As we close out 2024, I wanted to take a moment to connect with you, share a short reflection, and offer some resources that I’ve been working on over the last several months. Our mission at Do What Lasts is rooted in creating meaningful, lasting impact, and this year has been full of opportunities to do that—both in the work we’ve done and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. I hope these words and resources encourage you as you reflect on your own year and look ahead to what’s next. Recap: 2024 in the RearviewWith 2024 now in the rearview mirror, I’ve been reflecting on the highlights, challenges, and moments of growth that defined the year. It’s been...
How to Keep Your Donors Engaged, Inspired, and Generous This Year-End It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Christmastime is second to none, but I’m really talking about those last-minute Hail Mary year-end fundraising efforts. I get it—if your organization doesn’t have a solid year-end plan, the scramble to close the gap before December 31st can feel overwhelming. That’s understandable. Many nonprofits, however, rely on a tried-and-true year-end strategy, which is great—until it becomes tired or less effective. We know that most of your major donors contribute one yearly gift, typically between December 1st and 31st. While excellent for cash flow, monthly giving campaigns often account for less than 20% of your overall revenue. While not...
Six Ways to Serve Before the Sale: How to Build Trust in a Transactional World A few months ago, I stepped into a new role as VP of Sales and Marketing at Sunday Cool. Throughout my career, my focus has been on marketing strategy, growth, and creating systems that set sales and fundraising teams up for success with qualified leads and targeted materials. Until now, I hadn’t spent much time in the day-to-day intricacies of salesmanship. We work primarily with faith-based and church markets, seeing ourselves not just as a vendor but as a ministry resource. Here, “serving” our customers takes on a deeper meaning because our mission is to sell products and services that make a real impact on...
One month ago yesterday, the world lost an incredible man, and Heaven gained a humble yet mighty man of God. I went to college with Joe. He was a dear friend and encourager to everyone he met—a faithful and loyal friend who led by serving. To be honest, Joe was modeling for us something that wouldn't fully set in for many years. He was way ahead of his time in the things that truly matter this side of Heaven. He left an incredible impact on so many, and I'm thankful for his example even after all these years. Joe battled an aggressive brain cancer for seven months alongside his bride, Corrie, and their two daughters. The phrase 'Do What Lasts'...
Does building a mission-driven brand sometimes feel elusive? Is it hard to determine what aspects of brand building you prioritize for maximum impact? Have you struggled to integrate your mission into all aspects of your marketing? If these are your challenges, our newest ebook (resource), The Brand Blueprint: A 6-Step Framework for Building a Mission-Driven Brand, could be a good guide for you. Building a mission-driven brand is a lot like building a house. Download this free guide for a framework that ensures your efforts incorporate the vital components needed for creating a brand with lasting impact. If you’re looking for more ideas on building inspiring brands, then check out this post, The Living Brand Story in the Customer's Mind....
