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5 Steps to Any Ask

By Holly Koenig posted 02-17-2015 05:06 PM

  

Our New York City office had an exclusive opportunity to conduct an in-house workshop given by Laura Fredricks, THE EXPERT ON THE ASK.  Laura is a motivational speaker and one of the nation's top philanthropic advisors. She shared with us how anyone can ask for anything, from sponsorship sales to fundraising to membership recruitment. It’s just all about how you do it. Here are Laura’s 5 steps to any ask:

  1. Know exactly what you want. Be sure to include dollars and dates.
  2. Prepare the conversation. Even if you have to do it in front of a mirror!
  3. Deliver with confidence. If you don’t believe in it, how do you expect them to?
  4. Clarify the results. Make sure you heard exactly what they believe they told you.
  5. Plan your next move. Don’t stop there – think about the renewal and add-ons!

When asking, be sure to communicate the value, always use “we” instead of I (aren’t you representing something bigger than yourself?) and if you end up with a “no?” It may not mean “no” forever; perhaps it meant no, not now. Revisit!

Laura Fredricks is on the Executive Committee of the Association of Fundraising Professionals NYC Chapter. She is also scheduled as the featured speaker for the NYSAE Executive Women in Nonprofits SIG scheduled for Friday, May 15th. For more information on Laura Fredricks, you can visit her website at www.expertontheask.com.

Holly Koenig, Vice President, Kellen Company and NYSAE Board Member

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