Everyone has a different way of connecting with people. Often times you will use a different strategy when you connect with a donor versus a co-worker or a friend. In fundraising because relationships are so important there is quite a bit of time committed to getting to know donors, volunteers, and staff members. But how much time is too much?
I am the kind of person that likes to get a project done so I always have advocated socializing with my co-workers after we’ve finished the projects we are working on. When talking with volunteers often times I know I will see them several times over the next couple months and can build the relationship over time. I take the opportunities between working and for a few minutes at the start of a meeting to continue to build the relationship.
With a donor I find that sometimes we lean so heavily on making a personal connection that we lose the opportunity to connect them to our nonprofit. It is vitally important that we take enough time to know what passions our donors have are i.e., kids, family, jobs. I often find this is where the best prospect research happens. But don’t forget to find ways to connect the donor personally to your organization. Have stories, quotes, or bring them on a tour, just make sure that they are connecting to more than just you.
What do you think? How much time is too much? Do you have too much small talk or too little? What is your connection strategy?
Related posts:
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Interesting post….I think it is hard to make a rash or set judgement on this topic. I think it depends on the individual therefore you have to lead off and see were they take you with some guidance from us on what starts their jets.
Any time a volunteer wants to talk you have to listen as long as the topic is on the service at hand but when they switch to something off topic thats a signal to move to the next volunteer or donor.
A good connection strategy is obviously one that helps you under different sets of criteria to connect so that if one idea fails to materilize then you are set to move on to the next tactic to keep the strategy valid. In large part my connections are made predominately at events such as you described. This is easy because people go to socialize but what about those that don’t look for social engagements? I think there are ways such as selling some fundraising product in front of your favorite grocery store. There is a fresh idea for engagement! Also social media sites are all the rage and are being pioneered by some brave but successful souls.
I think we need to think our connections strategy through then write it down and follow up with action. Good post!