Clark Vandeventer - Podcast Details

Shows

Around the World with Mr. Clark #87: Jackson Vandeventer on the impact of travelIn this episode, host Clark Vandeventer interviews his son Jackson Vandeventer about how travel has impacted him. Clark and his son Jackson share a great friendship, and that comes through in this interview. Jackson is a lover or travel, coffee, books, and language. He’s a linguist -- he loves languages -- and wants to live and work abroad using his language skills. He has been traveling longer than he can remember and will tell you that even though he does not remember IRELAND, he believes that Ireland is in him. ...

2024-10-1645 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #86: Balkins overview with a heavy dose of TitoHost Clark Vandeventer gives an overview of the Balkan region and tells part of the fascinating story of Josip Broz Tito. When Tito died in 1980, his funeral was the greatest concrentration of global dignitaries in world history! Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and select their preferred classes ● While filling in the learner details, they should click on 'Referred by teacher' and enter CLARK VANDEVENTER For more travel perspectives, follow Clark on social media! Clark on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www...

2024-08-2322 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #179: LeVar Burton on Relationships and StorytellingIt's another Masterclass inspired episode. In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares some of his notes from Levar Burton's MasterClass on Storytelling. You may know LeVar Burton from his years as host of Reading Rainbow. LeVar talks about how to tell a great story, but Clark emphasizes that great stories only resonnate when they are told be a trusted source, and trust is developed in relationship. So, as an organization, where are you lacking? Are you lacking in storytelling? Or are you lacking in relationships? Link to LeVar's...

2024-08-2120 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #178: How much should you ask for?Host Clark Vandeventer talks about figuring out the right amount to ask for. Fundraisers! Do you have a hard time knowing the right amount to ask for? Can you ask for too much? What if you "leave money on the table"? Clark gives some guidance on figuring out the right amount to ask for. Check out Clark's "other" podcast Around the World with Mr. Clark, available wherever you get your podcasts! Also of note: We are giving away FREE ACCESS to ⁠⁠MasterClass⁠⁠! Sign up for ⁠⁠Peak Performance Fundraising⁠⁠ (basically THE MasterClass of Fundraising) and...

2024-08-1420 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #177: SMART GoalsHost Clark Vandeventer talks about SMART Goals: SMART goals are a goal-setting technique that uses five benchmarks to help create concise goals and action steps: S is for Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish M is for Measurable: Quantify your goals and build in milestones to make them easier to track A is for Achievable: Consider if you have the resources to achieve your goal R is for Relevant: Consider why you're setting the goal and how it will improve your life or career

2024-07-0123 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #85: Is Rio de Janeiro safe?Host Clark Vandeventer addresses the question, "Is Rio de Janeiro safe?" The country of Brazil gets a Level 2 travel advistory from the US State Department, but specific neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro get a Level 4, which means DO NOT TRAVEL. Clark talks about the favelas. Would you go into a favela? Would you travel to a Level 4 country? There are currently 19 counties in the world that get a Level 4 Travel Advisory. This episode is Part 2 or 2. Clark recorded two special Rio themed episodes of this podcast after he and his wife Monica traveled to...

2024-07-0133 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #84: Come with me to Rio de JaneiroRio de Janerio is an inconic city! Host Clark Vandeventer and his wife Monica recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in this jaw-dropping gorgeous city. Rio is full of energy and life, and one guide Clark spent time with described the people of Rio de Janeiro as "come with" people. From Copacabana to Ipanema... Sugarloaf to Christ the Redeemer... Clark shares some highlights of Rio. This is Part 1 or 2 of his overview of Rio de Janeiro. Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral...

2024-06-2832 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #83: Osama bin Laden was not from AfghanistanJoin Clark Vandeventer in a 20+ minute overview of Afghanistan. A beauitiful county with a rich history and culture... and a heartbreaking past 50-ish years. Atlantic Article, New 9/11 Evidence Points to Deep Saudi Complicity, that Clark references in this episode: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/05/september-11-attacks-saudi-arabia-lawsuit/678430/ Kite Runner book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3cEeucM Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and select their preferred classes ● While filling in the learner details, they should click on 'Referred by teacher' and enter CLA...

2024-06-0823 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #176: Slow is smooth and smooth is fastIn the past, you may have heard Clark Vandeventer talk about adding steps to the process. The more you elongate the major gift process and slowly bring your donors along, the safer you'll be. Clark recently heard Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos share the same idea with the phrase, "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast." The phrase "slow is smooth and smooth is fast" is a military saying that emphasizes the importance of taking time to do things carefully and methodically, rather than rushing and risking mistakes. It can also be thought of as...

2024-06-0720 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #82: Jinnah outduels Gandhi & gets PakistanHost Clark Vandeventer introduces us to Pakistan, the 5th most populous country in the world. We meet Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, who was close friends and then a rival to Gandhi. Article from Times of India, "Why Gandhi lost the duel with Jinnah:" https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/why-gandhi-lost-the-duel-with-jinnah/ Bloody Legacy of Partition article in the New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/06/29/the-great-divide-books-dalrymple Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and selec...

2024-05-2925 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #175: Robin Arzón on Mental StrengthIt's another Masterclass inspired episode. In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares some of his notes from Robin Arzón's MasterClass on Mental Strength. Robin Arzón is an exercise instructor and author, best known as an instructor at Peloton, for which she is also the Vice President of Fitness Programming. Clark shares an incredible mental test he picked up from Robin for you to use whenever you hear yourself saying, "I don't have time." Her JOY METRIC also inspired a twist on a mental exercise Clark has been doing for 20+ years. Great quotes fr...

