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This is true. It take pleasure at meeting donors to tasks about their expectations and our pitfalls in the process. It always helps to refine our approaches the next time
I learnt that getting a no, can help me reflect back and do better
Learn from it.
I have learned that I can strategize to interact with donors better.
One of the greatest challenges of being a development professional is dealing with rejection. The fact is, you are going to hear the word “No” a lot. But the best fundraisers know not to take it personally and get right back on that fundraising horse. They also learn that sometimes a No can help you find your way to a Yes. While many of your fundraising NOs will be passive (e.g., an unopened email or tipan ignored CTA), having a personal conversation with a donor or corporate representative allows you to listen to them in real time and possibly learn what is holding them back from committing to your cause.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t exactly love rejection. I am just about over my dating experiences of 38 years ago. In fact, rejection is such a huge
issue that most of us are extremely wary of major-donor solicitations. I can’t say that I love it when a potential donor does not come across with an
enthusiastic “Yes!” but I do have some tips on how to nd out what the issue is and make reluctance work for you.
I have learnt that you need to be persistent to get the reason for the "no" . This would help me know what things I can do better next. But the major point is persistence, of course not pressure on the donor.
You are right.
Absolutely right. I gree with you, it simply needs persistence but not pressure of course.
When I received no from a donor I tried in probe into why he has said no. I will thank him and even pray for him. I do not usually feel bad because I belief a better time will come. I have experienced it and later the donor still come back to donate towards the program. Meanwhile, at the time when one said no I will search for other prospects to make up.
Abdulkariim , you need to know things are not always rosy. There are might be many reasons why a donor will say no. May be he is going through some trauma or financial problems among others. There are some technical ways you use to get noticed to let the donor continue to have you in mind.
Donor families is important for project, because children can continuous donation after parents die, so its important to explain to children and teenager about the organization, sometimes, include them in some activities, and also say thank you for them, because their father is donating familys money.
What I have learnt from experiencing 'no' or rejection is courage, persistence , patience and maintaining good relationship whether no or yes. Also , I tried listen to the donors so that I will know what will interest them and their capability. I belief if this program does not interest them another will do. If no today , there may be yes tomorrow. There are some donors that always say no and there will be no good reasons . Having tried all possible means in such situation I walked away and look for another prospect. I see them as approaching wrong person
Connecting the donors' children is a good strategy. There are times when both the parents and children donate towards the program. Another opportunity is retaining the donors support even after their demise. One can even benefit the children expertise , youthful ideas, their modern and technological knowledge.
Yes, persistent is the key to get the reason out of why no. This will guide one towards what next and how to improve your organization
1: What is one thing you have learned from the experience of rejection or getting a “no” from a donor that can help you be successful in the future?
I've learned that a "No" isn't the end of a journey. It helps me to know more about what my donor is or isn't interested.
Interesting approach Echonyu, to have multiple donors in a waiting list.
I learned how to get donors attention incase I exerience a word No
I think its a best way to incorporate donor while dealing with family disappointments
I think its a best way to incorporate donor while dealing with family disappointments
I learned not to hesitate to express understanding for the donors circumstances and offer to come back with possibilities for future collaboration.
Learn to deal with disappointments and important lesson will come out of it, disappointment moment turn to a creative momment
I have learned to always have back up options, and if I get a no, that doesn't mean that this person is against ever giving, and I can continue to steward that relationship.
This module provided some very useful tips on what could a 'NO' mean from a donor and how to not get disappointed and use it for your advantage instead. The tips on dealing with your own mistakes by maintaining clear-cut communication with the donor can be practically useful as well.
Is anyone else having trouble to access this article from this Module "How to identify and respond to fundraising NOs"? The link is now showing some other article, not the one mentioned in the module.
1: What is one thing you have learned from the experience of rejection or getting a “no” from a donor that can help you be successful in the future?
I learned that all 'no's' are not forever. Despite being the type of person who doesn't liked to be asked continuously after I've set a firm no, I had to realize that donors are not necessarily like me; their firm no today maybe a yes tomorrow, a month, or year from now. Essentially, I have learned to ask is this now, or forever?
Another thing that I have learned from a donor's 'no' is to follow up with probing questions/questions that will help me to gain insight on how I can improve in making the ask. Previously, I would attend webinars, read and seek advice from development and fundraising professionals, however, I never thought to ask the donor for ways that I can improve.
Neither do I. This is something that I would definitely have to work on incorporating in the future.
Everything is fine! The course is positive
When I receive no I need to be sure that I have plan B and dont hesitate to continue working on fundraising campaign. Be selfconfident enough to don
t give up.
When I receive no I need to be sure that I have plan B and dont hesitate to continue working on fundraising campaign. Be selfconfident enough to don
t give up.
