DNP Groundbreakers: Kevin Gentry, Vice President w/ Stand Together

Dynamic Nonprofits

"If you constantly have a mindset about helping to improve the lives of others, your life will be improved in the process"

Kevin Gentry has been a staple in the fundraising community for nearly four decades and his Fundraising Tips newsletter is a weekly must read for many in the sector. Kevin joined the show to discuss getting back to basics and how classic direct marketing techniques hold the keys to helping non-profits thrive during a time of great uncertainty.

However, our off-the-cuff conversation covered much more ground than that...

The Conversion Covers:

- Kevin's origin story as a fundraiser and how we can help more talented individuals discover the non-profit sector as a career choice

- The value of mentorship programs, both for the mentor AND the mentee

- Why attending in-person events is so critical for professional development at all career levels

- The origin story of Kevin's "Fundraising Tips" newsletter which has been running strong for 15 years and how he's improved it by actively listening to readers' feedback

- The advantages of publishing original content and advice for fundraisers who aspire to be thought leaders

- The mutual benefits of providing value to others

Tactical Advice Includes:

- Why your non-profit should strive to "Go Big" in 2023 and how basic direct marketing techniques can help make that happen

- Applying the "Human Action Model" and the three steps necessary to get someone to take a desired action

- Richard Viguerie's "Four Horsemen of Marketing" (positioning, differentiation, benefits, brand,)

- The risk in deferring to tightening up mail plans and writing off donors who haven't given recently

- Why direct mail continues to be effective in a digital era

- The value of getting feedback from donors and understanding how they perceive your brand

This is a classic conversation about the fundraising industry that is also packed full of tactical advice for fundraisers and non-profit leaders. Regardless of what causes you work with or where you are in your career, you're sure to benefit from this discussion with Kevin Gentry.

If you get value out of the interview, please take a few minutes to rate and review the Dynamic Non-Profits Podcast. It's the best way to support the show and help connect us with more legendary fundraisers just like Kevin.

Thanks for listening and enjoy!

Show Notes:

Email Kevin to connect, if you'd like to subscribe to his "Fundraising Tips" newsletter, or in order to receive a free copy of Richard Viguerie's "Four Horsemen of Marketing" booklet

Kevin can be reached at: his "Fundraising Tips" newsletter, or receive a free copy of Richard Viguerie's "Four Horsemen of Marketing.

Send an email to Kevin if you'd like to connect, subscribe to his "Fundraising Tips" newsletter, or receive a free copy of Richard Viguerie's "Four Horsemen of Marketing. He can be reached at: [e-mail]

Learn more about the work of Stand Together at: https://standtogether.org/