What Socrates Can Teach You About Direct Marketing

I think we’d all agree that Socrates was right: We must continue learning in order to meet our greatest potential. And when you first start out in fundraising, you’ll find there are a ton of places to turn for educational information. There are countless articles in industry publications, conferences and 101 sessions abound, and vendor partners are typically more than willing to share their expertise over lunch or a plant tour.

But as you learn the ropes and settle into the fundraising world, there are far fewer resources available for continuing education. People seem to be more closed off and less inclined to share high-level strategic results. The number of organizations pushing the envelope on advanced techniques is few, resulting in sparse information.

And yet, as the fundraising marketplace becomes more complex, there is always something new to learn. New channels are opening up to mass marketers! Barriers to DRTV are decreasing! Digital is ever-changing! This leaves marketers contemplating such questions as: How do we better integrate campaigns? When we do integrate, how do we accurately measure results? How do I launch a sustainer calling program? How can I increase legacy giving?

Fortunately, we’ve assembled a group of industry experts who all seek to put an end to the advanced marketing educational resource drought — and they will address all of the aforementioned topics and more during the DMAW’s new 301 course, Understanding Your Donors and Improving Your Strategy! Designed for intermediate and advanced marketers as an open forum to share ideas and expertise, you’ll learn about using the latest neuromarketing techniques in your packages, trends in direct mail, building a pipeline for mid-level, sustainer and major giving, and much more.

You can register at a special discounted rate by clicking here. Experts from CDR Fundraising Group, Google, Resource One, SD&A Teleservices, Inc., the Sierra Club, and Targeted Content Marketing are part of our knowledgeable and seasoned panel. Don’t miss this chance to get the inside scoop on the latest in DM from some of the industry’s best and brightest!

As a lifelong learner, I hope to see you there! Socrates would agree. As the wise philosopher so poignantly put it, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Come have your direct marketing flame kindled!

Katy Jordan is Vice President of Integrated Marketing at CDR Fundraising Group. She can be reached at (301) 858-1500 or at kjordan@cdrfg.com