I have learned that a rejection isn't the end of the fundraising process, one should stay focused onto the goal of funds
Getting a no shouldn't discourage the fundraiser, he or she should try again, takes time to be familiarise with the donor, make sure that its interest match with your organisation.
I learnt to look at the positive side of the conversation, identify the mistakes I have made and make sure to never repeat in future fundraising efforts.
Yes I have received some NOs from donors but I have taken a rejection as a rejection and closed out the potential donor. I have learnt to politely thank them and also where possible learn why they rejected you and seek more information on how to meet future endevours and simply dont close the door.
Never took too kindly to rejection or getting 'NO' this module has taught me a lot especially the aspect of getting the reason behind the NO and how to deal with it. Definitely going to incorporate this going forward.
i have learned that there are different types of nos and a possibility of a positive response should not be ruled out completely
the tips are so impactful and i look forward to applying them in my fundraising campaign
when a no is given possibly consider seeking for advice, no is not always a final answer.
asking again next time
sure, that is the best step to take after getting a No
its impactful to me, and I look forward to engaging in fundraising with my team to expand our organization capacity.
I have learnt that i shouldn't be discouraged when i get a no, rather i should keep trying no matter the response i get. and also i could be that i asked at the wrong time.
i agree with your opinion
I will also do the same in my organisation
patience and not being short temperd helped a lot in this
i have learn alot in this course and that in life you should always expect anything at anytime, and is not all the time that will always get a yes from your donor. And have learn to be tolerant.
I learned what follow-up questions to ask after a "no" which I had never considered doing. I learned not to take the rejection personally. There is a broad array of reasons someone may say "no" and to respect their decision; just make my best effort with the tools learned and seek peer support.
Agree, I also will not "close the door"; good lesson learned.
I learned that a simple, no, may not necessarily mean the end of the discussion but an opportunity to learn something important to improve in future endeavors.
i would be quite disapointed, but also will understand that maybe i did not meet their criteria orrequirements as per their guideline or their opportunities are closed and i need to work on a strategy or a new approache on my interaction with donors.
I have learnt that a “no” does not always mean “never”. It often means “not now, try again later”.
You have a good point there- knowing how to react to rejections makes the exit easier. More importantly, one can ask the potential donor the reason for refusing to donate - whether the timing is inappropriate (and then ask the donor for a time that may be better in future).
One thing i have learned from my experience of being rejected or receiving a no ,that it doesn't mean never.You must not take it personal and their where always be another opportunity to asked again.
To help me to be more successful in the future i learn it is best to know your donors interest and always put them first.
That's is true a no is not always never
Yes the ways and the steps we learn from this module was of so important
We have learned my ways and type of methods of which we can follow in or organisation
I have learned that sometimes a no from a prospective donor may mean different thing, It may be the timing of the request for funds was not appropriate hence the donor said no and if that was the case then we can request the donor to give us the right time when they are in a position to offer funds for our projects.
In this course inhave learnt that I should not get dissatisfied after getting a no response. The No response can be temporal and can be for short period. In getting such responses we can ask questions that will make them prospects in future.
1: What is one thing you have learned from the experience of rejection or getting a “no” from a donor that can help you be successful in the future?
It give me more knowledge on how to handle rejection accordingly. There is always a way to handle every no if we try to understand what is the reason behind every no. When we understand we will be able to give donor some suggestion on how they still can help out. A no doesn't mean a rejection it also can be turn to a yes with a mutual understanding.
1: What is one thing you have learned from the experience of rejection or getting a “no” from a donor that can help you be successful in the future?
Answer: A 'no' is not always a flat rejection. If we take the time to acknowledge and dig deeper, we will be able to find better solutions to turn a 'no' to 'yes' .
1: What is one thing you have learned from the experience of rejection or getting a “no” from a donor that can help you be successful in the future?
If the donor voices out the he or she does not want to support now, the right question to ask is " Not now or forever?". To clarify with the donor what he or she means by that response. So that you can provide an appropriate solution/recommendation.
1: What is one thing you have learned from the experience of rejection or getting a “no” from a donor that can help you be successful in the future?
A "No" is not always a "No". It will in fact make me take it more positive in approaching more donors for fundraising as the frequent we approached and talk to donors, we are more able to understand and reflect better on our way of fundraising / donor thoughts,interest.
Understand how things work with the donor and his family, then act to engage the relatives
I learned that receiving NO is normal, and everyone will receive a negative answer one day.
That it is not personal.
I learnt to not always take a "no" personally and that it doesn't mean no forever. It is okay to ask the donor why they chose not to donate to your organization and seek their advice on fundraising. You should still treat them well and not burn bridges. They might be able to donate in another way, communicate clearly and honestly.
I agree, this is very important to keep in mind because we naturally take it personally. Goodluck with your fundraising!
