We spoke with Aaron about his Firstgiving page, and our conversation gave us insight into the practices of a very savvy online fundraiser. The three keys to Aaron's success were readily apparent: organization, resourcefulness, and persistence. Aaron began putting together his list of people to "ask" months in advance. He recognized that he would need to e-mail his link to a large number of people in order to raise $10,000; the next step was figuring out how to reach as many people as possible.

Like so many of us, Aaron uses e-mail to keep up with friends, family, colleagues, and clients. When he took the time to gather all of these e-mail addresses, he realized he knew hundreds of people whom he could solicit for a donation to his online fundraising page. Aaron's busy work schedule would have made writing and mailing this many letters all but impossible. By sending his asks out via e-mail, he saved time and money while instantly reaching out to people all over the country.

Aaron raised $10,000 one e-mail at a time. He's had one hundred individual donations, none for more than $500 and most between $25 and $100. The time Aaron took to collect and update his e-mail contacts this year made all the difference, and has made him one of Firstgiving's most accomplished fundraisers this year. Some of his tips for you:

• Plan ahead! Lieberman began his e-mail "ask" list months in advance
• Add a link to your online fundraising page to all the e-mails you send out, whatever the overall subject
• Think big by thinking small: Lieberman realized his $10K goal could be reached if 500 people gave $20. Thinking this way reminds you that your goals are attainable.
• Remember that you're asking people to support your efforts for a great cause, so don't be shy to ask everyone you know!