2014 is your year. The year that you will make an impact, a big splash, the difference you’ve been trying for. So, as you keep perspective on that big picture, we’ve got some smaller goals that will help you reach your ultimate goal.

The internet is making you more efficient. But, where do you start. My thoughts: What does your organization look like from your customer’s/donor’s perspective? What can you automate? What are your biggest costs?

Put On Your Donor’s Shoes.

You want people to donate, invest, buy and see the value in what you are offering. So, play make-believe and put yourself in the shoes of a philanthropist seeking to donate millions. Tug on the heartstrings and provide detailed info of what your donation will support. Provide quality data and well-thought out collateral that will make your organization stand out for it’s legitimate and transparent reputation.

Walk through your website. Are the calls to action strong? Does it speak to you (you being the philanthropist looking to donate millions)? Can you find answers to your questions? Are the pictures appropriate, clear and engaging?

How about your print collateral? Is it professionally designed? Do you have appropriate brochures? Charity envelopes? Current information?

What about the content? Are you a educational research organization with a very in-depth intellectual message? Maybe your client is a busy professional that just wants the nuts and bolts and doesn’t have time to spend reading hours of content. Speak to your audience? Do they hear you?

Recruit Quality Volunteers.

Sigh. How does one recruit, choose and retain people willing to work for free?

Firstly, use some resources out there. The internet is full of places to connect people. Consider Idealist.org, one of my favorite sites for gathering non-profit minds/jobs/internships/experiences.

Volunteers aren’t getting financial compensation, so their goal in working with you is something else. Do you know what it is that is driving them? Since you aren’t giving them money, you are responsible for compensating their other expectations.

Great questions to ask your potential volunteer:

Why do you want to volunteer with us? Keep note of this and help them feel fulfilled by helping them achieve that goal.

How long do you plan to volunteer for? What is your commitment level?

Are you more a project person or hours person?

Bid Out Some of Your Big Costs This Year.

If you want to get approved to spend funds, show the approval committee three quotes. It lets them know that you’ve done your homework and that you mean business.

For example: Have you been using the same printing company forever? Do you know if they are competitive? In the world of dollars and cents, take the time to quote a project elsewhere. And don’t just go with the lowest bid; consider proofing expertise, graphic design, shipping, turnaround time, customer service, quality of printing, flexibility, payment processing and probably a dozen other things. Heck, you might just go right back to your tried and true printer.

One service I’ve found helpful over the years is Printellectual. Although geared towards book printing and not the most up-to-date web experience, I’ve found some great relationships with booklet, brochure and catalog printers through this service. Small printing presses bid on your project, like Priceline for print projects! *Psst, if you are listening Printellectual, we can help you with SEO and a better user-interface when you are ready.

Keep A Running Contacts List.

Call it the “do-it-yourself CRM.” Start keeping track of data in an easy to access Excel spreadsheet or Google doc. Having a working list to manipulate for bulk emails, invitations, general news or birthday offers can be your best friend and your most valuable marketing tool. Bam, I just made one for you here. Feel free to download or copy it.

And don’t make a rookie mistake and forget to BCC everyone. There is no reason why you don’t sign up for Mailchimp and track some data on those emails you are sending out. Seriously, it’s super easy and you offer a creative templates that are well laid out, opt-out capability for your readers and important data like open and click through rates to make you like a marketing pro. Most importantly, it’s free for up to 2000 email addresses.

Well, happy new year! The new year is a new financial calendar, a new time to make a difference. Good luck and here’s to making the world a better place, one cause at a time!