As some of you may know, my day job is in fundraising and marketing. I am regularly engaging a variety of people and making different “asks”: money, air time, in kind donations, volunteer support–you name it, I have had to ask for it and manage it 
While I am constantly learning and am excited by all of the movement both in my profession and my field (education), I’ve picked up some important lessons that are helping me grow professionally:
1. Don’t be afraid to ask: My concern was always “what if they say no?!” Well, if they say no, I still value the experience and keep in touch. Instead of looking at asking people for support as a sign of weakness or a burden, view it as one of many ways people want to contribute to the betterment of their communities. Your job is to make it easier for them and help them see the impact of their work.
2. Know what to ask for: You’ll also feel more confident about asking if you have done your homework. I usually think of three questions: What do you need? Be specific. No more mass “asks.” Who can help you? Narrow down your audience. Why would they/should they help you? Tailor your approach: how do they benefit?
3. Focus on building relationships: One strategy that has been successful when reaching out to reporters is to highlight an article they have written, why I find it compelling, and how my organization is doing similar work and so we should keep in touch. We’re not pitching a specific story, instead I’m finding common ground and gauging interest. This approach–focusing on the common ground–helps build trust, a crucial ingredient in any fundraising and marketing endeavors.
4. Connect regularly with your colleagues: I cannot stress how important it is to develop your network. It goes beyond “Oh, what if I need a job someday.” (networking has a dreadful reputation). Being able to share stories, resources, and ideas is incredibly valuable. Recently, I had a wonderful meet up with fellow young women in the education field. While we each work in charter schools, we have different roles at very different schools, which results in different lenses when examining challenges and opportunities. I have a richer understanding of my work because of those interactions.
In my short, sweet time in this field I have come away with a better understanding of relationships and the importance of support. If you are new to fundraising and communications, what lessons have you learned that are helping you become a stronger employee?
Four helpful lessons re: #nonprofit #fundraising and #communications http://t.co/lj6AFnF
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Great thoughts Allison – I’m in a similar role. One person development shop which ends up meaning marketing, some volunteer recruitment, etc. I think the number one piece of ‘info’ you need to understand about a current or potential supporter is the ‘why’. Figuring out why they’re interested, asking leading questions and LISTENING leads to gathering the most important info – which will guide your efforts going forward. If they gave because they ‘love kids’, then get them with kids as soon as possible. If they gave because they wanted to associate with those on your board – set them together at an event or make sure they cross paths, etc.
Oh – and I’ve learned not to judge the motivation. Everyone’s money is ‘green’ and supports the effort – even if some seems more altruistic than others. It is o.k. to analyze the motivation to inform future strategy – but there’s no gain from judging it.
Great post – obviously got me thinking!
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ajlovesya Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Great point, Nathan! Why does this person want to connect with us and what can I do to make it easier and more meaningful for them to do so? This is a key part of developing relationships that requires us to stop talking and start listening.
And not judging reasons for giving makes total sense. I think sometimes we create an image of what the perfect donor will look like to the point where we exclude folks who may want to join us but dont fit that image. Being open while being thoughtful/reflective is important.
Also-”One person development shop” I really dig this characterization
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RT @npmillennials: 4 helpful lessons I’ve learned about nonprofit fundraising and communications – by @ajlovesya #nmba http://bit.ly/euDHMo
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Need a job Four helpful lessons I’ve learned about nonprofit fundraising and … http://ow.ly/1bVpRZ
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That’s very useful advice. I work in marketing and business development for an elearning startup, and have found myself effectively in charge of all our marketing efforts. It’s a little nerve wracking, but I am learning all the time and have found that if I don’t know something, I can just ask! Instead of those I’m approaching for help thinking I’m inexperienced, they are more than willing to help, and it allows our working relationship to grow. Also, being warm and appreciative goes a long way, too.
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ajlovesya Reply:
March 29th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Thanks for sharing, Harriet! People LOVE to help. Asking folks to lend you their expertise is flattering and shows maturity on your end.
And it never hurts to be nice
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RT @ajlovesya: for all my #fundraising newbies, check it out: http://bit.ly/fivFfe
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Four helpful lessons I’ve learned about nonprofit fundraising and communications http://t.co/WrzG3WR
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Ask yourself, “What’s in it for them.” For me, the key has always been creating a mutually beneficial collaboration. For some people, it’s about giving back to a cause they care about, but not necessarily.
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Four helpful lessons I’ve learned about nonprofit fundraising and communications http://t.co/TaMvgoz – Allison Jones #nonprofit #fundraising
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I’m a very young fundraiser in the Non-Profit and Educational sector. You pointed out some great truths about being a fundraiser. I adore the psychology behind it. I believe in positive fundraising: there are some great motivators to give, and you should always play upon these. Never should a negative motivator make people giving: guilt, pressure. If asked in a positive way, people become very happy to give… It’s just our task to figure all of this out…
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