Friendmaking Tip Sheet

Quick reminders for board members who want to make friends for their cause

From Easy Fundraising & Friendmaking for Board Members by Gail Perry, MBA, CFRE

1.  Your job isn't to ask for money. Your job is to make friends for the cause.
2.  Lead with vision, not need. Possibility draws people in. Need pushes them away.
3.  You don't have to sell anything. Just share what you love.
4.  The ask is a very small moment in a much longer, more human process.
5.  Some of your friends may already love your cause. Your job is to discover them.
6.  Talking about your cause isn't pushy. It's how the world finds out what matters.
7.  A personal invitation is more powerful than any marketing campaign.
8.  Stop representing your organization. Just be a person who loves it.
9.  Bless and release people who aren't interested. Your energy belongs with people who light up.
10.  When someone leans forward and says "Tell me more" — that's the beginning of good fundraising.
11.  Your enthusiasm is contagious. Spread it.
12.  Not every cause speaks to every person. Find the ones who light up.
13.  You're standing on high ground. You're here because you care — and people feel that.
14.  Make Friends First. Ask Later.