I’ve always wondered about whether as fundraisers we ever get downtime. Now that we’ve reached the longest day of the year, will there be a summertime slowdown? And, if so, what’s the best use of that time?
Here are a few suggestions to consider:
1) Take a break. Yes, you heard me. Go on vacation. There can be a mindset among certain fundraisers—and I admit that I’ve been one of them—where a body in motion stays in motion. Don’t be a martyr! Take some time off while you can. You’ll be more effective at your job when you return.
2) Organize. How many draft versions of your last five proposals do you have saved on your computer? When you have to access them for use in future proposals and reports, you need the most polished text at your fingertips. Use this time to file and delete. It’s not sexy work, but a clutter-free desktop will help improve your mindset and your efficiency.
3) Retreat. The ideal time for a retreat is when things are slow. Unfortunately, many people are also on vacation at this time. If not everyone is around, those who remain can brainstorm and outline an agenda for a suggested post-summer retreat. This can give people something to respond to, when everyone’s back from vacation.
4) Research. Remember all those times that you wished you could catch up on the latest news on your sector? Yes, it’s not exactly beach reading, but it can give you great ideas for fundraising approaches. Consider synthesizing some of the most salient of your findings in a short report for your colleagues. In addition to keeping you in the know, it could garner you some positive attention in your organization.
5) Network. It’s true that a lot of people are out of town. But the ones who are in town are bored, too. Arrange lunches and coffee dates. Attend lecture series. There may be fewer attendees, but you’ll be able to more easily approach the speakers afterward for one-on-one conversations.
And, of course, you can always blog to pass the time.
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