My friend, Jimmy Lee, recently wrote an incredible piece that I wanted to share. He addresses the idea of making an ask appropriately within ministry:
As we are nearing the end of the year (I can’t believe I’m saying that already) most ministries and organizations are trying to do end of the year fundraising.
I’ve seen many ministries do this well and some really not that well.
I just wanted to send to you some tips I have been taught through the years about how to make an effective ask. I hope this would be helpful to you and your staff in some way.
Please remember: It is God who provides and God who knows your needs. Ask Him to direct your steps and open the right doors.
Some things I have learned: How to Make an Effective Ask.
1.) Be confident. I have always been taught you need to be confident of your ask. Do not be apologetic. Do not second guess. Know the mission God has given you and share your passion with the potential investor.
2.) Be prepared. I have seen so many people approach an investor without being prepared. They are not anticipating the questions that will be asked. They do not have the necessary materials. They have not developed a plan. Make sure you have everything in order before you walk into the meeting with the potential investor for your ministry or initiative.
3.) Be Specific and focused. Do not be too long. Do not ramble but tell them why you are here, why you want them to be involved, and how they can be involved. They know why you are here.
4.) Be understanding that other ministries and other interests may be asking them to consider a donation as well too.
5.) Be okay if they say no. You are building a relationship. It is okay if the potential investor says no. That does not mean they do not believe in your cause or your vision – it may just be that they are committed to other ministries or not interested at this time. Still thank them for their time and find ways to continue that relationship – even if they are not investing.
6.) Be willing to be flexible. Many of these investors (especial major investors) are busy people. Schedules change and things happen. Be willing to be flexible if they need to change the location, change the time, or add in others to be a part of the meeting.
7.) Do not be too pushy. This goes along with #5 – be willing to be okay if they say no. Just because they say no – do not push and try to find other ways to convince them to be a part of your ministry. Don’t call them the next day and ask if they have reconsidered. Value their answer to you and do not try to push your way through a doorway that is not there.
8.) Be listening to the promptings of God. I’ve been in many meetings where I’ve felt God prompt me to ask for a specific amount or sometimes for me not to ask anything at all. Be asking God for that discernment and be asking for that wisdom. Have the faith to respond accordingly.
9.) Be professional. Many know this but I’m surprised at how many people (especially young people) need to be reminded of this. Make sure you are being a professional in the relationship. Dress nicely and not in jeans and a t-shirt. Learn to ask questions of the other person. Be considerate. Shake the hand of the person you are meeting with. Make sure you do not overstay your welcome. Send a note or a small gift after the meeting.
10.) Be strategic. Find other ways for you to establish credibility, value, and also relational capital in the eyes of the investor. I always tell people – there are some things others can say about me and our ministry that I cannot say for myself. If you know others who have great credibility in the eyes of the investor can put in a good recommendation know how to utilize that wisely. I listen to my friends and listen to trusted voices in many of my decisions.
Some of you are so much better than I at this.
Would love to hear some of your thoughts so we can share with others on how to do this better.
*Photo courtesy of here
