151 - Do The Hard Things First (New Fundraisers, Expectations, Getting Started): Andrew Robison

In this episode, Rhen and Andrew share stories from their early days as fundraisers, and they reassure new development officers that the world of nonprofit fundraising is, indeed, navigable.  This discussion is both a dose of encouragement AND a list of expectations and best practices.  If you're new to fundraising and need a specific path forward, this episode is for you!  In this episode, Andrew and Rhen answer the following questions:Popular opinion is that fundraising is just begging for money. We know that's not true, but what is the alternative?  What is fundraising?As a new fundraiser, what can you expect for your new position?  What are your responsibilities? Conversely, what are your director's responsibilities and what should you and the director expect from one another? What will your board or other leadership council expect from you?  What do donors expect from you?  What if you're fundraising part-time while you do another job for the organization?  How do you split your time? What can you expect as results in your first year of fundraising?  And, in the subsequent few years?Fundraising can be frustrating, especially as you're doing all the work and not seeing the desired results.  How do you handle feelings of self-doubt?  As Rhen mentions at the end of the episode, Petrus offers its BOAT (Basic Online Advancement Training) course as a way to learn fundraising skills while building a network of peers to support you in your work.  For more information on our fall BOAT cohort, click here  (And, if you haven't already, be sure to listen to this podcast episode for that $200 discount code!)