Jim Langley on Using Research and Writing to Connect Better with Donors

by | Mar 4, 2024 | Learning Edge Blog

Jennifer Filla

Do you follow Jim Langley on LinkedIn? You should! He posts the best thoughts and visuals on major gift fundraising and fundraising in general. And I feel pretty confident that he is the one penning all those quips and quote-worthy phrases.

Because as you’ll discover in his #ChatBytes interview, Jim started out as a writer. And he was good, too. Winning awards and getting recognized. After a key moment in his life, and hanging on the coattails of writing, he transitioned to fundraising.

Jim talks about how writing can be used as framework to organize your thoughts – which of course applies to the University Deans he helps to craft their compelling cases for major gift investment.

Of course, prospect research is writing intensive, too. And Jim shares a great story about a donor that “refused” to engage, but when the research partner was brought in, the researcher was able to demonstrate the outlines of the donor’s story and make an informed guess about what gift opportunities might resonate.

Because it’s all about telling stories. And I want you to listen to Jim tell his stories. He does such a better job of it! Even when he’s unscripted.

Resources Mentioned

Words from happy Researchers

Success Stories

★★★★★

I love your Master Class format – small group, clearly defined curriculum, solid professional information and resources and focus on discussion.  But most importantly I was impressed and delighted to see that you incorporated an additional and extremely practical layer of knowledge, through hands on experience with tools (pivot tables) or resources (Candid).  This adds real value to the educational experience you offer.

Betsy Mehlman

2020-Master Class

★★★★★

Jen’s course on insider stock and compensation was informative, interesting, and well-thought out. Jen broke down the complicated material into digestible pieces. She showed us resources that I use in my day-to-day research that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about. Jen is always quick to respond and has been helpful even after the class has ended. She answers questions thoroughly and is always pleasant.

I was able to take what I learned from the course and present the material to our front-line fundraisers. One fundraiser told me after my presentation that she discovered one of her donor’s compensation was much higher than she thought. So, already, this information has come in handy! Thanks again Jen!

Kim Anthony, San Francisco CA

Insider Stock and Compensation

★★★★★

The Capacity Rating Workshop was really useful. I was new to the prospect research field when I took the workshop, so it helped to demystify capacity ratings for me. The online classroom provided a great forum for interaction with the other participants and for a robust exchange of ideas. Beyond that though, Jen shared a wealth of information and resources about capacity ratings and other important aspects of prospect research. I highly recommend this workshop whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience in our profession.

David Lloyd, Prospect Research Professional, San Francisco, CA

Capacity Rating Workshop

Articles that inspire

Learning Edge

Prospect Research institute logo

12094 Anderson Rd., Unit 211
Tampa FL 33625

FORUM
LEARNING EDGE BLOG
CHATBYTES PODCAST

FEATURED COURSES

 POLICIES | JOIN ELIST | SEARCH CATALOG

Powered by Aspire Research Group, LLC.