What’s New
Tempered Steel Meets Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Do you recognize your askers enough? One creative fundraiser we know gives out awards - and one is named the Pin the Tail on the Donkey Award. Read Andrea Kihlstedt's blog on creatively recognizing and celebrating everyone who asks - whether they're successful or not! And then add your own ideas. We'll publish a list next month. Read and comment here.
It Doesn't Matter What You Say
"...words are not the tools that matter....try using these non-verbal cues to build your donor relationship"
Check out Jezra Kaye's blog post - "It Doesn't Matter What You Say"
GREAT FEEDBACK
Highly-regarded Demont Associates, a full-service philanthropic counseling firm in Portland, Maine, recently used Asking Matters™ for its staff retreat.
Stop Speechifying, Start Talking
Stop presenting. Quit making speeches. Abandon the PowerPoint spiel. Stop right now!
Check out Simone Joyaux's blog post - "Stop Speechifying, Start Talking"
Make Time to Ask!
Get a Please Do Not Disturb, I Am Making Fundraising Calls door hanger today! It will remind you to carve out time at your desk to schedule your fundraising meetings. And it will also be a great conversation piece! Great for board and staff alike.
Come to our store for this and other great products.
Asking Matters
Class: A Taboo with a BIG Impact on Fundraising
Class issues are still pervasive in the United States and they greatly impact how we fundraise. Asking Matters™ Expert Paul Jolly's weighs in on this. Check it out. SPOTLIGHT ON MALEKA LAWRENCE
Maleka Lawrence, Director of Development for Harlem RBI in New York City, is someone who knows how to ask! And she knows how to engage her entire organization in fundraising. We spent some time with Maleka and she had so much perspective and so many great ideas that we decided to profile her. Take a look at all her videos - they are inspiring!
Making the Case for the Lowly Fork
Our colleague, Michael P. Miller, has developed a fascinating and surprising riff on the features and benefits of the lowly fork.
He just told us his fork story on camera for Asking Matters™. Take a look.
David Dunlop Talks about Asking
Sometimes it takes someone special to remind us what fundraising at its best is all about. David Dunlop is one of the great figures of fundraising. He is wise and humble. Listening to him talk about what he learned through his many years of fundraising highlights the essence of the asking process.
Members Only
New Exercise on Making the Case
Great for staff and board. Help your organization strengthen its case for support by focusing on benefits rather than features. Download it now »
Sample Organization Fact Sheet
Download it and customize it to your organization. Great to send with letters or to put in board packets.
What's Your Asking Style?
Do you know that you have a personal asking style? Understanding YOUR style will help you become more comfortable asking for gifts. Asking Matters™ has developed an easy 30-question assessment to help you determine the style that works best. Take the Asking Style Assessment and learn the ways to ask that will work for you.
“Uncannily accurate.” Jerry Ciancola, Editor, Contributions Magazine
“Love it! Totally fits!” Keiren Havens, Planned Parenthood of Maryland
“You and your test are brilliant! Patty Byers, Planned Parenthood of the Mercer Area
Ten Ways to Get Started
1. Block Out Some Time. 2. Get Great Stories. Starting is half the battle. Once you get over the anxiety and make the call or send the e-mail to schedule the appointment, you're on your way. Here are ten tips that will help.
