Do a better job before doing anything else

That's tip number 49 in Drayton Bird's 51 helpful DM ideas.

A simple, but powerful message, and to be honest transferrable to other areas of our job as fundraisers.

Think about that statement. "Do a better job before doing anything else"

It's a really good piece of advice to give to fundraisers who want to raise more money next year. Just do what you're currently doing but do it a little bit better.

I see too many instances of people obsessing with new stuff. Usually because they feel that's what they have to do.

"I'm looking for the next big thing".

"We're looking at ways to be innovative and leading edge".

All I hear is "blah blah blah"..

News alert: be the best you can be at something before moving on to try something else. Or at least spend most of your time being better and a little bit of time trying something new. If you do, you'll raise more money.

Thanks Drayton for reminding us that often doing what we're paid to do that little bit better really is better than trying to be 'creative' or 'innovative'.

Jonathon