2024-05-2829 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #174: Basic script for every donor meeting you'll ever haveIn this episode, Chief Fundraising Coach Clark Vandeventer goes through the basic script for the four types of donor meetings Discovery Cultivation Solicitation Stewardship What are the go-to questions for each of these different type of meetings? How are the goals for each type of meeting different? email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠...

2024-05-1629 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #81: Gandhi, Tea, and the Taj Mahal in India (but no Indiana Jones)India is the #1 most populous country in the world. Gandhi is one of the most remarkable people to ever live. The Taj Mahal one of the most beautiful sites on earth. But if you go to India, maybe don't mention Indiana Jones. Host Clark Vandeventer takes you on a little tour of Indian, along with some info picked up on the East India Company from his recent read of the book "History of the World in 6 Glasses" by Tom Standage. Link to book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/iPlg3HG Here's...

2024-05-1524 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #173: Michael Lewis on How to Tell a Great StoryMichael Lewis is the author of more than 20 books, including 3 that have become major motion pictures (Moneyball, The Blind Side, The Big Short). Host Clark Vandeventer shares highlights for fundraisers from his Masterclass on How to Tell a Great Story. Link: https://www.masterclass.com/series/tell-a-great-story From of this podcast: You're probably pretty good at telling your story, but becoming a GREAT story teller is HARD work People are not interested in you or your story. They are interested in themselves. Make your story about them.

2024-05-1329 min

2024-05-1026 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #80: Nepal, home to the tallest mountains and nicest people in the worldNepal sounds amazing! 25,000 feet of elevation gain in 99 miles from the capital of Kathmandu to the top of Mt. Everest. Tenzig Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary are credited with being the first to reach the top. Info on new Tenzig biopic: ⁠https://variety.com/2024/film/global/tom-hiddleston-willem-dafoe-tenzing-norgay-biopic-1235997617/⁠ What's the Tallest Mountain in the World YouTube video: ⁠https://youtu.be/PLaCogHp5Ug?si=Thdvy7jMfMC63gD⁠i Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and select thei...

2024-05-1026 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #79: Bhutan, the world's last Shangri-laBhutan is maybe the most isolated country in the world. Radio broadcasts began in 1973 and TV and Internet did not arrive until 1999. Getting there is difficult -- and there's a $100 tax per day for just being in the country. Is Bhutan’s tourism tax an elitist ruse or the blueprint for the future of sustainable travel? Host Clark Vandeventer thinks that question misses the point. Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and select their preferred classes ● While filling in the learner details, they should click...

2024-04-2625 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #171: Purposeful Communication with George StephanopoulosHost Clark Vandeventer shares highlights for fundraisers from the MasterClass on Purposeful Communication with George Stephanopoulos. Focus of this podcast episode: Doing your preparation Time Management Using body language in donor meetings Utilizing silence (not just the silence after you asked for a gift) email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email Clark: ...

2024-04-1630 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #78: Royal Bengal Tigers & 5,000 Miles of Rivers in BangladeshBangladesh is about the size of Illinois. And it's the 8th most populous country in the world! With 5,000 miles of rivers! This predominantly Muslim nation was carved out of India and made part of Pakistan until becoming an independent nation in 1971. Join host Clark Vandeventer in a look at Bangladesh! Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and select their preferred classes ● While filling in the learner details, they should click on 'Referred by teacher' and enter CLARK VANDEVENTER For mo...

2024-04-1022 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #77: Siena Florence on Kyrgyzstan (WDWDT Edition)In this episode, host Clark Vandeventer interviews Siena Florence about Kyrgyzstan. Siena Florence is a remarkable young woman. She's 17-years-old and has taken maybe every single class Clark teaches on Outschool. When she's not taking Outschool classes, she's busy doing a whole plethora of remarkable things, like participating in Model UN, being an ambassador for Cultiva International in Guatemala, or traveling the world in various study abroad programs, like the one that took her to the nation of Kyrgyzstan, which is the country we talk about in this episode. What you'll love about this episode: Siena...

2024-04-0955 min

2024-04-0517 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #76: Rice, Motorbikes, and Commies in French IndochinaIn this episode host Clark Vandeventer introduces us to the 3 countries that make up what was once known as French Indochina: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. In doing so, he exposes his own Western bias! Clark talks about one of the most famous photos ever taken and how the Mekong River allows the people of Laos to refer to themselves as "children of sticky rice." Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and select their preferred classes ● While filling in the learner details, they...

2024-04-0327 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #75: Thailand, Part 2, Buddhism, A Beloved King, & a Family of 5 on a MotorbikePart 2 of Thailand! In 2014, Clark Vandeventer and his family spent 3 months in Thailand. In this episode, Clark talks about the intense love the Thai people had for their king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016. The current King of Thailand, King Maha Vajiralongkorn is the wealthiest monarch in the world. In this episode Clark compares Phuket to Koh Samui, and talks about one of his all-time worst travel experiences. He also talks about the huge difference betweeen the way Westerners and the people of Thailand think about mixing religion with public life. Info on Clark's...

2024-03-2826 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #74: Clark can talk ThaiIn 2014, Clark and his family spent 3 months in Thailand. Bangkok is a beast, and while he didn't like it at first, it's now one of his favorite cities in the world. Learn about the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha in Part 1 of 2 on Thailand. Info on Clark's online classes: Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ and select their preferred classes ● While filling in the learner details, they should click on 'Referred by teacher' and enter CLARK VANDEVENTER For more travel perspectives...

