My Cell Phone Number is on Our Company Website: Here’s Why

When we started Capital Campaign Pro (at that time, Capital Campaign Toolkit) nearly ten years ago, it was an easy decision to put my personal number on the website. After all, it was just me and Andrea. There was no one else to call. And if I’m being honest, the phone wasn’t ringing off the hook.

But today, having my phone number on the website is a choice.

Being Accessible is a Top Priority for Us

As we’ve grown, over the last decade, keeping my number on the website has become a choice. It’s no longer just me and Andrea — we now have an amazing team. And there are myriad options for the company phone number, including having an AI system answer and route calls to the right person on our team.

But that’s not the choice we’re making. And that’s because I want to answer the phone when clients and prospective clients call. Whenever someone says, “I can’t believe you’re answering your phone,” I can gleefully respond, “Who else would answer it?”

My Cell Number on our Website is Proof

Keeping my personal phone number on the website, even as we’ve grown — especially as we’ve grown — demonstrates that we are still small enough that I am accessible and available. When I say to nonprofit leaders and fundraisers that we are a boutique firm with national reach and expertise, my cell number on every page of our site is proof.

From the outside, it may look like we’re a large organization, but we’re not so big that I’ve taken my number off the site. Over the years, we’ve chosen time again to grow in a way that’s slow and steady — always prioritizing quality over quantity.

I hope it’s reassuring that our clients and prospective clients can reach me — that you can reach me. There is literally a direct line. My number is the only phone number for Capital Campaign Pro — and it’s on every page of our site in the footer.

Surprise and Delight is One of Our Core Values

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I can’t always answer the phone. I’m often in a meeting, speaking at a conference, or simply need to turn off the ringer when I’m in a zone (like writing this post). Therefore, many calls go to voicemail. That allows me to route messages to the most appropriate person on our team for the quickest response.

However, several times every week, I pick up calls from unknown numbers. And when the person calling knows me (from reading our blog, listening to the podcast, or seeing me on a webinar), they can’t believe I’m the one answering the phone. They had no idea they were calling my cell phone!

People Are Often Surprised and Delighted When I Answer

Capital Campaign Pro has grown enough over the years that not every caller knows who I am. But when they do, I love the surprise and delight that it’s “actually me” picking up the phone.

As a company, we have a value of “surprise and delight”. We believe it makes the hard work of fundraising more fun.

And the reality is, I love answering calls from executive directors and development directors and the occasional board member. Hearing from you brings a smile to my face and fills me with joy!

Increasingly, however, I get calls from people looking for other members of the team. They’ll call and say, “May I speak with Sarah (our Chief Happiness Officer)?” And I end up taking a message and passing it along. That reminder that it’s no longer just me (and Andrea) fills me with joy too!

Modeling the Behavior I Hope to See in Others

I expect the Executive Directors / CEO’s at the nonprofit organizations we work with to communicate directly with donors. That doesn’t mean they need to answer the phone, but it does mean they’re available and accessible. By making myself available, even though I’m running a busy consulting firm, I hope I’m showing how I prioritize and delegate.

Nonprofit leaders working with Capital Campaign Pro know I’m not the first phone call they make to get support. We have an amazing team of expert consultants, as well as our Chief Happiness Officer.

But if anyone needs me, I’m here.

Accessibility Matters When Your Campaign Is On the Line

Selecting the right consultant for your campaign is a big deal; it should not be taken lightly. After all, your consultant is someone you’ll likely work with for several years. They need to be respected by your key leaders, and available.

And by keeping my phone number on our website and in my email signature, I hope you’ll consider working with Capital Campaign Pro on your campaign.

The truth is, I believe our service is the best campaign support available. And that’s in part because I love hearing directly from clients. In fact, there’s no better way to know just how well you’re serving them.