You find out why the donor refused and this helps in understanding what the donor wants
A few weeks ago I received a "no" from a potential donor. I learned that donors give to organizations that they are passionate about even if they have a solid relationship with the major gift officer.
Rejection has me to go through a process of reflection and soul serching so that am able to develop a totally different approach. The process helps me to define exactly what I did well in the fundraising process and what I need to improve to secure the funds in future.
Knowing and accepting that there will always be disappointment is a thing because you can not stop seeking funds with such mentality
I evaluated the situation to understand what I could have done differently and then moved forward with the experience applying the knowledge in the future.
I evaluated the situation to understand what I could have done differently and then moved forward with the experience applying the knowledge in the future.
I evaluated the situation to understand what I could have done differently and then moved forward with the experience applying the knowledge in the future.
Learn from it and use the knowledge moving forward.
Always incorporate family members and admit mistakes something wrong has happened with fund.
To be honest with donors is very important when I make a mistake, followed by apologized and making changes for being sure it won’t happen again.
That’s one of the most important thing I learned in this course
In case the rejection No has come from donor you should always look at the positive side try and come with more comprehensive approach
One thing I've learned from the experience of getting a “no” from a potential donor is that my ask is being rejected, not me. It's (usually) not about me, personally.
Very true! The stronger the emotional connection a potential donor has to an organization or cause, the easier I have found it to make successful asks.
Good. When we received a NO from a donor, We have to always appreciate the time of the donor and seek for the donor advice for fundraising.
Ive recieved alot of Nos something I don't typically follow up on is the why.
Sometimes Donor themselves go under burden, responsibility, and restriction. It is good you give me them time
a no is one of the best responses you can get since you are able to try to persuade or reason with the potential donor and having a good conversation which makes you realize a number of flaws in your approach. you learn by problems not successes
This is so true, they are people to
It is helpful to me to have a short memory. Forget the previous yes or no and go into meetings with potential donors without any of the stress from others. This means not assuming all donors have the same needs or interests. This means not getting upset when you receive a no. Go into each meeting prepared and fresh.
I have learned to not just leave the donor and stop communicating. I have learned to make them feel needed even if they cannot provide financial support such as asking if they are able to be an advocate or if they are able to connect me with other individuals who would be able to donate to our mission.
I love the mindset of not letting other no's affect the confidence and meetings with next donors.
Children of donors are likely to inherit their customs and grow up to be charitable givers as well. Therefore, as fundraisers we must consider them on our list because they could be future donors.
don't dwell on no's
What I have experienced from this course is NO does not mean doom. They might be reasons for No. One needs to understand the reasons and now devise a means to proffer a solution to the NO in order to get Yes. No is not terminal and it does not mean the end but a process and not a destination.
What I have experienced from this course is NO does not mean doom. They might be reasons for No. One needs to understand the reasons and now devise a means to proffer a solution to the NO in order to get Yes. No is not terminal and it does not mean the end but a process and not a destination.
@awungnkezeelvis said in Module 3 Discussion: Incorporating Donor Families and Dealing with Disappointments:
Good. When we received a NO from a donor, We have to always appreciate the time of the donor and seek for the donor advice for fundraising.
I agree with you. It is important to appreciate their time and then drill down to know the reason or the type of No in order to determine next steps.
What I have experienced from this course is NO does not mean doom. They might be reasons for No. One needs to understand the reasons and now devise a means to proffer a solution to the NO in order to get Yes. No is not terminal and it does not mean the end but a process and not a destination.
@awungnkezeelvis said in Module 3 Discussion: Incorporating Donor Families and Dealing with Disappointments:
Good. When we received a NO from a donor, We have to always appreciate the time of the donor and seek for the donor advice for fundraising.
I agree with you. It is important to appreciate their time and then drill down to know the reason or the type of No in order to determine next steps.
What I have experienced from this course is NO does not mean doom. They might be reasons for No. One needs to understand the reasons and now devise a means to proffer a solution to the NO in order to get Yes. No is not terminal and it does not mean the end but a process and not a destination.
@awungnkezeelvis said in Module 3 Discussion: Incorporating Donor Families and Dealing with Disappointments:
Good. When we received a NO from a donor, We have to always appreciate the time of the donor and seek for the donor advice for fundraising.
I agree with you. It is important to appreciate their time and then drill down to know the reason or the type of No in order to determine next steps.
I learned that every time you get a “no” if you continue the conversation properly, and really listen to the donor’s response, maybe you can change the situation and get the donation at the same time or at a later time.
I agree with you Rosario, we already have this donor and we just have to keep in touch and maintain a good relationship if the heirs want to continue collaborating with our cause.
I agree with you Rosario, we already have this donor and we just have to keep in touch and maintain a good relationship if the heirs want to continue collaborating with our cause.
Do not give up.
Ask why they may not be of help.
select another partner if the current raiser is upset