Comments on: Big hug or lame handshake–which are you dishing up for donors?

By: Claxon Marketing – Words of Gratitude – Use Often [#WordsThatWow]

Claxon Marketing – Words of Gratitude – Use Often [#WordsThatWow] — Thu, 08 May 2014 12:44:41 +0000

[…] Our advice on how to exchange the lame handshakes for big hugs. […]

By: Claxon Marketing – Giving USA: giving is lookin’ good

Claxon Marketing – Giving USA: giving is lookin’ good — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 18:26:06 +0000

[…] record alert: we’re only retaining 3 out of 10 donors. I feel like there’s a connection between this stat and the charts/graphs in the Giving USA […]

By: Peter Drury

Peter Drury — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 18:50:25 +0000

In reply to Debra Holland. Aw, shucks! Thank you, Debra! We do believe that a gold standard of gratitude is at the heart of our priorities. We aren't there yet, by a long shot, but I love hearing from you that early indicators are positive! Three cheers to all y'all who are building cultures of sincere, fun, and authentic gratitude!

By: Erica Mills

Erica Mills — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:27 +0000

In reply to Stephen Browning. Thanks for bringing this up, Stephen. The hugging is a metaphor, as is the limp handshake. We're not suggesting you actually hug your donors. To your point, that would cross boundaries best un-crossed. Rather, we're encouraging organizations to create an environment that is so welcoming that donors feel deeply appreciated. Again, thanks for contributing to the discussion!

By: Stephen Browning

Stephen Browning — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:56:20 +0000

We just finished an all-staff training on Harassment in the Workplace and our consultant was quite specific about refraining from hugging in any context with staff, donors or constituents. I think you may want to revisit this recommendation. Thanks.

By: Erica Mills

Erica Mills — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:28:16 +0000

In reply to Debra Holland. Yep, Splash does donor gratitude right. Just got a wonderful thank you from the teacher I supported via Donors Choose. They also rock in the gratitude department. Thanks, Debra!

By: Debra Holland

Debra Holland — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:53:14 +0000

This is such great advice! I’ve been the recipient of Peter Drury’s organization, “Splash’s” benevolent thank you efforts this year. Who knew you could make a donor receipt attractive? Who knew a board member would call and thank me for a modest starter gift made via GiveBIG? This advice really works – I feel proud of all the nonprofits I support and a new fondness for Splash!