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People Raising: Newsletter Archives

4 Benefits to Going 1 on 1 (6/21/07)

As a person who has raised funds for over 35 years, I cringe when I see people take short cuts as they attempt to raise ministry money. From time to time I find it extremely helpful to review the benefits of going one-on-one as you raise funds. I can think of at least 4 benefits to going one-on-one.

1. You have a captive audience.

When you send a letter seeking support, you and I both know that many letters are never opened or even if they are, response is very limited. But when you sit down with a prospect or donor you have a captive audience.

2. You get immediate feedback.

When contrasted with other forms of communications such as direct mail, speaking assignments you can get immediate feedback from the person you are meeting with one on one. Answers to key questions are there for you to secure such as:

When you give do you tend to give monthly, quarterly, annually?
What types of projects do you tend to give to?
Is there anything in particular I can pray for?

3. You can get on their agenda and they can get on your agenda.

Everyone has an agenda, likes and dislikes. Donors have hot buttons, things they prefer to support. You do too. Through personal one-on-one contact, you can begin to detect these and getting on their agenda will more likely secure a gift.

4. You can more effectively communicate your vision.

No matter how slick your newsletter, appeal letters, or brochures might be, they will never replace the powerful impact the personal sharing of your vision.

Those are just 4 benefits to going one-on-one with prospects and donors and I assure you there are many more. That is why we call it “People Raising”.

For further training, check out the brand new People Raising Blog

Copyright 2007 People Raising

"Immensely practical! I highly commend People Raising as a must for anyone preparing to raise support. Local church mission committees and mission agencies will find the book an invaluable tool in a rapidly changing world context."

Jerry Butler
Willow Creek Association