Here are 4 books (unrelated to Philanthropy) that made me a better fundraiser:

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Fundraising is all about relationship building and relationship building is what this book is all about. First published in 1936, this is one of the best self-help books ever published with 15 million copies in print.  The book touches on the fundamental techniques of handling people, six ways to make people like you, and the twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking. For me, the book reinforced that people support people and causes they like and know.

Get to the point..how to say what you mean and get what you want Andrew D. Gilman and Karen E. Berg

When you are passionate about a cause or issue, its easy to get extra loquacious if given the chance to share that passion. As you build relationships with individual and corporate sponsors, you want to use your face time with them in the most efficient way. This book will encourage you to be concise and direct in promoting your ideas and keeping your audiences interested and engaged.

The Seven Minute Difference by Allyson Lewis

Budgets, and grant proposals and board meetings…oh my. In the non profit sector, its so easy to get burned out when you are short on staff and financial resources. This book gave me great advice and tips for improving my business habits and personal life.

The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott

This book changed the way I thought about marketing and public relations forever, giving me too many “aha” moments about the old vs. new rules to mention. Mr Scott not only tells you why you need to adopt the new rules but what things your organization can do now to practice those rules. This is one of those books I keep on my nightstand. Its an invaluable guide for anyone who needs to make a name for their organizations, ideas or projects.

I would love to know some favorites that may have influenced you…

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