Make 2011 the year to get personal!  In a sincere and strategic way, that is.

Contact your MIP —most important people —personally!  That phone call, hand-written note or meeting over coffee sets you apart from others in this day of emails.

• If you haven’t already done it, call and thank those individuals who gave end-of-the-year donations.  For online contributors whose phone number you do not have, write individual emails thanking them.

• Celebrate every small (and large) achievement of your Board. Highlight the many things that they have been doing well in your January meeting — before you present the challenges for 2011. Let them know you appreciate them!

• Resolve to take time every day to do one handwritten note.  It can be thanking a donor, friend, staff member or volunteer. It can reach out to a potential friend you met at a community event, or be a sympathy card or a note of congratulation to an MIP.

• Plan an existing friends and donors communication calendar for 2011.  You can tie it to holidays, events of significance to your cause or a theme you created, but make sure you communication with your friends and donors regularly.  They need hear from you keep the relationship fresh. And they need to know your news and your progress on the priorities for the year.

• Plan a friend-raising calendar for 2011.  Plan to attend at least a once-a month events in the community — or create your own— to cultivate new friends for your organization.