Viken Mikaelian, Author at Planned Giving Marketing Trusted Authority

What every modern fundraiser thinks they need to become after addressing a donor as “Mr.” instead of “Dr.”. Spoiler: You don’t.

Planned Giving Marketing

Don’t Apologize. Cash the Check.

Originally Published September 16, 2010. Updated for January, 2025. Apology Not Accepted: Why You Shouldn’t Beg for Forgiveness in Fundraising A few years back, I was lying on a beach with my wife, margarita in hand, enjoying the sound of the waves and the luxury of ignoring my phone. Naturally, that’s when it rang. On the other end was a client, panic vibrating through his voice like a dentist drilling too close to the nerve. “I’m going to have to

Viken Mikaelian January 24, 2025 No Comments

Wills

Caring for Pets in Your Will: A Comprehensive Guide

Our pets are more than just companions—they’re family, and they deserve love and care even after we’re gone. With thoughtful planning, you can ensure their future is secure by naming a trusted guardian, allocating resources, and including them in your will. It’s an act of love that provides peace of mind, knowing your loyal friends will be safe and cherished, no matter what happens. Don’t leave their future to chance—start planning today to protect the ones who depend on you most.

Viken Mikaelian January 24, 2025 No Comments

Planned Giving Marketing

Let’s Talk About Love

I’ve been in the planned giving marketing industry for 25 years, and for 25 years I’ve been saying that planned giving is a people business. If you love people, you will go far in planned giving (and in your career).

Viken Mikaelian January 21, 2025 No Comments

Wills

3 Reasons to Establish a Will or Trust This Tax Season

Discover the top 3 reasons to establish a will or trust this tax season. Learn how to secure your assets, minimize taxes, and ensure your wishes are honored.

Viken Mikaelian January 16, 2025 No Comments

Trusts

The Compelling Advantages of a Charitable Remainder Trust

Explore the benefits of Charitable Remainder Trusts, including tax advantages, estate planning solutions, and support for charitable causes.

Viken Mikaelian January 15, 2025 No Comments

Wills

Are Wills Public Record?

Learn about the public nature of wills, probate, and strategies to keep your estate plan private.

Viken Mikaelian January 14, 2025 No Comments

Image of floating emails with finger pointing to one. Subject matter is email privacy.

Planned Giving Marketing

Asking Your Prospects for Their Email Addresses

That popup demanding contact info for a generic eBrochure? It’s lazy. Your visitors know it. They’ll hand over their junk email and never think of you again. Want real engagement? Offer real value—exclusive content, branded swag, early access. No value, no ask. Simple. Respect the exchange or lose the donor.

Viken Mikaelian January 10, 2025 No Comments

Elephant and a mule celebrating over beer. Political satire.

Planned Giving Marketing

Next 4 Years: Thrive or Survive

The next four years are yours to shape, no matter who’s in office. Success isn’t luck — it’s mindset, action, and personal growth. Staying in your comfort zone, no matter how hard you work, won’t get you ahead. Growth requires discomfort, risk, and learning new skills. Every top performer faces fear but uses it to grow stronger. Will you survive and hope someone else fixes your life or thrive by taking charge? Life isn’t a ballot box—no one else can vote for your success.

Viken Mikaelian January 9, 2025 No Comments

Charitable Gift Annuity

10 Powerful Tips for Making a Charitable Gift from Your Retirement Account

Discover how to make a charitable gift from your retirement account with these 10 powerful tips. Maximize tax benefits and leave a lasting legacy.

Viken Mikaelian January 7, 2025 No Comments

Colorful desk with open laptop, sticky notes, notebook, and pencils symbolizing productivity and organization

Self Improvement & Career

How to Get More Done in a Day

I didn’t invent these ideas. I stole them from Ben Franklin, Dan Kennedy, and a few dead Stoics. This isn’t a polished productivity manifesto—it’s a brain dump of what actually works: Sunday planning sessions, inbox discipline, ROI-filtered to-do lists, and saying no to everything that doesn’t move the needle. You can’t deposit LinkedIn likes into your checking account. Stop being busy. Start being effective. The secret? Fewer things, done better.

Viken Mikaelian December 30, 2024 No Comments