Since last fall, we’ve been working through the basics of asking people for money with the simple four-step formula: R.E.A.L.
- Research,
- Engage,
- Ask, and
- Love ’em/Like ’em/Live with their decision.
So far, we’ve looked at RESEARCH and ENGAGE and ASK. I hope these steps seem incredibly simple, common sense.
Asking people for money is not rocket science. Don’t get lost in researching and engaging. No one makes a gift without being asked. And remember, the reason you are even “engaging” them is that you want to ask them for money. You want them to invest in your cause.
And after the homework and relationship building you’ve done, actual solicitation will seem more like a conversation between colleagues than a sales pitch.
To review the earlier steps, check out some of these EFE blog posts:
In the upcoming issues, we’ll get to look into the last step: Like/Love/Live.
Fundraising is one of the most exciting professions on the planet! It’s my hope that the simplicity of this process neutralizes the fear you may have in asking people for money.