2024-03-2627 min

2024-03-2020 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #73: Taylor Swift & Crazy Rich Asians in SingaporeSingapore looks amazing! This city state has only 5 Million people, but it's economy is the 33rd largest in the world! Economists refer to the "Singapore miracle" when looking at how much this country has changed, developed, and prospered in recent years. People here also live LONG, HEALTHY, and HAPPY lives! Live to 100 on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81214929 Chris Hemsworth Limtless Trailer: https://youtu.be/SJPnK_NgHVI?si=6Xn-42NqyJ_Xxdsv Dr. Peter Attia, Stanford Longevity expert: https://peterattiamd.com/

2024-03-0828 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #72: Malaysia and the Mysterious Story of Bruno ManserHome to about 30 Million people, this Southeast Asian Nation is on both the Malay Peninsula and the island of Boreno. It's on the island of Borneo where we get the fascinating story of Bruno Manser, one the world'd first environmental celebrities, ridiculed in the West as a "White Tarzan." Here's the book by Carl Hoffman, which tells the story of Bruno, that Clark mentions in this episode: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Wild-Men-Borneo-Treasure/dp/0062439022 In this episode, Clark talks about countries with religious symbolism in their flags. Here's an interesting link from PEW Research about 64...

2024-02-2929 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #71: Casey McFarland on Italy (WDWDT Edition)Italy is pretty much paradise, and Casey McFarland is an incredible guide in talking about all things Italy. Casey McFarland is a Northern Utah Photographer and owner of McFarland Guided Tours. He's been to 40+ countries and has done a lot of traveling off the beaten path. At the age of 10, Casey woke up in ajail cell, and in this interview he talks about the big influence his father, now a yak a farmer in Sourthern Idaho, had on his life. You can find all things Casey McFarland at https://www.iamcasey.com/home and learn more about...

2024-02-261h 05

Around the World with Mr. Clark #70: Alisa Lybbert on New Zealand (WDWDT Edition)Clark Vandeventer interviews Alisa Lybbert on New Zealand! Alisa and her husband Jared met in Alaska when they were both in college. They got married and continued to live in Alaska seasonally for the first 7 summers of their marriage. Kids came along -- and yet -- for the first 10 years of being married -- they never spent more than 5 or 6 months in one place -- except for an 11 month stint in Mexico. They’ve now been married for 20 years -- they have 6 kids ranging from 5 to 18 years old. They lived in and traveled throughout Mexico fo...

2024-01-301h 02

Major Gifts Fundraiser #168: Where are you essential?Where are you essential as a fundraiser? As a human being? In this episode Clark talks about focusing on the most important things. Don't foget -- email Clark to reserve your spot in a group coaching cohort. Deadline is January 31. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email Clark: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.c...

2024-01-2619 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #69: Asia by the numbersAsia is big! It is the biggest continent by land mass and population, and it's not even close. In this episode, Clark does a big overview of Asia. How many people live here? How old are they? How does the Asian population compare to different regions around the world? What are the predominant religions? PEW Article Clark references in this episode on the future of world religions: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/ Free classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit ⁠https://www.coralacademydemo.com/⁠ and select their prefer...

2024-01-2625 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #68: Something sad, something exciting, something coolFree classes available on Coral Academy! ● Parents can visit https://www.coralacademydemo.com/ and select their preferred classes ● While filling in the learner details, they should click on 'Referred by teacher' and enter CLARK VANDEVENTER For more travel perspectives, follow Clark on social media! Clark on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/⁠⁠ Clark on TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@clarkvand?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠⁠ You can also email Clark at clarkvand@gmail.com and check out all of his course offerings for tweens and teens on Outschool at ⁠⁠ht...

2024-01-2213 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #67: George Beals on Azerbaijan (WDWDT Edition)Clark Vandeventer interviews George Beals about Azerbaijan. In 2014, George became the Director of Strategic Development for World Hope International. Before serving with World Hope, George served his local church as the Pastor of Global Ministries for over two decades. He was the very first missions pastor in his denomination. While serving as the missions pastor, his church was involved in sending their people short-term and long-term cross-culturally. George led the church to strategize their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. George earned a Doctor of Applied Intercultural Studies degree with a concentration in International Relief...

2023-12-0856 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #66: James and Angela Ure on Spain (WDWDT Edition)Clark Vandeventer interviews James and Angela Ure about life in Spain. James and Angela live in Southern Utah and are parents to three teenagers and a tween. James started an education company and ran it for 14 years and he transitioned out of that two years ago and has been on a sabbatical since. James and Angela have a little side venture running workshops for parents around relationships and family life. You can learn more at https://www.familyc.com/home They have traveled to 20 countries. Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Galapagos Equador, Peru, Thailand, Bali, M...

2023-11-301h 01

Major Gifts Fundraiser #167: Returning Tires at NordstromsHave you heard the legendary story of the guy who returned tires to Nordstrom? In this episode, Clark Vandeventer recounts the story of a recent experience he had with a local business, and how these employees were clearly not trained by Nordstroms. Examples of how you can set yourself apart as a fundraiser by BEING KNOWLEDGABLE. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn:

2023-11-2921 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #65: Wrapping up Central America (Part 2)Host Clark Vandeventer shares some personal stories from travels in Central America and gives a birds-eye overview of some basic facts about the 7 countries below Mexico and above South America that make up Central America. For more travel perspectives, follow Clark on social media! Clark on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/⁠ Clark on TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@clarkvand?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc⁠ You can also email Clark at clarkvand@gmail.com and check out all of his course offerings for tweens and teens on Outschoo...

