Episode #35
Do you ever have trouble getting that all important donor meeting?
In this week’s movie, Karen Donahue Robinson and Kristina Williams tackle that problem. They talk about how to get the first meeting with a new donor, as well as how to deal with a current donor who’s reluctant to meet.
If you have any tips or stories on how to get donor meetings, please share them in a comment box under the video. Thanks.
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If you have any tips or stories on how to get donor meetings, please share them in a comment box. Thanks. 🙂
This is right on! I absolutely believe most of the meetings I get are because of the strength of relationships I have with other board members. I will share one other technique I’m falling in love with, and it’s working really well… Often, I’ll call a philanthropist who I DON’T know or can’t seem to connect to a board member, and say, Hi! My name is … and I am NOT calling to ask you for money right now! I promise! I’m calling, because I feel that I could learn quite a bit from you, Mr. Philanthropist. I know of the many wonderful projects you support in our community and how what you touch seems to just blossom. And I want to learn how it’s done. I was hoping I could come and pick your brain as to what you believe gets visionaries like you excited, and leave with nothing more than a few pages of notes…”
CAUTION; THIS ONLY WORKS IF YOU ARE 100% GENUINE! It’s easy for me, because I love listening and learning from donors, and I believe I can always improve my craft and my organization. I’m not a believer in asking for advice if you only want money. But I am a believer in ask for advice if you want advice AND money.
Curious to see if others find similar success with this approach?
COLD CALL VISIT REQUESTS:
I often try various approaches in reaching out to people, especially those of whom I have never met or spoken to and that includes email. I would love to see sample emails on what has been successful for others in “hooking” donors and their agreeing to meet.
Personally, I typically thank them for their longstanding support. I tell them that I would honored to meet with them. I highlight the fact that we haven’t had the opportunity to meet and thus I am anxious to meet them, learn more about their interest and passion in our organization, and I would welcome the opportunity to provide them with an update on the organization and answer any questions they have through our casual conversation. I like to add casual to emphasize that it isn’t a stuffy/high pressure meeting. Sometimes I will even add that I am looking forward to building a relationship with them.
Anyone with a different perspective or approach?