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People Raising: Newsletter Archives

2 Types of "No's" (1/17/07)

When asking for funds there will be occasions when prospects asked for funds will say "no" to your request. But there are 2 types of "no's" that require different responses.

Here are 2 examples:

1. "Sorry, I would love to help, but cannot."

Wording spoken by your prospects such as -

"I would love to help but can't."
"I only wish I had the means to help."
"I am excited for you but we are totally committed at this time."
"This simply is bad timing."

Wording like this tells me one thing. These are people that would love to support me and my organization but just simply can't.

My response to this type of "No"?

"I know you would like to help if you could."
"When should we talk again about helping support (me or my ministry)?"

It could be 3 months, 6 months, or a year from now.

It is extremely critical that you establish a follow-up date.

Now it is your responsibility to follow up, and when you call, remind them of the agreed upon date and ask for their help again.

Circumstances change and future follow up might find them in a good position to help. Don't get discouraged because you got that "no" Keep in mind that "A 'no' today does not mean a 'no' tomorrow."

2. "I can’t support everyone who wants my money."

Wording illustrating this "no" is not so much about the wording as it is the emotions connected with their response when they say "no".

If it becomes abundantly clear that there is no way in the world, now or in the future, that they would be open to supporting you or your organization, I would thank them for their time. Now it becomes a judgment call on your part. You can have them receive your future prayer letters or direct mail from your organization or you might just call it a day and plan no further contact.

As you can see there are 2 types of "No's". Just don't take every "no" as a dead end. I can illustrate many times when a future follow up call ended up being a "yes"

Copyright 2007 People Raising

"People Raising meets a critical need in the evangelical missions community. Putting this book into the hands of missionary appointees will relieve them of great uncertainties and provide valuble practical insights into how to raise their financial support."

Jim Reapsome
Executive Director, Evangelical Missions Quarterly