We create so much mind drama about the fundraising process (Guessers, anyone?), but it really boils down to a simple equation.
Asks-no’s = yeses.
I’m no mathematician, but it seems pretty simple to me.
The more asks we put out, the more rejections we will get, but the more yeses we will get too. I’ve seen so many fundraisers try to contort themselves to avoid getting a rejection, but people saying no is just part of the job.
They’re not saying no because they think you’re a bad person.
They’re not saying no because they hate you, your organization and your outfit.
They’re not saying no because they’re acting out their schoolyard Mean Girl.
They’re saying no because it’s not right for them (cause, timing, money).
And it’s OK.
They’re exactly right…for them.
Your job is to find people for whom your cause is exactly right..for them.
Rejection will not kill you. It’s not personal and, without it, you won’t get to yeses.
Be committed to the process (which you can control), not the outcome (which you ultimately can’t).
