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Are you sure you want your prospects to make a one-time gift?
As I was doing research on my book People Raising: A Practical Guide to Raising Support I was with a group of new missionary candidates and they were talking about challenging their prospects to make a one-time gift. That's right a one-time gift. Be Honest with me would you really be satisfied with just a one time gift? I am sure your answer is no.
Just the use of the wording "one time gift" can send not only the wrong message to your prospect but to you as well.
For the prospect you have given him the impression that he has completed his responsibility and you will no longer need his assistance. He did what you asked him to do---make a one-time gift.
For you as a person raising funds, subconsciously you have drawn the very same conclusion. He did what I asked and I certainly would not expect anything more, matter of fact I will not ask for a single penny.
Let me offer a tip. Instead of challenging those who cannot provided a pledged gift for a one time gift why not ask for a SPECIAL GIFT.
When you use that label special you open up for you and the prospect a whole series of future options. Just maybe they will find another opportunity down the road to give-that is right another SPECIAL GIFT and maybe six months later, yes another SPECIAL GIFT.
Well I think you get the idea. Your assignment: Remove from your vocabulary those three words--One Time Gift and replace it with those two powerful words SPECIAL GIFT.
COPYRIGHT -- This issue of People Raising Tip of The Month is Copyrighted 2000.
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