Paying it Forward: What Can I Do?
Leaving my favorite grocery story, the young man wheels my purchases to my car. As I ask, "Wonderful day, right?” he responds, “I guess so.” Took my smile away.
I did go ahead and wish him a better afternoon, with a grin in reply. Just as a first impression forms within seconds of meeting someone, the last impression happens as you “disconnect.”
Post-COVID, we’ve lost the “memory” of discourse, such that our relationships with others suffer. Online commerce interactions focus on transactions where efficiency is prized. The human interaction so minimized, most only faintly recall interacting in person.
Today we call this the Customer Experience (CX), usually their online experience. Where we’ve lost our way is the in-person face-to-face CX. We don’t greet one another, and as such, we don’t say thank you. Just passing anonymously.
Nothing is more important to a nonprofit for fundraising or encouraging volunteerism than the CX. From answering the phone and returning calls, to thanking others for their time, talent, treasure and testimony.
If your nonprofit needs a major reboot, then focus on the experience for those you serve and those who enable you to serve others. Positive experiences build relationships that keep ‘em coming back.
The best nonprofits have a person in charge of volunteers. This Chief Fun Officer is usually gregarious, outgoing and engaging. They keep the volunteers coming back! Nice thing about a growing interest in volunteering is the ability to find the growing leaders that can make a huge difference.
But on the eve of your event, you go with the team you have and you love ‘em and tell them how valuable their contributions are to your mission. Use pictures.
Imagine with enthusiasm the benefits:
Blood donations save lives, we don’t even know each other, but we care.
Red Cross needs volunteers for their smoke alarm program. Two minutes is the difference between life and death in a fire. They need folks to help install - tools, supplies and smoke detector furnished. Volunteers can also “nominate” installations by contacting folks and checking if they want a smoke detector (minimum list of 10).
The power of positive thinking is that your attitude can influence other people.
The Moment of truth, smile?
Free Ukraine
Service Above Self,
Mr B MrB@NewCollarCoach.com
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Paying it Forward: What Can I Do?
