Asking for a charitable gift is perhaps one of the most stress-inducing tasks that anyone ever undertakes. I’ve seen hard-boiled men-of-steel melt before frail octogenarian dowagers when they ask for a charitable investment. It needn’t be so.
When you are asking another to support your cause or favorite organization, remember to ask questions before you ask for the gift. Ask questions to connect with the potential investor on a fundamental level—their core values.
When you learn these, seeking a charitable gift is transformed from a dreaded chore into an opportunity—for both you and the donor. When you know what is really important to the prospective investor, you are simply connecting your needs with their values to create a future both of you earnestly desire. It’s a win-win. Don’t ever forget it. All you have to lose is—the fear.
