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Five Tips For Fundraisers To Prepare For Your Annual Review (And Get What You Want Out Of It)

By Jill Applebee posted 10-26-2020 15:33

  

For many people, especially fundraising professionals, the end of the year can be a stressful time.

You have weather changes, family gatherings, office parties, holiday shopping, annual appeals, and throw in an annual review from your boss. That is enough for anyone to be tossing and turning at night!

I am a planner, a list maker. To be honest, sometimes I write down things I have already done just so I can mark them off. The key to my stress level is planning, especially prior to my annual review.

Let’s talk about five tips I have learned to help you prepare for your annual review so you get what you want out of it!

  1. Data collection
    Everyone wants to know they are doing a good job. Sometimes the proof is in the pudding—DATA. This has been a helpful exercise for me to do throughout the year. A golf outing, a gala, annual appeal, in-person meetings, what are your key fundraisers?

    Study the data and put it by year in a spread sheet. It is helpful to see how many people attended this year compared to last, how many invites you sent out, and what the return for investment was. This is also a perfect spot to showcase your goals for the upcoming year.

  2. Explain
    By looking at these numbers, sometimes we fall short. What happened that year to have your numbers come in low. Did you try a new approach, have a different theme, change the date? Mark any changes down on your spreadsheet and be ready to explain and take responsibility for those downfalls. By taking ownership you will likely gain credibility with your boss.

  3. Review
    Have a peer review your goals and data. They will likely see something you are missing or have questions that most likely your boss will have too!

    We often ignore our strengths. A trusted peer will point them out to you. Embrace their suggestions.

  4. Agenda
    Don’t waste the one-on-one time you are getting with your boss. Make sure you get what you need out of the meeting. Do you have concerns, needs, suggestions that need to be discussed? Get your ideas written down for both of you to see.

  5. CFRE
    The CFRE should always be a topic on your agenda for your review, even after you already have it! First let’s talk about the benefits of bringing it up prior to obtaining your CFRE. Explain to your boss that this certification serves as an endorsement of your knowledge and experience and adds to your credibility. It is a clear indicator of your own willingness to invest in your career. However, sometimes we need their/the organization’s help to move forward.

    Do you need help paying for the initial certification fee or buying the books you want to study? Do you need a day off to study or could you use the work Zoom account to hold CFRE study groups? Don’t be afraid to express what needs you have. If you are not sure what those needs could be, reach out to a CFRE Ambassador.

After you have passed the CFRE exam, you may still need help from your employer. Can they help pay for your classes to keep up with your education requirements? Can you have time to go to a class? Will they pay for your recertification cost?

If we have seen anything over the past few years, we know the importance of a fundraising professional who is aware of what is happening in the industry, one who is sensitive to the needs of donors and who can withstand the trying times we are in. 

The value of our profession should not go unnoticed, and there is no time better than your review to highlight yourself and the value that you bring!

 

 

 

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Comments

11-20-2020 18:49

Great tips, Jill!  Thank you for sharing these concrete tools and techniques.