What do you do when you're hit with a tough question—one you didn’t expect and don’t have a polished answer ready for?Whether it’s a curveball in a donor meeting, a media interview, or a town hall Q&A, today's episode of the 7-Figure Fundraising Podcast breaks down three clear strategies you can use to stay composed and persuasive—even under pressure.Trevor shares a memorable story from the Miss Teen USA pageant that became one of the first viral “word salad” moments on YouTube—and how most of us would probably stumble in similar high-stakes situations. From there, he walks through three tactics you can practice and deploy to answer confidently, clearly, and concisely.What You’ll LearnThe 3 go-to frameworks for answering tough questions:Two Points – A simple, structured response to organize your thinking.Story + Insight – A technique to connect emotionally and drive home a takeaway.Thinking Then and Now – A method for gracefully correcting misinformation.Why pausing for just a few seconds before responding can help you sound more thoughtful and credible.Download the One-Page Cheat SheetClick here to download a quick reference guide to the three tactics you can print or keep at your desk. https://7figurefundraising.kit.com/f7370c2df6To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com
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53 - The Power of Storytelling in Your Pitch: 7-Figure Fundraising Book Clip
How many of you know a good story? One you've never forgotten—one that moved you, inspired you, or stuck with you long after you heard it. What made it so compelling?In this clip, we dive into why stories are the lifeblood of an effective pitch and how you can find and frame great stories to persuade donors. Learn about:The Story Safe—a simple habit for collecting powerful storiesThe Story Buckets method for organizing and retrieving compelling narrativesHow to frame your story to maximize its impactWant to get the full formula for crafting unforgettable fundraising stories? Get the book: Paperback & Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/7-Figure-Fundraising-guide-millions-change/dp/B0DC8K1MRD/ Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0DJRSBL79?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com
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52 - Create an Amazing First 100 Days for Your New Donors: 7-Figure Fundraising Book Clip
What do you want your new donors to see and hear from your organization during their first 100 days? This period is your chance to make a lasting impression and turn a first-time donor into a lifelong supporter.In this clip, we break down how to craft a 100-day plan that keeps donors engaged, including:The four-part thank-you strategy that sets the right toneHow to plan four meaningful touchpoints over the first 100 daysProven ideas like behind-the-scenes insights, success stories, and impact updatesWant the full strategy to build donor relationships that last? Get the book: Paperback & Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/7-Figure-Fundraising-guide-millions-change/dp/B0DC8K1MRD/ Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0DJRSBL79?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006Make the first 100 days count—and create donors for life.To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com
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51 - Don't Project Fundraise
In this episode, Trevor Bragdon and Tarren Bragdon discuss why project fundraising is not a sustainable strategy for nonprofits. They compare project fundraising to a gift card that offers a one-time benefit but does not engage donors in the organization's overall mission. They explain that project fundraising can actually cost money and send a negative message internally. They emphasize the importance of having a compelling vision and avoiding one-off projects that distract from the organization's mission. They provide tips on how to pitch the big vision to donors and build long-term partnerships.TakeawaysProject fundraising is not a sustainable strategy for nonprofits as it reduces the organization's vision to one-off projects and can cost money.Donors who are engaged in the organization's overall mission are more likely to become long-term partners.When pitching to donors, focus on the problem you solve from their perspective, present a solution that feels safe or unique, and explain how it works in a concise and compelling way.Share success stories that demonstrate the impact of your organization's work and paint a vision of how lives will be improved in the future.Avoid project fundraising and instead focus on building relationships with donors based on the organization's big vision.To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com
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50 - 7-Figure Fundraising: A guide to help you raise millions to change the world
In this episode of the 7-Figure Fundraising Podcast, hosts Trevor and Tarren Bragdon explore the key strategies outlined in their new book, 7-Figure Fundraising: A Guide to Raising Millions to Change the World. They discuss the practical, step-by-step approach nonprofit leaders can use to transform their fundraising efforts and scale their impact.Why We Wrote the Book: To help nonprofit leaders understand fundraising both at the big picture level and with specific tactics. It’s a short, actionable read—just 127 pages.Key Lessons:Fundraising is a Skill: No one is born a natural fundraiser—it’s a skill you can work on and improve.Three Levers of Fundraising Growth: GROW your existing donors, KEEP them by increasing retention, and ADD new donors strategically.Focus Areas for Success:ASK: Ask once a year with the right timing and a persuasive pitch.PARTNER: Treat major donors like partners with a 4-star level of service.FIND: Add a few new donors each year by securing referrals and hosting strategic events.Team Roles:Closer: The person who makes the ask—often the CEO.Conductor: Manages donor relations and ensures they receive top-tier service.Connector: Focuses on finding new donors and setting up prospect meetings.Get your copy today, available exclusively on Amazon. The audiobook will be released at the end of September.To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/ To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com
Welcome to the 7-Figure Fundraising Podcast hosted by Trevor Bragdon. Each episode features a successful nonprofit leader who explains a fundraising strategy or tactic to increase your impact and rapidly grow your organization.
South Africa