Here’s Your Silver Bullet🩶
It was my first time meeting with a certain young leader. We were connected by a mutual friend. New to fundraising, they were hoping for some advice on how to build a network of potential givers for the cause they were representing.
“Who should I be talking with?” they asked. “Can you help me with connections?”
“Well,” I replied, “let’s start with who you already know… Can you list some names of people you’re currently in a relationship with? People who might be interested in hearing about your cause?” “I don’t know anyone like that,” they said.
Internally, my quick response was frustration. Suggesting they had no potential connections to even begin making a list seemed disingenuous. “What about the friend who connected us in the first place?”, I wondered. They were hoping for a silver bullet.
Externally, my response was to empathize and identify with them. This young leader was not being disingenuous. They had an incredible vision, excited to implement their ideas, yet drew a blank when it came to making a list of names.
Is there a silver bullet?
The short answer is “NO”. Here’s why:
- Working hard to develop connections helps hone your messaging. With practice you get much better at telling your story.
- Feedback from friends and colleagues helps you learn how realistic it is to build a support base for funding the cause.
- You will likely discover kindred causes you can (should) partner with in like minded work.
When representing the cause, your credibility and visibility within the community is the “silver bullet”. You build this one relationship at a time.
A Networking strategy is a step you never want to skip
I realize it can seem like a demoralizing, tough slog at times. After meeting with ten people, maybe two or three of them will actually choose to become involved. However, there’s a strong possibility that, of those two or three, at least one will connect you with more people to help build your network.Here’s what I believe: When you remain committed to regular networking and connecting, the cause you’re supporting will undoubtedly be better because of your efforts. It’s a long-burn strategy, not a quick fix. Actually, there is a silver bullet…it’s simple, effective, direct, and universally applicable:
Hard. Work.
Whether you truly feel lost in regard to making connections, or ready to go, there is hope! Here are some “set yourself up for success” strategies:
👉 Start each day with a short meditation: “May I have eyes to see and ears to hear…who needs to know about this vision?” Keep a journal close by to write down names and carry it with you throughout the day.
👉 Update your LinkedIn profile. Start posting on a regular basis (at least 4-7 times per week) to educate and inspire people about your cause. No “call-to-action”. Share your content generously and creatively. Position yourself to be found.
👉 Find a business or ministry networking group in your city and start attending. Be willing to help others before you ask them for help. One of my mentors encouraged me to set a goal to meet with three people per day and to help each of them by offering two connections to further their interests. He called it the “3-and-2-rule”.
So, that’s it! That’s your silver bullet. You must become diligent in building and maintaining a networking plan - and envision the possibilities for the cause you are championing.
I’m pulling for you!
Let’s interact on this week’s topic. What is most pressing in your major gift work? Email me here. I would love to hear your thoughts and questions.
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- The Catalyst Course - an online course for those tasked with major gift fundraising.
- The High-Performance Package (inquire directly if interested) - a major gift fundraising consultation for experienced professionals.
- The Flywheel Package - a customized six month consultation for people who are leading teams of major gift fundraisers.
The Catalyst Course is affordable at a cost of $500 and can be done in a schedule that fits best for you, taking anywhere from four weeks to three months to complete. Everything I have learned, successes and failures, is packed into these courses for your benefit and enjoyment. I have taken hundreds of folks through this content, helping them with fundraising strategies to empower causes all over the world.
Now is the time to take advantage of these resources!
I look forward to hearing about your good work.
Blessings,
