Three Quick Fundraising Points

Last night, I was listening to a podcast which was, in passing, discussing Apple’s marketing brilliance. The host pointed out a universal truth about which Apple is keenly aware (and smartly utilizes): People are moved to action by three basic elements…

1) A sense of Anticipation
2) A sense of Urgency
3) A sense of Exclusivity

It occurred to me that as we think about fundraising campaigns, these three elements should be kept top of mind.

1) Talk about upcoming events on air (and in direct mail, email, etc.), building a sense of anticipation. If there’s a special announcement coming at the end of the program, talk about that at the start. If it’s later in the month, talk about it early in the month. Makes sense for a number of reasons, none the least of which is increasing the reach of that message.

2) Then, when on air, communicate the urgency of the situation. These days, it’ll be no surprise to any listener. My concern is that if we don’t express our own sense of urgency, the “din” of others doing so will drown out our own appeals.

3) As we think about what package of materials might be available to donors, express the exclusive nature of this group of materials. It could be that exclusivity is related to the audience (“ministry friends”) or medium (special email offer). There are always items which are unique to a ministry which should be a part of that package.

Apple's proven the success of this thinking. Time to implement on the ministry side too!

Where do you enjoy God's creation?

Our question of the month (as seen in the April edition of Ambassador's Update) is:

Do you have a favorite spot that exemplifies in your mind the glory of God's handiwork in creation?

Alaska’s Inside Passage, New Zealand’s South Island, and Interlaken, Switzerland. Obviously there were no buildings in the Garden of Eden—there is something magnificent about the creation of God in its pristine form. I’m always drawn to that.
--John MacArthur (Grace to You)

The mountains. Particularly Winter Park, Colorado; I like to meditate Psalm 95:5 while I'm skiing down the hill: "In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him."
--Bill Bumpas (Fellowship for Christian Athletes)

And here are a few responses from the Ambassador staff:

One of my favorite places is being out on the boat on Lake Mojave as the sun is setting across the desert landscape. The canyons and mountains turn into brilliant reds, oranges and purples against the blue water and darkening sky –it’s truly breathtaking.
--Anna Sinclair

Always the ocean—the power of all that water never ceases to amaze me. . .”the sea is His for He made it!” (Psa.95:5)
--Evelyn Gibson

My wife Cathy and my two daughters age 9 and 11 share a favorite hobby. We happen to be a Southern California surfing family. We love to surf at a few favorite spots near where we live. And we love to head to the beach at the crack of dawn to get an early start. To be out in the water just before the sun comes up is an incredible feeling. Right before our eyes, we see all of God’s handiwork develop in the form of a slow fade up. And we become apart of this picture as we catch and ride one of these amazing waves God created.
--Mark Conner

Warner Springs Ranch!!! It is far enough from the city lights that the stars in the heavens give the most magnificent display of God’s handiwork!
--Jani Williamson

Rey Lakes Pass at over 10k+ feet in the California Sierra Nevada Mountains and the tide pools along the California coast. Amazing!
--Kathy Randall

Wherever I am, I think about this and it relaxes me with God's presence that our God would care so much for this tiny speck of a planet, when there is a whole universe he can enjoy.
--Jery Lee

Hymn-along with us!

We enjoy our fair share of hymn-singing at Ambassador – especially in our acoustically-charged “chapel” (read: racquet ball court). When entertaining visitors, it’s not unusual hear a steady, contemplative harmony coming from the east side of our building.

So what’s your favorite hymn? Read a few responses in the March edition of Ambassador’s Update newsletter. If you didn't get a copy, please let us know!

Here’s one response from Blue Ridge Broadcasting’s Jim Kirkland (Director of Radio):

The Doxology (Old Hundred Tune). It’s so clearly centered on the chief purpose of all creation: to praise God. And the words are so beautifully commanding. No mere suggestions there! When I hear it, I’ll often picture the church where I grew up and the earliest steps in my journey with Christ.

Define "Early" . . .

It's been said that the Early Bird Catches the Worm . . . but just how "early" is "early?"

For the team behind the scenes of the Morning Program on WMBI-FM--the flagship station of the Moody Broadcasting Network, "early" this week is 2:15AM (PST)!

This week Ambassador is priviledged to host the Moody team as they broadcast their Morning Program live from L.A. in our studios.

Charles Morris of Haven Today joined Morning Program Executive Producer, Mark Elfstrand in the studio on Monday . . . today, the team was joined by Award-Winning Communicator, Bill Butterworth.

Go to http://www.mbn.org/GenMoody/listenlive.asp?station=WMBI&rate=32 to listen live and find out who else is on Moody's Morning Program VIP Guest List for the week!

(And, when you're sleeping in to 6:00AM, think of the Moody team--their day is half over!)