This is the third post in our series on reaching out to new prospects. So far, we've tackled the inner game and we've set up a process that will guarantee a full pipeline for the foreseeable future. If you haven’t yet, I’d suggest taking a few moments to read the first two posts in the series. It’s now time to send some emails and make some calls! … [Read more...] about Outreach #3 – Email Scripts
fundraising
Outreach #2 – A Winning Process
We've all worked with them. You know who I’m talking about. Gift officers who come in, start off well enough, but then completely flame out. Sure, they cultivate a handful of donors, and maybe land a major gift or two. But, they only ever get knee deep into their portfolios before sputtering to a stand-still. They’re gone in a little less than two years – off with another organization, repeating this same pattern. … [Read more...] about Outreach #2 – A Winning Process
Fearless Outreach
I love visiting with potential donors. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, dinner, their office, their house, the club, their boat (true story), doesn’t matter. My happy place is out of my office. And my nightmare is a visitless week spent at my desk. Or in meetings. But, for as much as I like being out, seeing people, I don’t always like asking for visits. Makes sense, right? Fundraising is a lot like dating. And asking someone out (especially … [Read more...] about Fearless Outreach
Small Talk Epilogue: Practice Makes Perfect
Think about something you’re really good at. Chances are you’re not an expert because you read a book about it. Or a blog post for that matter! We learn by doing. Trial and error. Testing. Practice. The same applies to small talk. Practice is the only way to get better. To bring our series on small talk for fundraisers to a close, here are a few easy ideas for practicing some of the things we've covered: … [Read more...] about Small Talk Epilogue: Practice Makes Perfect
Small Talk #3 – Talking (Finally)
Here’s how it went: Me: [Meekly] Hi, sorry to interrupt. I’m Michael with *organization*, just wanted to say hello and welcome. Prospect: Oh, thank you. I’m Bob. Nice to meet you. Me: Nice to meet you as well. [Semi-awkward pause] First time here? Prospect: [Losing interest] First time in a long time. Me: Oh, great! [Not sure what to say next] Well, enjoy the evening. Pleasure meeting you. And then I walked away. You think … [Read more...] about Small Talk #3 – Talking (Finally)