2023-11-2824 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #64: Flying over Central AmericaHost Clark Vandeventer flies over Central America -- at an elevation of about 10,000 feet -- and occasionally dropping down to ground level. This is an overview of Central America, with a focus on Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. Costa Rica: ecotourism and biodiversity Nicaragua: Iran Contra Scandal Honduras: Bay Islands and Copan Ruinas El Salvador: Well, they're not communists You can find Clark's classes on outschool at ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/clarkonoutschool⁠⁠ and follow him on Instagram at ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/⁠⁠ You can email him at clarkvand...

2023-11-2327 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #63: Panama, Welcome to the JungleHost Clark Vandeventer introduces you to Panama, a country the United States has a complicated relationship with. The first country in the world outside the US where you could get Coca-Cola! The Panama Canal! But first, Panama would probably not exist as a country without the US support of a Revolution that found Panama independent from Colombia. You can find Clark's classes on outschool at ⁠https://bit.ly/clarkonoutschool⁠ and follow him on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/⁠ You can email him at clarkvand@gmail.com

2023-11-1524 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #62: JT & Lydia Gardner on Spain (WDWDT Edition)Clark Vandeventer interviews JT & Lydia Gardner about life in Spain. Clark and his family got to know JT and Lydia when their lives intersected for a few months while they were both living in Guatemala. Lydia and JT Gardner have been married for 2 and ½ years. JT is a student at Brigham Young University and will graduate in April with a degree in International Relations. Lydia is working as a high school seminary teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is working on a Master’s degree in Organizational Lea...

2023-11-0452 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #166: It's Thanksgiving MonthClark Vandeventer opens this episode by talking about a favorite mantra: things you measure get better, things you don't won't. Also, when we expect and require excellence of ourselves in one area, that bleeds over to other areas of our life. Then, Clark gives some tips on how you can use the month of November to report on your good work while expressing gratitude. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Major Gift...

2023-11-0121 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #60: Jo Anne Lyon on Sierra Leone (WDWDT Edition)Clark Vandeventer interviews Jo Anne Lyon about the West African nation of Sierra Leone. Jo Anne is amazing -- and has traveled to 88 different countries! That's amazing! ONE INTERESTING THING IN THIS INTERVIEW --> There's some pretty serious division and polarization in the USA today, but nothing compared to what Sierra Leone has faced in the past. Jo Anne talked about how she admires Sierra Leone's ABILITY TO RECOVER FROM A BRUTAL WAR WITH TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION. Additional observations on Sierra Leone being a country where Christians and Muslims peacefully co-exist.

2023-10-2659 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #59: Sabina King on Bali (WDWDT Edition)"Travel is one of the best personal development tools. You voluntarily insert yourself into situations where you don’t understand everything, where the culture and thinking is different, and you maneuver through the frustration, the celebration and the new experiences. " - Sabina King You've got to hear Sabina King talk about Bali! Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" and her description and analysis in this episode is fascinating! In this episode Clark Vandeventer interviews Sabina King. Sabina and her family were based in Bali -- or used Bali...

2023-10-2544 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #58: Greg Denning on France (WDWDT Edition)A Passion For Purpose, Peak Performance, and Inspiring Others In this episode, Clark Vandeventer interviews Greg Denning aboute life in France. "You can go somewhere and not experience anything but I wanted it to touch me and and reach me and change me and instruct me, and I wanted to squeeze the juice out of everywhere we went, and it really affected me, it really impacted me, and I'm like, 'man I want this for my family,' and I wanna connect with the people in the places all around the world."

2023-10-2452 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #165: Brian Tracy on Long-Term Relationships, Educational Selling, and Building Mega-CredibilityIn this epsidode host Clark Vandeventer shares and expands on 3 ideas from Brian Tracy's book "Be a Sales Superstar." This is Part 2. Building Long-Term Relationships Using Educational Selling Building Mega-credibility Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠⁠⁠ Email Clark:

2023-10-2422 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #57: Why don't we do that?Your host Clark Vandeventer is launching a new interview series on the podcast! From Clark: As a traveler, when I visit a new country, I don't expect it to look like my country. In fact, I WANT it to look and be different! But my home country, the United States, is a country of immigrants, and one thing that's great about America is that we've taken the best stuff from all over the world and made it ours. So when I travel and find something cool in another country, I ask the...

2023-10-2110 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #164: Brian Tracy, the Winning Edge, Brilliant at the Basics & AIDAIn this epsidode host Clark Vandeventer shares and expands on 3 ideas from Brian Tracy's book "Be a Sales Superstar." The Winning Edge Principle Being Brilliant at the Basics And the classic sales formula AIDA Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company...

2023-10-1932 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #163: Thanksgiving Month, Giving Tuesday, Year-EndIn this episode, Clark Vandeventer talks about the three big pieces to your year-end, and that starts with spending the month of November exuding gratitude. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠ Email Clark: ⁠clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com⁠ Zoom...

