Why you should get this Checklist

It helps to feel confident, passionate and in charge when going into a major gift solicitation. If you go through this checklist, and take these tips to heart, you’ll be ready! Pretty soon you’ll get so good at this that you won’t need this Checklist. It will all come to you naturally.  Still, it’s not something most of us do on a daily basis, so when you need a little boost, give this Checklist a quick once-over. You don’t want to limp into a major gifts solicitation, do you? No. You want to stride confidently forward!

Consider this checklist your “Philanthropy Facilitator” crutch!

Quickly learn a few key words and phrases that will get you inside the room with your prospective donor. Once you’re there, you’ll get tips to help you sail through the ask and closing. I can guarantee you that you’ll end up working much more effectively — and you won’t leave money on the table by committing some common faux pas or giving up too early.

In this Checklist we’ll take a close look at:

• What to say to get the visit
• What to say to introduce the reason for your visit
• How to start your conversation
• How to listen effectively
• How to deal with objections
• How to follow up and keep the ball in your court

There’s been scads of research on the power of specific words.

This all seems really simple, and it is. I’m just giving you the keys to the kingdom.  Go for it!

I always feel awkward in the beginning, and don’t know what to say to sound natural.

I’m not comfortable asking for a specific amount.

I crumble when someone says “I’m too busy to see you now.”

I feel I’ve failed when someone says “no.”

I just never know what to say at all.

Remember what they told you in pre-school? Use your words!

Get the key words and phrases you’ll need to flow seamlessly through your Major Gifts Ask.

If you follow this Checklist as a guideline for asking, you’ll get to “yes” with finesse.  This stuff works. Try it!