Why Do You Need a Coach?

If you are a frontline fundraiser, you need a coach. It’s doesn’t matter if you are brand new to the profession or you have over 20 years of experience. I have seen first-hand, over and over again, the difference a coach makes in the success of a fundraiser’s work.

We talk a lot about following The Veritus Way. It’s our structure and process that allows you to build authentic relationships with donors. But the most important aspect about The Veritus Way is having someone come alongside you to help you stay focused, accountable, uplifted, and informed about how to build those relationships.

It’s the “secret sauce” of what makes The Veritus Way successful for EVERY fundraiser that takes it seriously.

I was discussing this with one of our Client Experience Leaders (CEL) the other day. The CEL told me that they had a file full of unsolicited feedback that they have received over the years on how their coaching made a difference in the lives of those they were coaching. I said, “You have to show me! I want to write about why having a coach is so important.”  This CEL has made such an impact in the lives of hundreds of MLOs and MGOs over the years, and I want to share that with you.

“I realize this is the last DEP I’ll be sending you. It’s already been a few years since you worked directly with me. But I want to note my gratitude for the investments you made in my work here. When I started in this role, I was completely green. I didn’t have the slightest clue how to navigate a role like this.There is not a chance I would have lasted more than 18-24 months if not for the structure and coaching I received through you and the team at Veritus. Thank you.”

“Thank you SO much for all your help! Moving from sales to fundraising has been one of the best decisions of my life. But it has certainly come with a learning curve.You and Veritus have helped me learn best practices and adjust to my new role. I am forever grateful.”

“Thank you for taking the time with me yesterday to really reiterate priorities, strategy, tools to use, and to not be so hard on oneself. I had the print-out in front of me today, on my TY calls, and qualified a donor so effortlessly through that structure.”

“Just wanted to send you a quick email to say your pep talk on Monday to remind me to not worry about gifts that haven’t come in yet from donors was super encouraging. It was exactly what I needed going into the week. The couple I was talking about ended up getting their donation in this week for $5000 more than last year. Thank you again for all your coaching. I appreciate your wisdom and expertise immensely!”

“OMG… the process is working. My donor that I could NEVER get on the phone when I tried… he was always so busy and never called me back. We communicated via email only. This is the HR Executive that supported the Scholars Program. Tonight he called my cell just now and chatted really briefly. He noted that from my email today that he was very happy to see one of the recipients from his gift. The emails and touches are working!”

“I have learned a ton from you. And I really appreciate your knowledge and ability to guide me along to become successful. I absolutely needed Veritus. The work wasn’t easy, and I wasn’t always receptive, but you taught me valuable skills. Although you and I have different styles of working and learning, I want to thank you for helping me become more organized and understand the value of the “process” as a critical balance to the “relationship” in the work we do. As we say, you made a difference!”

“I hope you’re doing well! This is a very belated note. But I wanted to reach out before I go on maternity to say a huge THANK YOU for everything you invested in our team, and me personally, over the past 1.5 years. I found the entire Veritus Way extremely helpful and clarifying. And your coaching, in particular, was always incredibly insightful. It was a privilege to learn from you and your expertise. I valued your strategic thinking on how to approach various donor situations and will continue to apply what I learned from you throughout the rest of my fundraising career. I also appreciated your data-driven and organizational mindset—priorities I share, as you know!”

“Despite all these headwinds manufactured by management, and those beyond anyone’s control, the team has just again (and for the third consecutive month) surpassed the previous year’s monthly results. In five of the nine months of this year, we have surpassed last year’s monthly results. Not bad! Due in large part to the focus, discipline, and thoughtful engagement of qualified donors (who have proven they will help if stewarded, listened to and asked).

I want also to thank you from the bottom of my heart (coach) for being everything a client/colleague could want in a consultant/colleague. Your conscientiousness, sage advice, honesty, transparency, integrity and grace have been a saving grace for me and my teammates during a difficult year in which we said goodbye to so many colleagues we enjoyed. Thank you! Please continue supporting the team in the superb way you have been. I know you have faced a lot of these management headwinds too, and I deeply appreciate your resolve!”

Being a frontline fundraiser is one of the hardest jobs I know.

You have to be everything to everybody. It can be a very lonely job. With a coach, you have someone walking alongside you. Someone to cheer you on, help you brainstorm strategy, and keep you sane! This is why the fundraisers we work with are successful. They have someone to keep them focused and accountable to their plan.

The result… is joy!

Jeff