2023-10-1117 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #55: Pirates of the Caribbean (or is it cuh-RIB-be-an)7,000 islands and 44 Million People. That's more people than Canada. But, how do you pronounce it? Is it "care-ib-BEE-an" or "cuh-RIB-be-an"? Look at those bright blue waters around the Bahamas. Let's talk about Alexander Hamilton. And Pirates! This is a Caribbean overview episode before host Clark Vandeventer moves to specific islands in forthcoming episodes. You can find Clark's classes on outschool at https://bit.ly/clarkonoutschool and follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/ You can email him at clarkvand@gmail.com

2023-10-1130 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #162: Can you text your donors?Can you text your donors? Is that appropriate? If you're asking that question, it may be an indication we have another issue to deal with. Host Clark Vandeventer talks about whether it's appropriate to text your donors. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠

2023-10-0616 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #54: There's so much to talk about in EnglandEngland is like the land of Great Works! We didn't even have time to talk about William Shakespeare, or William Wilberforce, or Charles Darwin. David Beckham barely got a mention, though David Beckham's right foot and David Beckham's left foot were both specifically mentioned. Even Winston Churchill only get a few lines at the end of this episode. Also, a Queen of England called the Spanish the "foul scum of Europe!" In this episode, host Clark Vandeventer talks about England -- the big piece on the island of Great Britain and the (by far) most populpous country...

2023-10-0627 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #53: I am William Wallace (Scotland)Two of the most famous Scots in history are highly fictionalized acounts. One is William Wallace. The other is Macbeth, fictionalized by William Shakespeare. But you can't talk about Scotland without quoting and heavily referencing Mel Gibson's epic portrayl of William Wallace in the movie Braveheart. Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, home to about 5 Million people, and, probably the place where the game of golf was invented. Join host Clark Vandeventer for another installment of Aroudn teh World with Mr. Clark. You can find Clark's classes on outschool...

2023-10-0223 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #52: U2, Guinness, & Serendipity in IrelandAbout 6 Million people live in the two countries that occupy the island of Ireland. There are about 80 Million people in the world who claim Irish Ancestry. Ireland was the first country host Clark Vandeventer every traveled outside the United States (wait, does Canada count)? This is a beautiful country with beautiful people that Clark has spent some time in -- and -- his wife Monica lived there for a year! Let's talk about Ireland! You can find Clark's classes on outschool at https://bit.ly/clarkonoutschool and follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/

2023-09-2931 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #161: 30 Tips for Connecting with othersClark shares a list of 30 tips for connecting with others. This is great life advice for caring for others and creating a high touch environment. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠ Email Clark: ⁠clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com⁠ Zoom...

2023-09-2528 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #160: Everything Matters & Conversation SandwichIn this episode Clark talks about his recent experience helping an organization frame the experience key stakeholders would have at a 75th anniversary gala. True service comes from the heart. He also gave students he trained a fun visual image: A Conversation Sandwich. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/compan...

2023-09-1920 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #159: What level are you?Clark walks through the 6 Levels of Fundraisers and invites you to an honest moment of self-assessment? Where are you at? What level are you? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠ Email Clark: ⁠clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com⁠ Zoom with Clark: ...

2023-09-0135 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #47: Denmark is so hygge and Copenhagen is awesomeThis week on the podcast we enter Scandinavia. In this episode we enter Denmark -- and this is a country Clark has been to. In 2017 Clark rode his bike solo and unassisted from Stockhom, Sweden to Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen is now on his list of most favorite cities in the world. The city is amazing. One word you have to know about Denmark: hygge. The Land of Hans Christian Anderson, mermaids, and Danishes. You can find Clark's classes on outschool at https://bit.ly/clarkonoutschool and follow him on...

2023-08-1629 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #158: 57 Ways to thank and steward your donorsClark goes through a long list -- a quiver of ways -- to thank and steward your donors. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some ideas to get you thinking about how to creatively thank your donors. What would you add to the list? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠h...

2023-08-1537 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #157: Why do we love our donors?Why do we love our donors? Is it because if they feel like we love them, they'll give more money? Or, is it because we actually love them? Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/⁠ Email Clark: ⁠clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com⁠ Zoom with Clark: Find an av...

2023-08-1118 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #156: Embracing Weakness to move from Strength to StrengthIn this episode of the podcast Clark talks about the book From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. Have you ever felt burnt out as a fundraiser? It's one thing to be tired. It's another thing to be exhausted -- to feel like you can't do this anymore. You are not the only one. Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser⁠ Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: ⁠h...

2023-07-1928 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #155: How long should you cultivate before you ask?11:22 - "If you have a donor who you think could give a million dollars, don't spend two years cultivating them for a million dollar gift." In this episode, Clark Vandeventer emphasizes the importance of balancing relationship-building and asking for gifts in fundraising. While it's crucial to cultivate relationships with potential donors and avoid coming across as someone who is always asking for money, it's also necessary to let people know that you are a fundraiser. Timing is also crucial, as it's recommended to ask for smaller gifts early on in the relationship to gauge a donor's interest...

2023-06-2619 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #154: 13 things to keep in mind when making your pitchIn general, fundraisers spend too much time thinking about their pitch. Listen the gift. But still, there comes a point when it's time to make your pitch. In this episode, Clark shares 13 tips to keep in mind when making your pitch. You can email Clark for a copy of this list -- or any other resource you've heard about on the podcast. Email is clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com. You can also find Major Gifts Fundraiser on social media. Just search for Major Gifts Fundraiser on your favorite platform.

