Strategic Solutions. Real Results
In a few weeks we will enter the last quarter of the year. Distraction for our donors is everywhere with disasters, political campaigns, and highly charged philosophical debates over history. For the sake of our missions and our organizations, we
at 2:45 – That means she said YES, when sh could’ve said no. That means she mad a plan when sh could’ve just blown you off. So that means it is no longer her job to make her like you.
A colleague of mine explained that one had to earn the right to ask personal stuff OR for the business. You earn that right by being a professional, and engaging the person on their professional level. As a fundraiser, even if you are meeting with a donor in their home, instead of asking about a kid’s soccer picture, you ask about how they achieved their current position and what made them a success.
An agenda helps everyone to be focused on a goal, and to understand your expectations as the meeting organizer. It makes the most of your meeting with your prospect and demonstrates respect for the time they are giving you.
Before you suggest that my territory is too small for some sort of plan, answer this: are there parts of your territory that routinely require you to drive 25 minutes plus from your base of operations? It is easy to think 25 minutes, one way, as not that much area, but that is actually about an hour of “windshield time”. If you go and comeback for 2 or 3 appointments in a day, that is 2-3 hours of productivity you lost (and may be making up after hours).
Before everyone gets really upset, Fundraisers are very honest and work very hard to honor donor intentions. They do a great job of communicating with donors and addressing community concerns. The are very honest with everyone….except themselves.