I’m a rip-the-band-aid girl — remember last week when I told you I had some expensive news? That direct mail is not dead? Well, I saved the best for last:
Yes, you need to pick up the phone and call your partners.
{what a BAD idea, right? I mean…NO ONE wants to get random phone calls.}
What if I told you there is a way to make your partners LOVE to get calls from you? It’s actually super simple—
Call to be grateful.
Make it QUICK.
Leave a message if they don’t answer.
Tell them no need to call back.
Because you “just called to say I love you!” ❤️
Don’t call for “another gift”.
Though those calls can work sometimes, they don’t build a foundation of loyal partners. Donor response to give in an “appeal call” is often done out of guilt—and that is not the kind of emotional bond that is going to build a strong partner family unless you’re the mafia. It’s the kind of emotion you have to keep tapping over and over and over again to get it to produce, and the ratchet gets tighter.
So when you call your partners, preface by saying “I am just calling to say thank you and tell you how much you mean to this organization.” I have a sample script, tips, and pointers. If you’re stuck, feel free to
To be clear, I’m not saying there is never a time to “do the ask”. I am suggesting that it should be rarely if ever, done in a phone call. I have (very unorthodox) recommendations for how to approach your partners for major gifts to share another time.
Happy Spring Calling!
P.S.S. » My tribe who has subscribed to The Zion Model 52-week SMART Plan Playbook will find MARCH WEEK ONE below. And if you need to schedule a discovery consultation for customized guidance,
P.S.» Are you enjoying these coaching letters? If so, please share with 3 to 4 of your nonprofit friends!
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