Austin Lighthouse’s Post

Why hire a fundraising coach? What's the value? My clients raise 100X what they pay me. On average. (Looking at the past 3 years - in one of the most challenging fundraising environments in 16 years.) Beyond the $Millions in their bank account... What's the value? 💵 The founders get the resources they need to solve the problem that got them to start their company 💵 They get to build a team. 💵 They get to take a relaxed breath - in terms of runway - for a year to 18 months. 💵 They get to focus on driving results, creating momentum and generating happy clients 💵 When my clients are ready to raise next time, the raise goes even easier. We've increased their network and cold outreach VCs have now become interested investors. New potential investors come to them, via warm intros. If this sounds good to you, book some time with me.

The Revolving Door of Fundraising... Tell me if you’ve heard this story before (or in many cases lived it): I hired a Development Officer (let’s call them an Associate/Manager/Director), but they couldn’t fulfill all the duties that were asked of them, our fundraising outcomes didn’t change significantly, despite all the coaching and recommendations from our management team and Board improvement didn’t happen, and the Development Associate ultimately quit or was let go. If you haven’t experienced this you’re lucky because the average Development Officer keeps their position for about 16 months before changing jobs. Keep reading here: https://lnkd.in/gTz2VdBc I know I don't have the solution, but I'm are there solutions? How do we fix this problem? I've got a few ideas but I want to hear yours as well.

Curious about fundraising in today's dynamic tech landscape? Join Seven Legal and Techspace for an illuminating discussion at our upcoming event, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠. 🗓️ Tuesday, 5th March ⏲️ 18:00 - 21:00 Gain insights into: 💡 The State of the current funding climate. 💡 What investors/ stakeholders are expecting in the year ahead. 💡 Advice to founders who are raising this 2024. Don't miss out – reserve your spot now > https://lu.ma/4j5w5hvw #tech #fundraising #techecosystem #legal #legalperspective #funding #founders #sevenlegal

We have three new executive searches posted at NPPN. Check them out and spread the word!

Why do founders struggle with fundraising? Because many mistime their efforts. 💥 Recently, I spoke with a founder facing a tight spot in raising capital. For the past 8 months, his sole focus has been product development—nothing wrong with that. However, if he intended to raise capital, he should've aligned his efforts accordingly. Instead, after 8 months, he's only halfway through the product, lacking connections with investors, outreach systems, a compelling story, or even a data room. With funds running dry in the next 2-3 months, he's scrambling to secure capital within 30 days. Realistically, this tight timeline isn't feasible for someone in his position. Had he strategized his fundraising approach differently—cultivating investor relationships, crafting his story, and preparing necessary documents—he'd be in a stronger position. Founders, time is precious. Don't delay your fundraising efforts.

How much does an open Fundraising position cost you? Connelly & Assoc. does more fundraising staff searches in our region than any other firm. Do you really “save money” if you “do it yourself” - without an experienced and well-connected local fundraising staff search consultant? ·      If it takes much longer than it needs to? ·      If you don't have the best candidates? ·      If your new hire doesn't stay with your organization as long as a candidate recruited by Connelly & Assoc. Fundraising? ·      If your new hire doesn't raise as much as a candidate recruited by Connelly & Assoc. Fundraising? Aren’t you and your team already busy enough? Do you need another task? Please contact me at vconnelly@connellyfundraising.com or 443-413-6033 for details on how I can help you fill your open position quickly with a great new member of your team.   All Current Outstanding Job Opportunities: ·      Montgomery College - Advancement Services Manager ·      Mercy High School - Annual Fund & Events Manager ·      Itineris - Development Director ·      Baltimore School for the Arts - Director of Individual Giving ·      Baltimore School for the Arts - Development Coordinator Please e-mail me at vconnelly@connellyfundraising.com for the complete job descriptions, details on how to apply, or with any questions. All conversations are confidential.

Raise less money than they tell you to. Build a smaller team than they tell you to. Invest less in early branding than they tell you to. Delegate later and less than they tell you to. Pursue big accounts earlier than they tell you to. Iterate on product more and faster than they tell you to. #ordont

A thought occured to me today, We have Stakeholder Value, which are people directly involved with the company by purchasing shares. Do companies care about Community Value? Community Value would be defined as the value given to the community in which a business or corporation opens and does business. Are they hiring and training locals? Are they advancing the careers of people? Is value being added to the community? Is the community giving back, or is it taking away from the community? Surely, this could fall under public relations, but I feel this is more in depth and should be on every company's radar. Businesses should not have the sole purpose of making money for investors. Businesses should be advancing the places in which they do business and opening new opportunities for those it serves. #humanresources #communityvalue #thebigpicture #arewemovingforward

The most important part of building a start-up is to have a massive addressable market. You can compete and beat the goliath, you can make yourself visible in the clutter, you can raise funds, and you can build a solid team. Something beyond your control is the market size. Companies can build a new market, redefine existing markets and make one for your company, but market is a living universe with its own definition and time. It changes and creates/recreates over time, and several factors come into play including the government policies and macro-economic factors. Do you agree?

Do you have a community project that’s hitting roadblocks? Turn those challenges into opportunities with a dash of strategic savvy: 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Feeling strapped for cash? Secure funding through grants, innovative fundraisers, and crowdfunding campaigns. Think outside the box - host a virtual gala, create community-themed merchandise, or launch a local celebrity challenge. Engage your community and show them why investing in your project pays off. 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Does your event feel like a ghost town? Ramp up participation by amplifying your project’s visibility. Utilize social media, local partnerships, and grassroots outreach. Make your project the talk of the town - everyone should know and want to be part of the impact you’re creating. 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬: Team Chaos? Clarify roles and responsibilities upfront. Use project management tools to streamline communication and task management. Picture it like a symphony - every member plays their part to ensure harmony in execution. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: Facing skepticism? Address concerns proactively and communicate the benefits of your project. Involve stakeholders in the decision-making process to foster ownership and buy-in. Turn skeptics into champions by demonstrating the positive impact on the community. 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: Worried about project longevity? Plan for sustainability from day one. Develop a robust maintenance strategy and cultivate long-term funding sources. Think of it as planting seeds today for a flourishing tomorrow. Transform obstacles into stepping stones, and watch your community project thrive! #CommunityDevelopment #OvercomingBarriers #GrowthMindset #LearningAndDevelopment