Are you confusing the tool with the goal?
Do you have any unpopular opinions about fundraising?
Here’s one of mine:
Most of us in fundraising tend to OVER emphasize the value of getting in front of people face to face.
Some people have no desire to meet with fundraising staff.
Some people want to give and be left alone.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is honor that wish.
Other times, people are just busy.
Or they have some other very legitimate reason for not being able to meet with you that has nothing to do with you or your organization or the thing you’re inviting them to support.
Sometimes your persistent effort to pursue face time with people actually hinders giving.
Don’t take this as permission to stop meeting with people.
I still think spending time with the people who support your work is the single best use of your time.
But don’t put so much emphasis on getting in front of people that you miss the hundreds of opportunities you have to ACKNOWLEDGE, INVITE, REPORT, CONNECT, INSPIRE, DISCOVER, BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, or even ASK over the phone, through email, via text, with a handwritten note, or by sending a simple personal video shot on selfie-mode on your phone.
Remember this: Your goal is not more meetings with people.
Your goal is to help unleash more generosity.
And while an in-person meeting can be a great tool toward that end, never confuse the tool with the ultimate end goal.
