Episode #303
Do you ask your donors discovery questions?
I’m certain you do. But, you may not be asking them in the most effective way.
Rachel Muir has some great tips and examples on how to ask donors questions. These questions will get you the information you need, and when asked properly, they will also build deeper relationships with your donors.
If you have a story or any advice around connecting with donors, please share it in a comment box below the video. Thanks.
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Here’s another video with Rachel. She gives you three tips on how to get great stories from your staff and clients. Click here to watch.
If you have a story or any advice around connecting with donors, please share it so others may benefit from your experience. Thanks. 🙂
Fabulous pieces of advice! I particularly love how she created the transition from “let’s just have lunch” to asking discovery questions. Namely, asking permission to ask sensitive questions! LOVE IT!!!
Rachel has some really great tips! Also, it may be worth noting that it is often difficult to get the discovery call appointment in the first place. With that in mind, many times it is helpful to touch on some of the themes Rachel mentioned while setting up the meeting, i.e., we really would like to hear about your story as an alumnus, it would be great to learn about your philanthropy, and so forth. Such statements can prove helpful in securing the appointment as well as increasing the donor’s comfort heading into the meeting.
-John Greenhoe, author, “Opening the Door to Major Gifts: Mastering the Discovery Call”
Though I am a front line caller for alumni, I found this information extremely helpful and insightful.
Great advice, especailly the one about getting the permission to ask deeper questions.
Fantastic insight!
I also like the reminder to document the meeting. I have access to our CRM as a writer, and I’m looking for details about someone who has been giving for 30 years, and there’s NOTHING. Lots of interactions that say “met with George.” but zero detail. Which means I have to either bug a busy DoD or ask dumb questions of our amazing donor.