How They Forced Me To Choose "Yes" and Like It

Crossroads by CarstenTolkmit @CC

GraphicDesignBlender came up with a sneaky way to push website visitors to choose “yes.”

I hopped from their excellent Design Blender newsletter to an article on the myriad benefits of featuring testimonials on your website.

When I landed at the article, a free offer popped up on the screen. The pop-up invited me to download a free ebook. I was in a hurry and started to click “no.” That's when I noticed the wording Design Blender had attached to my "yes/no" options:

___ Yes, please send me your free book on "How to Find Clients."

___ No,  I already have enough clients.

I didn’t particularly want the book, but I simply could not check a box that said, “I already have enough clients.”

Call it superstition, call if fear of tempting fate, call it gut reaction. I just couldn’t do it. I gave them my email address -- which was, of course, their purpose -- and downloaded the book.

Their spine-chilling “No” option was the only reason I caved.

Magic, huh? And an awesome way for copywriters to score.

p.s. The free download is actually pretty good.


scrubbed by MarketingBrillo

Political Fundraising Annoyances (and I Know It’s Not Just Me)

In the 2008 election, I was an active supporter of my political party. I gave money, volunteered, and “answered the call.” In the current election, not so much. I’m still going to vote my party, to be sure, but mostly because the other guys scare the hell outta me. In other words, it’s no longer passion for my party (actually, I’m an Independent) as much as how detestable the other side is. But I digress…

This blog post is about the naughty way my party is pursuing its fundraising. First, I’m on “I-don’t-know-how-many” call lists. “Telefund” shows-up on caller ID every day, usually twice. I get emails, too. Lots of them – from past presidents, congressional leaders, senators – even wives of politicians (no children so far, but that wouldn’t surprise me). I’m tired of it, you know?

Maybe that’s why, today, I relented and donated $25 to one of the appellants (please forgive my misuse of the word; I couldn’t resist). Within 30 seconds I had received a thank-you email (of course), and then -- lickety-split -- two additional email appeals. A minute later, a telefund call came in from a number in the same geographic region of the country that my politician represents. Coincidence? I think not.

And you know what? I don’t like it. I just did something you asked me to do and before the path to the front door was cool, you were coming back in, asking me to do something else.. and something else… and something else.

That’s bad manners. Cross media? Yes. Cross donor? Yes again. It may be good direct marketing, but, then again, maybe it isn’t. I'm a loyal customer and you made me mad. How good can it be?

-- scrubbed by Marketing Brillo

Four Must-Dos To Raise Money When There's Less Of It

In this shrinking economy, successful fundraisers are re-emphasizing four smooth moves to wrench donations from tight-fisted corporations.

In the July 1 NonProfit Times, marketing/communications/fundraising expert Rob Blizard confirms that fundraising today is a tougher more thoughtful sell. But Blizard makes the case that nonprofits can still attract scarce corporate dollars ... IF they can figure out – and explain – exactly where the corporate and nonprofit objectives intersect. What Blizard is talking about are efforts like Home Depot’s focused attention on Habit for Humanity … or Ben and Jerry’s new flavor, “Imagine Whirled Peace,” launched in partnership with Peace One Day.

Blizard's article boils down to FOUR the tactics being employed by successful fundraisers to secure donations in 2009’s tough economy:

1) Study the business objectives of a potential corporate client;
2) Determine where the nonprofit's goals intersect the company’s goals;
3) Demonstrate the corporation/nonprofit synergy strategy to the client;
4) Be willing to offer as much information about the nonprofit as the client demands, because at the end of the day, transparency wins the fundraising bid.

Study strategically, think creatively, demonstrate clearly, be transparent .. the four must-dos for all of us persuaders, whether in fundraising, marketing, PR, or social media.

-- scrubbed by Marketing Brillo