January is a hard month. We have just enjoyed weeks of celebrations, holiday cheer, time with family, and maybe vacations away. Then it hits you. January is cold, gray, and returning to work is hard.
Regardless of an organization’s fiscal year, January is prime time. While returning to work with a renewed sense of energy and focus will serve you well, so too will following a few key strategies below.
Recall your accomplishments from the past year
Returning after a long holiday break can put the past year in perspective. It’s important to think about the success you achieved in 2019. Perhaps you had a terrific fundraising year and closed the books on a successful year. Maybe your year-end strategies worked well. Take some time to document what worked well in 2019 and use this momentum to think ahead to what you want to achieve in 2020. Reflecting on the positives from the previous well help to create a mindset of success that supports your work for the year ahead. Be sure to document both the quantitative success and the qualitative success (e.g. We depended relationships with our board members and key donors by holding more frequent calls and opportunities to connect. The result was a more engaged board that gave 15% more than the previous year).
Take stock of where you are and where you want to be
January is either the beginning or the middle of the fiscal year. If it’s the beginning, then you have the opportunity to create a vision and supporting plan for the coming year. Take advantage of the relative quiet of January to refine goals and create detailed strategies and plans. Let your 2019 results show you what worked and what changes you need to make in 2020.
If your fiscal year closes in June, then you’re halfway there. Coming back from a long break mid-way through the year provides the opportunity for reflection and also the opportunity to change course. It is also the perfect time to jump in, focus, and take the steps needed to reach your fundraising goal. Re-engage your organization and your constituents! With no more distractions from the holiday season, now is the time to make progress on your goals.
Develop – or tweak – your routine
Even though we are in a new year, your usual routine will continue. If your routine is disciplined, focused fundraising efforts, then you’re set. But if your routine could use a refresh, then now is a great time. We all crave routine and while the holidays can be disruptive, they also present us with an opportunity to make changes when necessary or to refocus and resume what works.
Reconnect
We spend so much time around the holidays expressing appreciation to donors (as we should)! But January presents an opportunity to reconnect in a more meaningful way. Bandwidth is limited in December with so many engagements, events, and the high volume of mail and communications. January is quieter, though, and there is more time for phone calls to check in to see how the holidays were or a meeting to talk about the newest program. Take advantage of the relative quiet to reach out to donors, schedule meetings, and revisit your prospect list. January is also a great time to do an audit on your engagement tactics- what worked? What did not yield strong results? How might you adjust your efforts going forward?
Please let me know if you would like to learn more about my work or know someone who may benefit from fundraising strategy support. Your referrals are very important to me and are the lifeblood of my business. Thank you!