Published April 2, 2014

Jerold Panas’ Irrefutable Laws of Fundraising

The Law of Writing a Case Statement —
Creativity is great, but plagiarism is faster

The Law of Setting a Campaign Goal —
When setting a trap with cheese, be certain to leave room for the mouse

The Law of Analysis Paralysis —
I haven’t made the call yet because I need more research

The Law of Aiming Too High on an Ask —
Jumping a chasm in two leaps

The Law of Calling on a Key Prospect —
If you dance with a gorilla, the gorilla leads

The Law of Getting the Gift —
If you think you can—you can —
If you think you can’t—you’re right

The Law of Over-selling —
The more you run over a dead cat, the flatter it gets

The Law of Waiting for Precisely the Right Time to Ask —
Ready, Aim, Aim, Aim, Aim, Aim!

The Law of Common Sense —
Never accept a drink from a urologist

The Law of Handling a Difficult Call —
No matter which way you spit, it’s upwind

The Law of Working with a Tough CEO —
When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last

The Law of What Happens when You and the Campaign Chair have a Disagreement —
Whatever it is that hits the fan, it will not be evenly distributed

The Law of Maintaining the Fundraising Calendar —
The fast, slippery track is lined with banana peels and fired development directors

The Law of Keeping Your Professional Composure —
Never let yourself get between a dog and a lamp post

The Law of the Professional Fundraising Consultant —
To do good is noble. To give advice and counsel to others to do good is also noble. And much less work.