a year, when I was leaving on a recent visit she leaned over and whispered in my ear, “I’m gonna miss you Auntie”.
6. Overall, don’t try to communicate too often and keep it fun. Too much only becomes something to endure because “Mom” said so. Less is more and can cause a yearning for more information when the previous call, email or letter was so interesting.

Despite a few mishaps and too frequent communication on my part, I am happy to say, Grace and I are as connected as ever. I’m grateful for her taking time to teach me these lessons.