Integrated what? It is, in fact, a reference to a conference presentation I did in 2024 called “Integrated Fundraising.” I have mentioned before that I’m a fundraiser by profession – I raise money for a non-profit organization outside of Boston that educates children with special needs. In any case, a few years ago, I did a presentation on the importance of integrated fundraising. What the heck is that, you ask? Well, it emphasizes the need to fundraise for your annual campaign through multiple channels – you don’t want to rely on just sending your donors something in the mail, but you also want to send them a solicitation via email and you also want to make phone calls encouraging them to give. According to data by various nifty organizations, it is proven that someone might hear about your organization online – say, through social media – but then end up sending you a check in the mail.

I’ve realized that I need to take the same approach with dating. Integrated dating. My point is that I cannot depend on just one channel of dating in order to meet someone. In fundraising, you ultimately only end up with one donation from someone, and with dating, you ultimately want to end up with one person. But it doesn’t make sense to just use online dating to meet someone. You might be one of the lucky few who finds someone, but if you’re like me, it hasn’t worked out, so you need to try many different strategies before the right one works. These days, one of the strongest “channels” is whatsapp, since nearly every conversation that starts online eventually moves there. If someone doesn’t want to exchange numbers, sharing a whatsapp contact feels safe and easy.

So what other methods of fundraising – ahem, dating – should we use in our campaign – ahem – dating plan? Well, there’s speed dating. The plus – you get to meet people in person and like online dating, you get to meet several people at once. The minus – it’s very impersonal, in many respects. But even after speed dating, you’ll probably end up exchanging whatsapp details with someone you click with. There’s old fashioned set-ups. When I used to be a volunteer manager, I was set up quite often by my volunteers who thought they knew the perfect man for me. And yes, the first thing we did after being introduced was swap whatsapp numbers to stay in touch. And there’s professional matchmakers, like LunchDates and It’s Just Lunch. Some of them even encourage clients to communicate via whatsapp so it feels casual instead of forced. And of course, bars, sporting events, parties, social events, etc are a nice organic way to meet someone. But again, if sparks fly, you’re going to exchange whatsapp within the first 10 minutes of talking. My point? Try multiple channels of dating – not just online dating – and you expand your odds of meeting someone! Whether it’s through speed dating, a friend’s introduction, or a quick message on whatsapp, every channel counts.

P.S. I want to sincerely apologize for my last few posts that have been focused on fundraising. I have been in the midst of my end of fiscal year campaign and preoccupied on meeting our goals, and have not been balancing my social life very well lately. Hence, my lack of good topics for the blog. P.P.S. I am going to NYC this weekend to my friend’s “coming out” party so I hope that will give me some more insightful material than comparing dating to fundraising. And yes, I’ll probably be coordinating with everyone on whatsapp because it’s faster than email. P.P.P.S. I need a life, obviously. My colleagues and I have also determined I’ve lost my sense of humor. Please, will someone set me up on a date soon? It’s dire. I promise I’ll answer messages faster on whatsapp than I do by email. P.P.P.S. Giggle. Sigh. P.P.P.P.S. I dedicate this post to Joanna & Brad because surely Joanna is the only person who will laugh at this post – and probably send me a teasing note on whatsapp about it.