In this episode, Mary Petersen pulls back the curtain on the habits, mindsets, and metrics that consistently drive 5-, 6-, and 7-figure gifts. Whether you’re new to major gifts or ready to elevate your game, this episode breaks down what the best MGOs do differently — and how you can model their success starting today.

You’ll learn:
 ✨ The five daily habits every top MGO swears by
 📆 Why time-blocking and prioritizing the right donors changes everything
📊 The key metrics high performers track (and which ones to ditch)
🧠 How to shift your mindset from “petitioner” to “partner”
🔥 Why energy management is a fundraising superpower

By the end, you’ll know exactly what to focus on, how to measure the right work, and how to reframe your day-to-day to bring in bigger gifts — without burning out.

🧩 Key Takeaways:

1. Time-block donor work — Protect 90–120 minutes every day for strategy, outreach, and follow-up.
2. Prioritize by relationship stage, not recency. Responding to the latest email isn’t the same as advancing a relationship.
3. Know your top 25 cold. Keep them visible — whiteboard, sticky note, or list.
4. Track actions, not just dollars. Celebrate meaningful moves that build momentum.
5. Always plan the next step. Never leave a meeting without a clear follow-up.

💡 Bonus Metrics:

• 15–20 meaningful donor interactions per month
• 12–16 major gift asks per year
• 80% portfolio coverage every 6 months
• Track average gift size per officer

And remember — top MGOs think like partners, not petitioners. They don’t take “no” personally, and they know that rest and reflection fuel long-term success.

💻 Connect with Mary Petersen

• Website: www.heyfundraiser.com
• YouTube: @heyfundraisers
• Instagram: @heyfundraiser
• LinkedIn: Mary Petersen
• Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

🎯 Ready to Level Up Your Donor Meetings?

If you’re tired of leaving donor meetings with no gift, no timeline, and no follow-up plan, it’s time to learn the strategy that changes everything.
Check out Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my signature course that shows you exactly how to create momentum in the meeting, not after it.

➡️ Learn more