208 | Why is early specialization so dangerous for fundraising professionals?

For my conversation today with Jeanine Triplett, we set out to answer what young fundraisers need to know at the beginning of their career. Having just finished reading David Epstein’s Range, wherein he debunks the myth of early career specialization, I was ready for this one. There is scant evidence that a narrow focus on anything early in our careers leads to the elite status that it often promises. And when it comes to fundraising, early specialization generally means nothing more than being overly-invested in direct response, special events, and whatever else can be done at an arms-length.

Early specialization may also be problematic for fundraising because it doesn’t teach and encourage patience - a concern Jeanine expressed for young fundraisers. Far too many fundraisers neglect to give their relationships the necessary breathing room that, when given the chance, can really surprise us. Arguably, it’s this lack of patience and meaningful engagement that put unfortunate constraints on a young fundraiser’s professional development, lower their advancement and earning potentials, and ultimately erode their understanding of fundraising expertise.

As always, we are grateful to our friends at CueBack for sponsoring The Fundraising Talent Podcast.

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