We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Susan Kahan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Susan below.
Susan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I’m a donor wall person. A data analysis person. A you should put your money where your mouth is person. A person who believes that collectively we can make a change, make a difference, and move the needle, even if just a little.
There is a Hebrew proverb that tells us – by saving one life, you save the world. That is what philanthropy is to me, and why I am so passionate about helping nonprofits achieve their goals and advance their missions.
I founded Sapphire Fundraising Specialists to help nonprofits raise more money and to build confidence in professional and volunteer fundraisers. The job isn’t easy – but nonprofits need the money to operate, and the staff and the board of directors have to figure out how to get there…and I want to help them do that. I believe that anything can be achieved with a clear, actionable and achievable plan that has steps to assess success all along the way.
Susan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
With more than a decade working in the nonprofit sector, I’m really passionate about the power of philanthropy and helping organizations meet and exceed their goals to fulfill their missions. I’m based in Chicago and have experience working with major gifts, mid-level donors, planned giving, capital campaigns, and creating and executing on fundraising strategies and events.
Beyond my local area though, I’ve worked all over – across the Midwest, New England, and the Mid-Atlantic, and I bring this knowledge and expertise from these special communities to each of my current projects and clients. I like to think of myself as a relationship builder and people connector, I’ve also been involved in grassroots political mobilizations and encouraging citizens to get involved in the political process with their voice and their financial support.
Prior to founding Sapphire Fundraising Specialists, I held fundraising and management roles at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). I graduated from the George Washington University in Washington, DC with a major in Communication and a double minor in Political Science and Business Administration.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
You know, it’s funny. Social media is the part of starting my company I least looked forward to. Imposter syndrome, second guessing myself, overanalyzing every letter – I was so concerned with what people thought – it felt so permanent. But I started to change my mind with the help of my business coach, that instead of thinking of putting out content to get likes, do it for you. And do it because you know what you have to say adds value. And if it’s not perfect – you can always correct it later. If your biggest failure in a day is a typo on Facebook, then you’re doing pretty well. I’ve now really started to enjoy putting out content into the universe because I remember it has value, and that makes me feel good. However many likes I get – that’s nice, but I don’t need the external validation.
To build an audience, I think it is all about consistency in posting, liking, commenting and reaching out to people and introducing yourself. I am not a fan of connecting with someone with no note – why are you reaching out to me, what do you want? It’s also impossible to be present on all channels (especially as a solopreneur!). I focus on LinkedIn because that is where my prospective clients are most likely to be. I think of my brand following three words – authenticity, kindness, and generosity. In everything I say and do with my business, I try to follow those three words, and I hope it resonates with the audience I’m building.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
In my business, the best source of new clients is simply referrals. You’ve got to be networking and talking to people – new acquaintances and former colleagues and family members and everyone in between. You have to remind people what you do and who you do it for. Make it super clear for them – I help nonprofits raise more money. It’s important you check in with people frequently to remind them of what you do and who for. And also make sure you’re returning the favor! Who do you know that would be a good connection for them. Being generous with your time and your network will help you in return.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sapphirefundraisingspecialists.com/
- Instagram: sakahan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=5318898
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kahan/