Selling is NOT about pushing people around and convincing them to do something they don’t want to do. Only foolish, poor performing “sales people” (and “fundraisers”) do that. Pushing never works. Pushing is NOT selling. Selling is selling! And, selling is just the opposite of what most believe.
Selling involves building rapport, uncovering needs, and aligning those needs with available options so both parties end up with a win-win.
Isn’t that what you do?
But don’t take my word for it (even though I’ve been “selling” and raising money a long, long time). Instead, read this book (Daniel Pink’s book To Sell Is Human). It is terrific, very well researched and backed by science.
Daniel Pink’s bottom line? All of us are in sales now.
So, if your job involves inspiring people to separate themselves from their money so it supports your mission, you must read or listen to this book.
>> Why Selling Planned Gifts Is Different (The Case For A Multi-Step Cultivation Effort)
>> The Difference Between Fundraising and Selling
>> Veritus Group: Tips on Selling Anything in Major Gift Fundraising
>> The Fundraising Authority: The 5 Most Important Words and Phrases for Your Donors to Hear
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