2023-06-1522 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #39: France: Bikes, Revolutions, and the Good Life in the City of LoveFrance is amazing. Of course it's amazing. Paris is the capital in just about everyway. Polticaly, financially, and culturally. Amazing history and culture. The French Revolution, The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral. Was Coco Chanel a Nazi Sympathizer? Clark talks about all these things and more in the latest installment of Around the World with Mr. Clark. You can find Clark's classes on outschool at https://bit.ly/clarkonoutschool and follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/ You can email him at clarkvand@gmail.com

2023-06-0223 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #149: Monica Vandeventer on your ideal donorMonica is back on the podcast! She copntinues the discussion of "What is the problem you exist to solve" and gets into the process of identifying your ideal donor. You can reach out to Clark or Monica. Clark is at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com and Monica is at monica@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Follow Clark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/ Follow Major Gifts Fundraiser on Istagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/

2023-04-1930 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #148: Monica Vandeventer on Finding Your WhyIn this episode of the podcast Clark interviews Monica on your WHY. "What is the problem you exist to solve?" You have to answer that question. The problem is not that you need to hit your annual fund goal. What is your why? What is the problem that you exist to solve? Email Monica at monica@majorgiftsfundraiser.com or Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2023-04-0328 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #28: Uganda, home of Mountain Gorilla and Lake VictoriaSome British dude showed up to this massive lake in Africa and named it after his queen. Lake Victoria is either the 2nd or 3rd largest lake in the world, depending on what you consider a lake. Also, Uganda is a crazy incredible place for seeing lots of wildlife, including more than a 1,000 species of birds. River of the Gods, book by Candice Millard that Clark mentions in this episode can be found on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/River-Gods-Genius-Courage-Betrayal/dp/0385543107 You can find all of Clark's classes on Outschool at his Teacher Profile...

2023-03-1422 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #143: Setting Goals and Making Plans for their accomplishmentIn this episode Clark shares 2 of his 12 goals for the year and discusses how they practically move from back-burner to front-burner to done. Questions? Comments? Need help? Want to bring in Clark for a Strategic Fundraising Workshop? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

2023-02-0712 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #23: Mandela, Churchill, Gandhi, Lions, Elephants & Rhino in South AfricaSouth Africa is an amazing country on the Southern Tip of Africa. Nelson Mandela and Desmund Tutu provide examples of exemplary human beings and Kruger National Park is one of the most famous places in the world to go on safari. Book by Candice Millard Clark mentions in this episode: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Empire-Daring-Winston-Churchill/dp/0307948781 You can find all of Clark's classes on Outschool at his Teacher Profile Page at https://bit.ly/clarkonoutschool or email clark at aroundtheworldwithmrclark@gmail.com or follow him on Instragram https://www.i...

2023-02-0623 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #142: Everything MattersIn the last episode (#141: Assertive Sales Position > "I don't want to seem pushy...") Clark briefly mentioned how we need an assertive sales positon coupled with excellence throughout the sales process. That episode focused on the assertive sales position and only mentioned excellence throughout the process. This episode is about excellence throughout the process. Everything matters. Tiny details, all added up, not only create an impression -- they are who you are. Questions? Comments? Need help? Want to bring in Clark for a Strategic Fundraising Workshop? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com. Books mentioned by Clark in this...

2023-02-0317 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #7 Philippines: 7,000+ Islands with more English Speakers than the UKThis week we're in the Philippines. With more than 7,000 islands there are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore in the Philippines, but the thing that really grabbed the attention of Clark's students this week was Banaue / Batad Rice Terraces on the island of Luzon. We also met a a Filipino woman who was the voice of two Disney Princesses this week. And, perhaps the most interesting thing about this class this week is what Clark's Filipino Assistant did NOT include. Questions? Comments? Email Clark at aroundtheworldwithmrclark@gmail.com or check out Clark's classes on Outschool at https://bit.ly...

2022-09-2917 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #6 Hong Kong, Capitalists, Communists, Margaret Thatcher, Bruce Lee, and Dim SumIn this episode of the podcast Clark talks about Hong Kong -- the wealthy capitalistic dependecy of Communist China. The "one country, two systems" agreement put in place by Margaret Thatcher in 1984 before Hong Kong would transfer to Chinese rule in 1997. Also, Hong Kong is home to Bruce Lee -- part Martial Arts Master and Part Philosopher. Can you pinpoint Hong Kong on the map? Clark's students can. Email Clark at aroundtheworldwithmrclark@gmail.com

2022-09-2619 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #2 China: Where does Confucius rank in the list of the most impactful people in history?This week in Around the World with Mr. Clark we went to China. The most populous country in the world is also the place where the greatest migration in human history is currently taking place. In 1958 with the launching of Mao's Great Leap Forward the goal was the transition China from an agrarian society to an industrial society. That goal was achieved. 50 Million people died. But the migration of China from Rural China to the Urban Centers is astounding, and there are now 160+ cities in China with more than a million people. In this episode Clark also talks about...

2022-08-2516 min

Around the World with Mr. Clark #1: Introduction to Around the World With Mr. ClarkClark Vandeventer introduces his new podcast "Around the World with Mr. Clark," a spinoff of his wildly popular class on Outschool.com by the same name. In his weekly class on Outschool, Clark and his students "travel" to a different country every week and learn about it while imaging what it'd be like to visit that place. In the podcast, Clark shares some of the coolest, weirdest, and most fascinating things he learns while preparing for class each week. This episode is an introduction with a few fun facts from places around the world. Sign up for Clark's classes...

