Podcast Summary: What the Fundraising Episode 239 - "The Power Of Connection: Creating Space For Belonging In Fundraising With Floyd Jones"
Introduction
In Episode 239 of What the Fundraising, host Mallory Erickson engages in a profound conversation with Floyd Jones, a renowned speaker, coach, and community builder. Joined by co-host Chad, they delve into the intricate dynamics of building genuine connections and fostering a sense of belonging within the fundraising landscape. This episode offers invaluable insights for nonprofit leaders and fundraising professionals seeking to transform their approaches and cultivate lasting relationships with their supporters.
Defining Connection and Belonging
The conversation kicks off with an exploration of what true connection entails. Floyd Jones emphasizes the importance of authenticity in forging meaningful relationships:
Floyd Jones [04:00]: "The first word that comes to me is authenticity and creating space where my authenticity and your authenticity, my truest self and your truest self can reside and can thrive."
Jones contrasts genuine connections with transactional interactions, highlighting that the former withstand the test of time while the latter are fleeting:
Floyd Jones [04:30]: "Transactional connections... change when the weather changes, but real, deep, lasting connection, transformational connection. That's what stays the test of time."
Key Insight: Authenticity is the cornerstone of lasting connections, moving beyond mere transactions to foster genuine relationships.
Building Connection in Fundraising
The discussion transitions to practical strategies for nonprofit organizations to build and sustain connections with their donors. Floyd introduces the concept of the "Four C's of Community Building":
- Catalyst - Share the Spark: Initiate engagement through events like birthday fundraisers, inviting donors to participate actively.
- Communicate - Share the Story: Convey the organization's mission and stories compellingly to resonate with donors.
- Convert - Show the Opportunity: Offer diverse ways for donors to contribute beyond financial donations, such as volunteering or joining advisory boards.
- Catapult - Shed the Baton: Empower donors to become ambassadors, encouraging them to spearhead campaigns and extend the organization's reach.
Floyd Jones [08:00]: "You need to build for belonging. You need to create space for them to transform, right? You need to invite them to be a volunteer... give them other ways to feel connected to who you are and who your organization is."
Key Insight: Diversifying engagement opportunities strengthens donor relationships and fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.
Sustaining Connection Through Challenges
Chad raises a poignant question about maintaining connections during tough times, referencing Carol Robin's work on building exceptional relationships. Floyd responds by emphasizing the importance of focusing on mutual impact rather than individual gains:
Floyd Jones [05:17]: "I'm focusing on what's the mutual impact that we want to have in this world together. Because that impact, that's going to send a test of time that's going to last."
He also underscores the significance of being present and valuing the personal impact donors have on each other's lives:
Floyd Jones [06:30]: "The relationship remains strong when there's nothing else to bring to the table. Who are you? And you have nothing to bring to the table. If you still have value, that person still has value."
Key Insight: Prioritizing mutual impact and personal value sustains connections even amidst adversity.
Navigating Personal Boundaries and Self-Connection
The conversation shifts to the interplay between personal well-being and professional relationships. Floyd advocates for self-care and alignment as foundational to authentic connection:
Floyd Jones [25:11]: "Affirmations... every morning, every night, I practice my affirmations. I pray... You gotta take care of your vessel."
Chad shares personal anecdotes about setting boundaries and maintaining self-connection, highlighting the emotional challenges fundraisers often face:
Chad [24:00]: "Our challenge is figuring out opportunity for connection, for building community, for finding the right people."
Key Insight: Personal alignment and self-care are essential for maintaining authentic and sustainable professional relationships.
Handling Rejection and Building Resilience
Floyd provides valuable advice on dealing with rejection, a common aspect of fundraising:
Floyd Jones [22:51]: "Every no gets you closer to your yes. Every no gets you... you don't want to force something... it's about relationship."
Chad echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of valuing clear communication over ambiguity:
Chad [22:57]: "No's are sacred and they are important... I love hearing no because it helps me move on."
Key Insight: Embracing rejection as a step towards genuine connections fosters resilience and opens doors to more meaningful engagements.
Organizational Alignment and Values
Floyd discusses the critical role of organizational alignment and values in building connections:
Floyd Jones [30:10]: "If you don't know your values, your values lead you to your victory."
He shares a personal experience of enhancing the hiring process to reflect organizational values, ensuring every interaction underscores the importance of connection and mutual respect.
Key Insight: Clear organizational values and alignment are pivotal in attracting and nurturing genuine supporter relationships.
Conclusion
Episode 239 of What the Fundraising serves as a compelling guide for nonprofit leaders aiming to redefine their fundraising strategies through authentic connections and a strong sense of belonging. Floyd Jones, with his profound insights and practical strategies, empowers listeners to move beyond transactional interactions, fostering deeper, more resilient relationships that drive sustained impact.
Notable Quotes:
- Floyd Jones [02:58]: "Your people are your power and your people are your partners, not your piggy banks."
- Floyd Jones [09:34]: "Anybody can give you a dollar, but you're looking for a believer of your organization."
- Floyd Jones [28:21]: "If you aren't the fullest version of yourself, then what version is someone connecting with?"
Additional Resources:
- Connect with Floyd Jones: Visit floydjones.co or follow him on social media at @floydjones.
- DonorPerfect Community Conference 2025: Register at donorperfect.com/donorperfect-conference.
About the Podcast
What the Fundraising is dedicated to impact leaders and change-makers eager to revolutionize their fundraising strategies and organizational management. Hosted by Mallory Erickson, each episode features candid conversations with top personal and professional development experts, offering fresh perspectives to elevate nonprofit leadership and fundraising practices.
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