If you’re going to write a book about likeability, you need to tell people how they can get better at it. And in his book The Likeability Factor, author Tim Sanders does just that. After defining likeability and making a case for its importance, he offers practical tips and exercises for improving your likeability (aka your “L-Factor”). So, why does this matter for fundraisers? Well, when you have the choice, who’s calls or texts do … [Read more...] about The Likeability Factor by Tim Sanders – Friendliness
soft skills
Have asking anxiety? Do these 5 things.
I had a hard time falling asleep the night before my first ask. My brain was in overdrive: What am I going to say? How will he react? There were also a thousand “what if?” scenarios I didn’t feel prepared to deal with. In hindsight, the stakes weren’t very high. But that didn’t matter. I had just been promoted to my first frontline fundraising role and this was my very first ask. I think it was for $2,500. Asking people to give their … [Read more...] about Have asking anxiety? Do these 5 things.
Fearless 2015
I don’t know about you, but my honeymoon with 2015 ended about a week and a half ago. We tied the knot on Jan. 1 and immediately left town for a few weeks of wedded bliss - the perfect escape from reality. But, now we're back home. And we're starting to get on each other's nerves. A month ago, 2015 could do no wrong. She was perfect in every way. Now, she's starting to seem a little...ordinary. And apparently I'm just … [Read more...] about Fearless 2015
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 … [Read more...] about Small Talk #3 – Talking (Finally)