March 2, 2009 | Read Time: 1 minute
When Sam Prince is looking to make a connection with a potential new donor, he doesn’t begin with an ask for money.
Instead, Mr. Prince, director of development at Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, in Dallas, starts the relationship by asking for advice.
“You would be surprised at the people who will give you free advice (and their time). While asking for their advice, you can also feel them out for present or future giving,” Mr. Prince said in a recent live discussion the Chronicle held to help fund raisers learn the best ways to solicit individuals.
“But if you get them hooked on helping you solve a problem that doesn’t involve them writing a check, you have usually insured yourself of a check — the only question is how much and when.”
Have you tried this approach? If so, has it worked?
