I never know what really to talk about when I make these calls. What should I do?
Development visits – the importance of having fun. Well the first thing you should remember is to make your visits pleasant and fun. Your donors have many things to worry about these days. Let your time with them be a nice break from business and the drudgery of life.
Remember they are volunteers. They don’t have to be doing this – so since you are something extra to them – all the more reason for you to make sure they have a good time.
The more laughter and enjoyment on a fundraising visit, the better. Here’s a story from the NC State Graduate School. The Dean, Development Director and I had lunch with a major donor who was a million dollar prospect. It was an introductory visit and the first time I had met this person.
Well, the donor and I got along famously. We laughed and told stories and he had a great time.
Later I was debriefing with the Development Director. I said to her, “this visit was fabulously successful, because he enjoyed himself so much. Always try to be sure your prospect has as great a time as possible. Then he will not only be willing to see you again, he will actually look forward to it.”
See if you can “get along famously” with your donors.
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