#59 | Should fundraising professionals be all about story-telling or story-listening?

I’ll admit that I have been skeptical of fundraising’s recent fascination with story-telling for fear that it encourages the chatty fundraiser to never stop talking. However, my recent conversation with Dr. Russell James during the AFP ICON conference has me more convinced that we're onto something. From the outset, he clarified me that we are not talking about our own stories or those of the organization; rather we are advancing the donor’s "hero story" which means fundraising professionals ought to be better story-listeners more so than story-tellers.

Dr. James’ research suggests that donors are most inclined to respond to messages that encourage them to reflect upon their life story and to contribute their gift as part of a life review process. Fundraisers who want to have the greatest impact on the lives of their donors and benefit their organizations most significantly must assume the role of a sage who presents the hero with a challenging opportunity and encourages them to be bold in their decision. Dr. James notes that these fundraisers are the ones with high expectations and the confidence to expect heroic gifts from their donors.

 

Interested in joining us for the next stop on the How Fundraising Really Works roadshow?

Here’s some feedback from those who attended our seminar in Toronto last month.

“I haven’t enjoyed a fundraising workshop as much as yours in many, many years!” — Maryann Kerr, CEO, The Medalist Group, Toronto, 2019

“Probably one of the best days of professional development I've experienced.” — Jack Silverstein, VP, Development at National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA, Ottawa, 2019

“I found the seminar fun, instructive, affirming and educational.” — Sue Ellen English, National Director, Development, Prison Fellowship Canada

If you're interested in joining us at an upcoming stop on the How Fundraising Really Works roadshow, it's it important to know that this is not the typical “Tips and Tricks” experience we've grown accustom to. Instead, we're going to confront the real reasons for why most fundraising strategies are designed to fail, challenge everyone’s assumptions about how fundraising really works, and ensure that fundraising professionals know how to be recognized and admired for meaningful work. Anyone who isn’t thinking more critically about the fundraising profession when they leave wasn’t paying attention.

For more information, go to lewisfundraising.com/events