Relationships Matter

Buy this groundbreaking book... Then follow the steps and never eat lunch alone again! Dr. Tim Seiler, Dir., Public Service/The Fundraising School, Center on Philanthropy at Indiana Univ. This learning novel reveals the secrets and how-to's that turn boards and supporters into legions of powerful mission partners. Imagine having more influential, well-connected volunteers on your fundraising team. Imagine generating millions without spending a ton of extra time, money or making big changes. Follow the story of Oscar, an Exec. Dir. who tries everything to move his organization to the next level. Oscar could easily raise a lot more money and get more of what he wants. He's smart, works hard and is deeply ommitted. There's one thing stopping him: Oscar can't build strong relationships with enough of the right people He thought he knew all about relationships - until things took a downturn. He needed answers quickly and discovered the secrets to more powerful partnerships. Now, his organization and his life are on the upswing. Reviewers say This little book is full of golden nuggets that make a big difference, exceptionally beneficial for the seasoned veteran and the novice fundraiser. In a few hours, read this fast-paced story and learn the how-to's of power relationships. Most fun I have ever had being trained, captured my heart, then my mind. Tim Reese, Exec. Dir., Cal-Nev Community Action Partnership Made me re-think the way I do things, gave me the how-to's. It is required reading in our fundraising courses. Dr. Matthew Jendian, Ph.D., Amer. Humanics, CSU Fresno I found this a transforming book. Highly recommended. Gary B. Grant, Dir. Major Gifts, National Alzheimers Association Food for the Gods. Kudos for removing the mystique. DeNelle Ellison, Dir. Fund Development, Sacramento Urban League If you don't have the chance to hear Marshall speak, make this your relationship-building Bible. Bob Olson, VP, Medical Foundation

User Reviews about Let's Have Lunch Together (How to Reach Out and Build More Powerful Relationships)

Despite the weak title, lousy layout, and large font, this is a book packed with great ideas.

Howard puts it in the context of a novel, but this is no literary masterpiece (nor was this his intent). Instead he puts his ideas in a large case study format and we can see how things would work out. The book is written to help with fund raising, but the focus is on relationships. Howard's refrain is "chase the relationship, not the money." While this may not seem incredibly insightful, Howard does well to remind us that success comes from our relationships. People truly need to trust us and we need to trust them if we want to move forward.

I went through a day long workshop with Howard and it was noted that this methods could also be used by a good con artist. Which of course is true -- con artists know that relationships are essential. But because evil may use it does not make it wrong. We can fall into our cynical selves and give up on treating people as they should be. The difference is motivation and the idea is that strong relationships will bring about good things. But if you build the relationships for monetary or power reasons, the relationship will never be strong because it is built on a weak base (all biblically-minded can think stone vs sand here).

Howard's emphasis on relationships makes this work for people in all areas of business. While not a fundraiser myself, it did remind me of how I take for granted some people's support when I should be seeking to find out why support my endeavors to begin with. I have nothing more "to gain" from them, but certainly strengthening those relationships will not only make the business side of things stronger, they may also impact my life. What a concept.
-- Do not be fooled by the cover -- this book is packed with ideas