People Raising

People Raising: The People Raising Blog

• You’ve Got To Get Over It

When you ask for more funds from an existing donor, there are times when you will be concerned about offending them. Let’s have a reality check: What are the likely responses for requesting additional support from an existing donor?

1. They are probably going to be complimented by the fact that you are challenging them.
2. They may feel the Lord is really trying to say something here and wants them to respond accordingly.
3. They can be very gracious and say: “You know we love what you’re doing but to be honest with you, I think we’re going to have to stay at our current level of giving.”

My question to you is: “Can you handle anyone of these three responses?” If yes, what are you waiting for? If not, you and your donor might be missing out on some special blessings from the Lord and letting negative thinking take control. My advice– you’ve got to get over it!

Don’t forget…

25% Summer Sale on All People Raising Materials
Now through June 15! (Use order code A414)

People Raising Conferences

Chicago / Oak Brook, IL
June 11-12, 2010

Kansas City, MO
July 19-20, 2010

Chicago / Oak Brook, IL
Oct 1-2, 2010

• Stir Up the Imagination of Your Donors

If you’re like me, we tend to conduct business as usual. It’s the same old thing and certainly there’s nothing wrong in carrying out our mission with consistency and persistence but it is good to stir up the imagination of your donors. Sit down for a moment and describe what you’d like to see take place in your ministry. Paint a picture, tell a story, and clearly cast your vision so as to give your prospect and donors a chance to imagine what can happen as a result of their giving. People get excited about vision and not merely the same old, same old. If you truly want to be successful in fund raising, you’ll need to stir up your donors’ imagination in terms of your vision.

Don’t forget…

25% Summer Sale on All People Raising Materials
Now through June 15! (Use order code A414)

People Raising Conferences

Chicago / Oak Brook, IL
June 11-12, 2010
(Register by May 30 and save $50)

Kansas City, MO
July 19-20, 2010

Chicago / Oak Brook, IL
Oct 1-2, 2010

• Donor Preferences

As you know everyone has preferences. To increase your effectiveness in partnership development it’s important that you not only understand but identify the preferences that your prospects and donors have. For example, do they prefer to get your call at work or at home? Do they prefer your newsletter via the internet or do they want a printed version? Do they like to give monthly or quarterly? Do they like to be called Bill or Billy? We live in an age where it’s a lot easier to personalize your communication with people. It’s vital that you begin to determine the preferences of your donors and prospects.

• Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Raising funds takes time and energy and at times can be very challenging. How you portray yourself and your responsibility on raising the funds is key. Your friends and supporters will certainly pick up any negative vibes on your part. At times, one might feel overwhelmed and negative feelings can come out so easily. For example, instead of being very positive on the opportunity and responsibility in raising funds one might simply say, “Well my organization is making me raise my funds.” Such comments like this are not really very productive. When it comes to support raising or ministry partner development, one needs to always maintain a positive attitude.

• Be Sensitive on Those Phone Calls

The phone is a great tool in seeking appointments, updating people, and encouraging people. It’s just a terrific tool. As you place that call, be sensitive to the person you are calling. There will be times when your call happens to come at a bad time. The person receiving you call might be extremely busy or totally preoccupied. Be sensitive and you might simply say, “I sense this is not a good time to talk. When should we talk again?” Being sensitive will get you a lot closer to your goal of communicating to your prospects and donors as you raise personal support or do fund raising for your organization.

Posted by Mark July 2008

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