Easiest Cold Call Ever - It's as Simple as 1, 2, 3!
Nov 21, 2017Happy almost-Thanksgiving, everyone!
We are so grateful for YOU.
As a token of our appreciation, we just posted two short videos at www.generouschange.com - one on who to call first, and one on how to make it easy. Check 'em out!
December's focus in Fundraisers Monthly is the dreaded cold call and we're getting a head-start on it now.
Calling...loathe much?? Afraid of this on the other end?
Or this?
Cuz we've all felt that way ourselves, right? The dreaded telemarketer at dinner?
But...almost never when the call is actually to say a genuine, heartfelt thank you.
Which we should all be doing far more often. Fundraising guru Jerold Panas says to thank donors seven times. Seven. And numerous studies say we need to be in touch with donors at least three times without an ask before we ask again.
So...have you spoken with your top 50 donors in the last three months? Ever? If not, it's time to pick up the phone and make the easiest "cold" call ever.
It's as simple as 1, 2, 3. Have in front of you:
- How much they last gave
- When they last gave
- The specific difference their gift made
Because - Generous Change Essential - donors give to make a difference.
If you can paint a compelling picture of exactly the difference their gift made, this generous person will feel much more fully thanked...and will be much more likely to give again, and to give even more generously.
Here's how you do it:
- Rather than "your gift helped us to host individuals most in need," you say "your $20 gift last December gave a man a warm bed and healthy food for one night in the dead of winter. We - and he - can't thank you enough."
- Rather than "your gift supports quality education" you say "your generous Dean's Club gift of $1,000 last May sent a young honors student to Brazil to collect rare medicinal plants. She had never left the state before and said this trip was 'life-changing' - and I thought you should know that you changed a life!"
That's a real thank you, right? The kind you'd want to get?
Give it a try! Right now. Seriously...pick up the phone! You've got this. And we've got you.
For a big gold star, let us know in the comments how it went. :)
As the holidays approach, we wish you feasting, fun, family, and all the gratitude you can handle.
- Nancy
