Wow! When I set out on this journey of writing Tuesday Morning Commentary (TMC), I had no idea where it would take me. It was six years ago today, 312 weeks, 312 consecutive TMC ago that I wrote my first TMC. Prior to that, we had a Partnership Group – Sponsorship Specialists® monthly newsletter. It was full of news updates, pictures, stories, job postings, and of course, an editorial that I wrote once a month.
A friend of mine, a communications specialist from Regina, Michael Zaplitny was straightforward and frank with me. He said, “Hey Brent, the newsletter is great-tons of content, but probably no one ever reads all of it. It is too long! You should just do a commentary or Monday Morning Memo from your editorial once a week on something.” So the TMC was born. The newsletter died, and on Tuesday September 1, 2009, the first TMC was published. In early 2010, we also launched the Sponsorship Update which continues to publish today with stories about sponsorship as they occur that would be of interest to our readers.
It has been quite the ride. I thought I would look back and highlight six things I have learned over the past six years in writing the TMC every week!
1. Writing a column every week with a deadline looming is way more work than I had imagined. Some days, I wonder if it should be bi-weekly or monthly-or even done at all!
2. That leads me to the second revelation. Your feedback as readers is incredible. The number of people who open and read the TMC is way higher than the average industry open rate. What is more, the number of emails I get or posts on social media or our blog is incredible. I try to respond to all the emails personally, as well as LinkedIn and blog comments. Again, this takes way more time and work than I had imagined. But that feedback, the comments, the rants back, the appreciation, and “right on” feedback all make it worthwhile and answer my question in the latter half of point #1 above. This is why I do it!
3. The really controversial stuff (when I am extremely opinionated) gets the largest reaction (both positive and negative). It is really interesting to monitor.
4. Readers come back and revisit the TMC most that have “how tos” or lists of best practices. Truly, readers love to learn and appreciate the sharing of knowledge.
5. It is amazing how many people I meet at conferences or events who say, “Hey, you are Brent Barootes. I read the TMC! Thanks for sharing.” That too motivates me to continue.
6. And last but not least, there is more content and stories, just not enough time to cover them all. What I truly relish is that many folks who could not afford to hire us (small organizations) can receive the knowledge that we share for free. I have a true passion for sharing and educating, and this medium allows me to do both.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for the feedback. It is because of you that I continue to write and publish the TMC. Your additional feedback on my six learnings or other comments are most appreciated and welcomed. Please post on our blog, on Twitter or LinkedIn, or email me directly.
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I always love your commentaries Brent and appreciate all the work it must take. I often pass them on as well! Thanks for all your knowledge and your generosity in the fundraising/sponsorship community. It is so great to have you on our side – keeping us moving forward in such a positive meaningful way!
Jill
Jill,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for the reading each week. It is great to know the TMC is of value and beneficial. I look forward to seeing you when I am back up in Edmonton later this month. Send me an email and let’s set up a day and time. Brent
Hi Brent. Congratulations on this achievement. In this disposable and fast fashion age, it is a real tribute to your skills to be able to keep the newsletter fresh and interesting for six years. You make a great contribution to the bank of knowledge we need in this industry, and your opinions, controversial or not, are always well articulated – even when you’re wrong!!
Best wishes for the next six.
Blane
Blane,
You make me laugh! Thanks so much for the feedback and the very kind and thoughtful words. I appreciate it. AS a very wise man once told me… “There was one time when I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken!” All the best.
Brent can’t remember who said “its the economy stupid” but in the fundraising and sponsorship world from time to time we stupidly give that excuse. Thanks for 6 years of reminders that is relationship based on the 4 way test that drives our successes in making this a better world. Much appreciate your effort and support over the years.
Ever grateful,
Tim
Tim,
The 4 Way Test… man you do read these. And you are a great Rotarian as well. Thank YOU for all your support over the years not just with the TMC feedback but also your roles at McKenzie Gallery and now Mercy Ships. All the best and I hope to see you soon.
Hi Brent,
Just wanted to send a quick congrats on your six years of TMC. I always look forward to your content via twitter, linkedin and email. I’ve learned a lot from being on the mail list. Always interesting and engaging. Keep up the great work!
Sam Effah
Sam,
Thank you so much for the feedback and the kind words. It is most appreciated. All the est to you in your ongoing programs. I hope to see you t the Western Sponsorship Congress next month. Brent