Calls, Stalls, and Other Lessons Learned-Year Two of Krit Consulting

I made it! Year two flew by and stretched me in many directions—from events to coaching to board presentations. I learned a lot about pricing, partnerships, and what actually moves dollars and cultures forward.

The Pricing Lesson That Stung

I’ve lost projects for being both the lowest and the highest bid. That’s a special kind of sting. In one case, I scoped by estimated hours and a quick pace, then hit send … and later found out there was a budget range I never saw. I came in way under.

Lesson: I still value price, but now I make sure to include implementation and offer options. I ask the budget question (a few times), tie cost to outcomes and accountability, and skip the race to “cheap.” I want the organization to receive the greatest ROI—and sometimes that takes greater resources.

People Over Projects

Of course, I have financial goals. But I want to work with kind people who do great work! Give me your positive, candid, fun, and responsive people. When the chemistry is right, we move faster, go deeper, and turn “good” into “great” while smiling and being honest.

This year I partnered with several smart, mission-driven leaders, and it makes a difference. Whether it’s training a board on fundraising skills or building a development plan, I’m partnering with people who care deeply about a cause and I love helping them move the needle.

Don’t Chase Silence

If you answered my email, took a call, shared a lead, or let me interview you: thank you!!! I’m blown away by the kindness of so many people. I don’t get to year three without you.

Some folks reply instantly. Others… don’t. I’m wired for responsiveness (and I coach it), but not everyone lives in their inbox. That’s okay. I’ll do my part, follow up thoughtfully, and practice patience. Relationships beat refresh buttons.

And sometimes, there’s a tech issue! I once worked with a client who wasn’t responding. We discovered my emails weren’t going through. Once I switched addresses, everything clicked. The lesson: be persistent, follow up, and look for alternatives.

Implementation Matters

Brainstorms are fun. I’m happy to create a plan for you. But implementation changes outcomes. Most teams don’t need a 40-page plan, they need a thought partner, simple tools, and accountability. That’s my sweet spot: turning “you should” into “we did.”

The plan isn’t the goal. Sure, you need a great plan, but many nonprofits juggle so many tasks that it’s easy to drop a ball. Regular check-ins make a huge difference. The more consistent they are, the greater the impact.

What Readers Told Me

Writing articles like these is my favorite thing to do! If you read, share, like, or comment—thank you. I’ll keep sharing stories of founders, philanthropists, business leaders, and nonprofit pros doing the work. Interviewing people has sharpened my listening and questioning skills. Hearing someone’s story is motivating, and I love sharing their message.

Aside from nonprofit work, I help organizations with professional development and coaching. I enjoy writing about feedback, growth, and management skills. One day I asked a friend, “Could you share this article I wrote? It’s not getting a lot of eyes.”

Without hesitation, she said, “Only a few of your professional development articles had traction. Maybe focus on the personal stories.” After my ego absorbed a short blow, I realized she was right! Now I try to weave those lessons into my interviews.

A lot of people have asked if podcasts are next. Well, if someone wants to fund those conversations, I’m in. Until then, I’ll keep writing. Research showed me that podcasts can be labor-intensive.

Field Notes from Year Two

As I work with and talk to more nonprofits and philanthropists, I’ve learned a few great tips to increase engagement and raise more dollars:

• Board meetings > updates. Make meetings working sessions. Give names to call, language to use, and clear next steps. Teach the board how to be the best ambassadors, advocates, and askers.

  
  

• Swing for the fences—then stack singles. Go big on matches and leadership gifts while racking up smaller weekly wins so momentum is visible.

  
  

• Build strengths, shore up gaps. Great at cultivation but weak on follow-through? Add a stewardship calendar and one simple CRM habit. Boring processes create exciting results.

  
  

• Show impact specifically. “$5K funds X.” Tie dollars to moments and impact people can see and feel.

  
  

• Use tech and humans. ChatGPT is a great thought partner (hi 👋), not a fundraiser. Humans create trust and build relationships, and that’s what raises dollars.

  
  

Working Solo, Not Alone

Lonnie (a former CEO of mine) once said, “Ron, we get energy from seeing people.” That man is right!

Working in my office can get lonely and tiresome. Whenever I’m around people, I feel alive! That’s why I’m always up for coffee with a client, a boardroom facilitation, lunch with a friend, or leading training filled with learning, engagement, and laughter. I make it a priority to get out of the office, which is exactly what fundraisers should be doing too.

A Few Snapshots into Year Three

• Keep pushing planned giving. These dollars can truly boost your annual fundraising and legacy/endowment gifts can’t wait. The wealth transfer is happening.

  
  

• Events require communication. From save-the-date to the post-event P.S., consistent updates and touchpoints compound. Communicate often with your board, prospects, and donors.

  
  

• Board activation works. The switch flips when members see their role as introducers and storytellers, not solo closers.

  
  

What I Want for Year Three

1. Activate more boards so members leave meetings saying, “I love being on this board.”

   
   

2. Lead more trainings on feedback, management, and making the ask—interactive, upbeat, and practical.

   
   

3. Tell more stories of leaders and organizations doing the work, so others can learn and be inspired.

   
   

4. Help more nonprofits implement integrated strategies that grow both dollars raised and donor joy.

   
   

If that sounds like your lane, let’s talk.

Gratitude, Truly

To the clients who trusted me, the friends who made intros, the leaders who sat for interviews, and the mentors who told me the truth, thank you.

To every person that laughed and learned during trainings: you’re my people.

And to anyone reading this—THANK YOU!!!