2022-08-2510 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #120: Born to Raise, Born to Train, Answering the Question, "So what do you do?"In this episode Clark shares the story of how he came to spend his entire adult life as a fundraiser, how he and Monica developed the system that is Peak Performance Fundraising, and some of the individual pieces that are part of that system. Shout outs to Jerry Pattengale, Floyd Brown, Ron Robinson, Jerold Panas, Darren and Nancy Campbell, and the amazing Monica Vandeventer. Questions or comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2022-04-1436 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #118: Bow Ties and ConnectionIn this episode Clark talks about looking for ways to connect with people -- finding tiny things, grabbing on, and going for a ride. We can connect with people my being observant and then by being bold and curious. Questions, comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2022-03-2810 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #117: Wrapping up 5 Themes from Major Donor Interviews: Part 5Clark wraps up the series of 5 Takeaways from our series of interviews with donors who gave 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts and talks about the 5th and final takeaway: significance. Donors want to know that they matter and that therir gifts make a difference! Questions? Need help? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2022-03-1015 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #115: 5 Themes from our interviews with Major Donors: Part 3Part 3 of the series. We conducted hours of interviews with donors who had given 5, 6 and 7 figure gifts. 5 themes emerged. In a new 5-part series on the podcast, Clark unwraps a series of interviews Clark and MGF CEO Monica Vandeventer conducted with donors who had given big gifts. We asked them why they gave and what they like about the fundraisers who call on them. They answered. In this episode Clark talks about gratitude. Your donors want to feel real, genuine, deep from within you gratitude. Questions, comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com. In this episode Clark...

2022-02-1113 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #114: 5 Themes from our interviews with Major Donors: Part 2We conducted hours of interviews with donors who had given 5, 6 and 7 figure gifts. 5 themes emerged. In a new 5-part series on the podcast, Clark unwraps a series of interviews Clark and MGF CEO Monica Vandeventer conducted with donors who had given big gifts. We asked them why they gave and what they like about the fundraisers who call on them. They answered. In Part 2, Clark talks about how talking MISSION, VISION, VALUES closes bigger, unrestricted gifts.

2022-02-0813 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #113: 5 Themes from our interviews with Major Donors: Part 1We conducted hours of interviews with donors who had given 5, 6 and 7 figure gifts. 5 themes emerged. In a new 5-part series on the podcast, Clark unwraps a series of interviews Clark and MGF CEO Monica Vandeventer conducted with donors who had given big gifts. We asked them why they gave and what they like about the fundraisers who call on them. They answered. Part 1 is about doing the hard work.

2022-02-0415 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #111: Moving the Marbles & Developing Your MindsetIn this episode Clark talks about the idea of "Moving the Marbles" and the little things we do day in and day out to achieve success. He also talks about developing a winning mindset and not just "conceiving" but also "believing" that we can be great fundraisers. Also, don't miss his offer for a free Development Assessment where you can get on a one-on-one call with Clark. You can email him at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com for more information.

2022-01-2120 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #99: Fundraising Like a ShepherdAfter listening to a talk about world class shepherds, Clark thought, "Wow, Great Fundraisers and Great Shepherds have a lot in common!" In this episode Clark talks about loving your donors, and how that love should drive you to master your craft, because when you master your craft you are in a better position to serve your donors. Questions? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2021-11-1016 min

Dealing With 40 #17: Clark Vandeventer on Appearance of Success, Dark Nights, and Making PancakesIn this episode Clark Vandeventer gives an update on where he is in the process of "Dealing with 40" now that he has nine months of experience in his 40s. He talks about his old boss Floyd Brown, and how when Floyd was 40 Clark viewed him as the picture of success. Talks about facing dark times and not giving up (but instead making pancakes) and how his views of success and worthy life goals is changing. If you have questions or comments you can reach out to Clark at clarkvand (at) gmail.com.

2020-12-1126 min

Dealing With 40 #15: Clark on Life as Half Chance...In this episode Clark asks the question... "Do I feel happy and content because of the relative success I am now enjoying in life?" or because "I am enough." Questions? Comments? Thoughts? Reach out!

2020-05-2916 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #96: Donor Relationships in a Changing CultureOur culture is changing. There was a successful way of communicating with your donors in the past but those notes don't work anymore. You're out of tune. In this episode Clark talks about the book Daring Greatly by "vulnerability expert" Brené Brown and what that book means to fundraisers in a changing culture. Questions or comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2020-05-2818 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #95: Being Vulnerable with your donorsIn this episode Clark talks about being vulnerable with your donors and having an authentic message. The old way of communicating with your donors was, "We've got it figured out. Follow us." The new way is, "We're figuring it out. Join us." Looking for help navigating this process for your organization? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

2020-05-1914 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #92: Be GreatIn this episode Clark talks about pushing ourselves to greatness. Talks about leveling up donor meetings by asking strategic questions and scripting meetings. For Clark's list of strategic questions, email him at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

2020-04-2012 min

Dealing With 40 #10: Clark on being enoughIn this episode Clark talks about the process he is going through where he is learnING to accept that he is worthy of love regardless of what he produces. Want to talk with Clark more about this topic? Have someone you'd like Clark to interview in a future episode? Email him at clarkvand@gmail.com.

