Benevon Weblog

"Ten Signs Donors Give When They're Ready to Be Asked" by Terry Axelrod

You may be wondering how to determine the readiness level of a potential donor. If you think about it a bit, you'll realize you already have a fairly well developed radar for this. What are some of the signs people give to let you know they're getting ready to be asked?

1. They invite others to come to your events, such as Point of Entry^® Events.
   
   
2. They return your phone calls.
   
   
3. They answer your e-mails.
   
   
4. They ask for more information.
   
   
5. They ask questions.
   
   
6. They give you ideas and advice.
   
   
7. They volunteer, offer their time, show up, and help out.
   
   
8. They start talking about "we."
   
   
9. They tell others about you and refer others, especially family and close friends who they trust.
   
   
10. They make in-kind gifts of goods and services.
    
    

Trust your instincts. If you suspect that it might be too early, wait. Perhaps it's been awhile since someone from your organization has had personal contact with this donor. It might seem a bit forward to move right to asking them for money during your next meeting or visit. Have another contact to ripen the fruit, and wait until you are sure the person is ready to be asked.

Encouraging Repeat Guests at Your Ask Event by Terry Axelrod

Most groups are surprised to find that 30%–50% of their second-year Ask Event^™ guests also attended the first year's event. It is like going back to a favorite movie or a favorite restaurant—you don't get tired of it. In fact, if anything, you are excited to invite friends to have that same wonderful experience you had.

Repeat guests include Table Captains, donors, staff, volunteers, and board members. They return for the same reason as everyone else—because they love the organization and the event reconnects them. It is a great place to see the people associated with the organization. For many donors, this is their one time in the year when they can pay their annual pledge in person. A surprising percentage of donors will choose to pay off the remaining four years of their pledge and some will choose to increase or extend their pledge.

Remember: this model is about building lifelong donors. For many of your first-time Multiple-Year Donors, their gift will be the first of many gifts of increasing size. This is part of the new reality of committed donors to your organization—you will need to get used to it!