Stop Doing the Job of a Donor … Your Job is Hard Enough
Have you ever had this thought about a potential donor?
“They probably can’t afford to give right now.”
Maybe you’ve hesitated to reach out to someone because:
“They’re probably too busy.”
Or perhaps you’ve avoided asking for a larger gift because:
“They’ve already given so much this year.”
Sound familiar? If so, I have some tough love for you this Friday.
Stop saying “no” for other people!
It’s not your job to decide whether someone will or won’t give. It’s your job to ask.
I know. I know. Asking people to give can be uncomfortable. It’s so much easier to make up reasons in our minds why now isn’t the right time, or why they might say no.
The problem with that is …
Your job is to ask.
Their job is to respond.
When you make the decision for someone else that they won’t want to give, you’re actually robbing them of the chance to be part of something meaningful. You’re taking away their opportunity to experience the joy of generosity.
“But what if they really can’t afford it right now? What if I offend them by asking?”
You might, but unless you have actual, verifiable data that:
- They’re in a financially tight season and
- They’re cutting back on their giving because of it
… then don’t assume.
In my experience, most fundraisers are usually NOT in possession of such verifiable, firsthand knowledge.
What we do have are the stories we tell ourselves. Stories that make it easier to avoid the discomfort of asking.
People who give to your cause are fully capable of making their own financial decisions. They don’t need you to protect them from an invitation to give.
It’s NEVER our job to decide whether or not someone can or should give. It’s NEVER our job to say “no” on their behalf.
Our job is to give people the opportunity to say “yes” or “no.” That’s it.
Stop saying “no” for other people. That’s not your job.
Once again … your job is to ask. Their job is to respond.
Stop trying to do the job of your donors.
Your job is hard enough.
Guess what happens when you consistently give people the opportunity to say “no”?
They will. Often.
And that’s okay.
Why?
Because sometimes they say, “Yes.”
So this Friday, here’s your challenge:
1. Identify one person you’ve been hesitant to ask.
2. Reach out.
3. Don’t decide in advance how they’ll respond.
4. And give them the chance. They might surprise you.
I have no idea who is reading this email every Friday, but I am 1000% confident that every last one of you has at least one person who loves your cause and would be happy to be asked.
Will you make a commitment to stop saying “no” for people so they can have the opportunity to be part of your mission?
Will you give them that chance?
What’s one uncomfortable ask you can make today?
Keep being brave,
Michael