2020-04-0819 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #90: Impact of Covid-19 Stimulus Bill on Charitable GivingIn this episode Clark talks about the potential impact of the Covid-19 Relief and Economic Stimulus Package that was just passed by Congress and signed by the President and the impact this legislation could have on charitable giving. You want to position yourself as an expert to your donors when it comes to charitable giving. You need to be familiar with what's in this bill in terms of charitable giving. Questions? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

2020-03-3115 min

Dealing With 40 #8: Clark on success and serviceIn this episode Clark talks about what he is learning and how he continues to cope with Dealing with 40. He talks about... The false notion, which perhaps comes from a place of humility, that Service > Success. Clark says that Service is not greater than success. And neither is Success greater than service. Service is Success. Not service leads to success. Service IS Success. Service = Success. Success = Service. More interviews coming later this week. Have someone you'd like Clark to interview. Email him at clarkvand@gmail.com.

2020-03-2413 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #88: What does the Coronavirus mean to fundraisers?A week ago we thought that maybe the Coronavirus was going to be a big deal. Now we know it is. What does this pandemic mean to your fundraising efforts. In this episode Clark talks about what you should be doing now and strategies for short term and long term success. Want to talk with Clark? Email him at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

2020-03-2018 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #86: Consistency Theory and why there's no such thing as underperforming donorsIn this episode Clark talks about Consistency Theory. Our brains work very hard to align expectation and reality. Good experiences become self-fulfilling prophecies. What happens when the difference between expectation are too great for the brain to align them? Clark talks about how our donors react when expectation and reality don't align -- and what to do about it. Have a question? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2020-03-1618 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #85: Be awesome at thanking your donors, especially if a Coronavirus Recession is comingIn this episode Clark talks about how important it is to thank and steward your donors. If you do awesome at that, and stop there, you will be super successful because you will, 1. Retain more donors, and 2. Get marginal increases in gifts from your current donors. At the end, Clark talks about the Coronavirus epidemic, and how thanking and stewarding your donors now is especially important if we are about to experience a significant economic downturn. Want to talk to Clark? Email: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2020-03-1312 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #82: Are you even speaking in the same language as your donor?We all have our own individual listening preference. Whatever our own listening preference, that's also the "language" we tend to speak in. So, are you speaking in the same "language" as the donor you are meeting with today. Clark talks about identifying your own listening preference, and tips for identifying the listening preferences of your donors -- and tips for matching messages. For access to materials Clark mentions in this episode, email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

2020-03-0618 min

Dealing With 40 #1: Launching the Dealing with 40 ProjectIn this episode Clark Vandeventer introduces the Dealing with 40 Project. In short, Clark's had a really hard time dealing with 40. And he's spent a lot of time processing where he is and how he has not lived up to his own expectations. He's wanted to talk to people. To go back to old mentors and talk with them. To talk to some of the men and women who knew him when he was 20 years old. And they’re 60 or 80 now. Talk with other people he looks up to who are a little older and a lit...

2020-02-2018 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #76: Clark interviews Monica about getting started in fundraisingIn this episode Clark interviews Monica about how she got started in fundraising -- raising money to go on a year-long mission with her church to Ireland. Clark sometimes tells big stories about million dollar gifts. Do the same principles apply to smaller gifts? Monica was asking for $100 gifts 20 years ago and she talks about the process -- and winning the hearts of her donors. The other big thing that grew out of Monica's first fundraising experience? She and Clark started dating, fell off a cliff together, and eventually got married!

2020-02-1927 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #74: Fundraising is a spiritual actIn this episode Clark talks about the short book, "A Spirituality of Fundraising" by the beloved author and theologian Henri Nouwen. Clark talks about why he hates the term "donors" and why he prefers to the term "partners" and the joy of being all wrapped up with others in a shared mission and vision. For more information about anything Clark mentions in this episode you can email him at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

2020-02-1220 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser #72: Do you sell mission or projects?In this episode Clark shares insights from several hours of interviews with major donors asking them why they give. This is an important episode for fundraisers who struggle with the challenge of raising unrestricted funds -- and also for fundraisers who have an exciting project to sell as Clark has a word of caution from major donors about your exciting project. To get a free copy of the audio program that Clark references, "Major Donor Giving Secrets Revealed" just email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

2020-02-0521 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser Ep: 65- What running 100K and other endurance events have taught me about fundraisingClark often mentions how much he's learned about life and fundraising through endurance athletic events, but rarely does he go into exactly what he's learned. In this episode Clark talks about some of the big lessons from the past and his recent 100K run. You can reach out to Clark directly at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2019-12-0415 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser Ep: 64- Thanksgiving should come from genuine gratitudeIn this episode Clark talks about how it should be easy to thank our donors because our thanks should come from a place of genuine gratitude. Shares a few ideas to help you dig deep within yourself to find that gratitude. Talks about Thanksgiving traditions with family and with donors. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com to share your Thanksgiving traditions.

2019-11-2515 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser Ep: 63- My simple daily prayer that makes life easy -- and the hard question I ask on sucky daysClark's simple prayer 🙏 every morning that makes life easy -- and the hard questions he asks to redeem otherwise sucky days. If this message resonates with you, please reach out to Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

2019-11-2218 min

Major Gifts Fundraiser Ep: 60- The * on the "if you're not early you're late" ruleHave you ever heard the rule, "If you're not early you're late."? Clark heard his old mentor, the late, great Jerold Panas use that line many times. So Clark was impressed with himself as a young development officer when he was with Jerry Panas to go to a meeting and they arrived at the donor's home early. That's when Clark learned the exception to the "if you're not early you're late" rule.

2019-11-0609 min