The #1 reason people do not give...
Katey Dallosto
REALTOR, Growth Coach & Selling like a 6-year old Speaker | "The masterpiece is complete within the marble block...I just chisel away the excess marble..." -Michelangelo #heretohelp #powerful #fun #highenergy #misfittoy
They are not asked!
When I was a professional fundraiser for my alma mater, Santa Clara University, I was working with donors that had the ability to make a six figure or larger donation to the university. I am a third generation alum of SCU and we had alumni events in our home when I was a kid. Our family "gave" by donating time and talent. My mother, Ann Carr Dallosto, was the best at networking and being a "dot connector" for people, especially Santa Clara people! We never discussed giving financially to Santa Clara. We preferred to give our time and our talent. Surely my mom gave financially, we just didn't discuss it. I never asked.
As I went to work for my alma mater, it was a dream job. As I met influential alumni, it part of my job was to develop the relationship for the "big" gift. My philosophy was that I arrived at the meeting as a fundraiser and they knew it. So, every time I had a meeting, I asked for something. An updated CV or resume for our business school, an annual donation or an introduction, were all simple requests. The people I was meeting with knew my job was to raise money and awareness for the university. None of them were surprised when I asked for something that would support SCU and were excited to help!
As a business consultant, I often see entrepreneurs shy away from asking for what they need. These owners get frustrated when they do not get referrals, Yelp! reviews, recommendations on LinkedIn or what they need to grow their business. My question is always, "did you ask for it?" The answer is often a blank stare and then a "ummm no".
Ask for what you want. People know you are running a business and are extremely likely to help you. Often your clients, friends and family don't know what you need. No one is a mind reader! Ask for what you want, explain why it is important for your business and you are significantly more likely to get it than hope and prayer. Though I encourage a hopeful attitude and daily prayer!
The number one reason people don't give is because they are not asked. Ask for what your business needs and watch the magic happen!