Author: Viken Mikaelian

Don’t Look at the Wall
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Don’t Look at the Wall

Two great quotes from Mario Andretti: “If everything seems under control you are not going fast enough.” and “Don’t look at the wall.”

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Your “Sophisticated” Donor
Charitable Gift Annuity
Viken Mikaelian

Your “Sophisticated” Donor

“Dad, you are sitting on Apple stock. Why don’t you donate some, avoid capital gains tax, get a deduction, and receive guaranteed income for life—some of it tax-free?” “Is that legal?” he asked.

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Where’s Your Elevator Pitch?
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Where’s Your Elevator Pitch?

You get in the elevator to head up to the 12th floor. A prospect you’ve always wanted to talk to enters at 3. He recognizes you and says, “I’ve seen you before. What do you do for the institution?”

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Let Testimonials Say What You Can’t
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Let Testimonials Say What You Can’t

Testimonials by satisfied donors, or by recipients of your organization’s services, automatically carry more credibility than anything you could say about yourself. They are an important part of your planned giving marketing message because they tell a potential donor what you can’t.

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Insights From 30+ Years in Planned Giving …
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Insights From 30+ Years in Planned Giving …

With 30+ years of planned giving successes in my history, I’m now considered a thought leader in the industry. That’s because I learned one crucial lesson: Planned giving is about people. Focus on the people and the rest is easy.

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Tell Your Heart Surgeon to Go Away
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

Tell Your Heart Surgeon to Go Away

If your administration does not realize the importance of planned giving, your job is to explain it to them. The money is there — and it shows up when people understand the need. Would you ever tell your heart surgeon that his fee is not in your budget?

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On Productivity, Planned Giving and Your Career
Planned Giving Marketing
Viken Mikaelian

On Productivity, Planned Giving and Your Career

Do you set daily goals? Do you think multitasking is helpful? Do you know the difference between motion and action? These 8 hacks will get your productivity — and your career — energized.

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What We Don’t Do
Uncategorized
Viken Mikaelian

What We Don’t Do

Companies like to boast about what they do. Apparently, many firms also like to do far more than they should. More and more in the planned giving community I see “marketing” firms promising their clients the world.

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