How to Have a Rewarding Conversation With A Donor

Do you want to have a conversation with a donor that's more then just a pitch? Donors want to feel as if they mean something to your organization. Take time out of your busy schedule and try giving a donor a call. Not to pitch them but rather to get to know them better.

1. Small Talk
The power of small talk is great. You can glean little bits of information from the conversation which you can use as lead-ins later. Plus, it's a great way to make both of you comfortable.

2. Learn
Learn about their interests outside of the organization. What do they like to do? Also, determine their type of personality. Are they serious or fun? Do they want to talk or they can't be bothered?

3. Why They Belong
You may choose during your conversation to suss out why they belong to your organization. Don't make it a pitch, but rather be geniunely interested in why they donate. Maybe they have a personal connection to the organization that you didn't know about.

4. Take Notes
The information you receive is important so try to take as many notes as you can. If you can't concentrate on the conversation while taking notes, then immediately after jot down what you remember.

5. Keep It Short
It's important to gauge how you think the conversation is going and whether the donor doesn't have time for you. If there's time, include all of the elements listed. If note, even a brief hello and a 'have a good day' can do wonders.

6. Follow Up
Follow up in ways that are personal to the donor. If they said they liked movies and you happen to know there's a movie festival this weekend, drop them a quick email. If you know of a event in your organization that would be perfect for them to attend, give them another call.

Personal attention lets your donors become more involved in the organization. It also puts a voice to the organization and makes it more personal.

Putting Your Communications In Your Donor's Hands

Sometimes we have a tendency in nonprofit organizations to hold our donors at arm's length. We pat them on the head, thank them for the money and sometimes forget about them. Rarely do we ask their opinion, even more rarely do we let them help.

Yet, donors are a big part of what makes any organization work. So how can we get them more involved?

Give them a voice. Give your donors opportunities to share why they love the organization. What ways can you do this?

• Feature them in an article or better yet, get them to write one for you.
• Interview a donor and use their quotes on the donation page on the website.
• Start up a dialogue with them using social media. Ask them why they donated.
• Give them opportunities to share their experiences with their friends.

There are many advantages to connecting with your donors in this way. Firstly, they will feel more involved with the organization and may be encouraged to donate more. Secondly, you will recieve a bevy of information that promotes your organization.

I'm not recommending you do this with every donor, but pick a few and see if it works.

How do you treat your donors in your organization? Sound off below.