Last week I met a friend for lunch at a favorite restaurant -- one where we both happen to know the owner. As we were chatting about how busy he had unexpectedly been for the lunch service, the economy, and so forth, he mentioned that he had recently received several solicitations requesting donations of gift certificates for upcoming charitable fundraisers. As all three of us have been involved in a number of these types of events, we talked about how popular such donations are, and how easy they are for most restaurants to provide.
The owner had criteria he went by when it came to deciding whether or not he would make a donation. If he actually saw and/or met with a person at some point during the transaction, he was much more inclined to donate. Why did this matter? Several organizations have become so complacent in their requests (especially those he had supported in the past) that they were simply sending an email request -- and nothing more. Did he receive information about the event, such as what and when it was to be? Who was to benefit and in what manner? What were the results? In other words, it was important to him that he be considered a contributing participant in the event, not someone to be solicited.
I am sure that many of you have either been involved in the planning of or have attended a fundraising event of some type. As such, may I make an additional suggestion? Be sure to patronize those businesses that have made donations -- of any size -- to your cause. Tell them you recognize and appreciate their contribution. Part of the reason donations are made is to help promote a business, so let them know it has worked. You will definitely make someone's day!
Acknowledgement of an act is great incentive to repeat it.
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Remember...
Email is a great way to communicate; it's fast, it's easy, and it's convenient. Sometimes, however, it is not the way to go. Do you want to ask someone for a favor? Make it personal. Provide a face and/or a voice to go along with the request, no matter how sure you are that you will receive a positive response. Always, always say thank you. It may not be a big deal to you, but it can mean the world to someone else.
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