Author: Viken Mikaelian

How I Got into Planned Giving
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

How I Got into Planned Giving

People often ask me about my life. What’s my background? Where’s my accent from? Where did I grow up? Where did you meet your wife? One of these days I’ll get around to answering all that… But the most common question I get is, “Viken, how did you get into planned giving?” Answer: By Accident.

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What’s the True Measure of Wealth?
Estate Planning
Viken Mikaelian

What’s the True Measure of Wealth?

Fundraising professionals focus on income as a measure of giving ability. The worried fundraiser thinks this way. “The prospective donor won’t give, because she won’t save money by being charitable. I won’t raise enough money to make my annual goals. My charity won’t accomplish its mission, and I’ll lose my job. What am I going to do?”

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Philanthropy Landscape
Self Improvement & Career
Viken Mikaelian

Philanthropy Landscape

Becoming part of our network is a unique experience. You’ll receive timely communiqués, learning opportunities, webinars, client hours, get to try out new tools. We’re like a “central clearinghouse” for cutting-edge discoveries about marketing and other forms of intelligence drawn from thousands of thought leaders.

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Quiz: Which is More Powerful?
Direct Mail and Planned Giving
Viken Mikaelian

Quiz: Which is More Powerful?

“Direct mail is too expensive,” you say. Well, fine. Use something cheaper that does not work nearly as well.

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Small Nonprofits Should Enter the Planned Giving Game
New Opportunities
Viken Mikaelian

Planned Giving for Smaller Nonprofit: 10 Reasons

If you’re not going after planned gifts, the bigger fish next door is. And since planned gifts are gifts from the heart, they inspire more cash gifts, too. This means, if the nonprofit next door wins your planned gifts, your cash gifts will walk out the door, too.

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Simplicity May Be Complicated, but It’s Key
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Simplicity May Be Complicated, but It’s Key

You can’t believe how hard it is for people to be simple, how much they fear being simple. They worry that if they’re simple, people will think they’re simpleminded. In reality, of course, it’s just the reverse. ~ Jack Welch, CEO, General Electric

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