One thing I have learned in business over the years is to listen well to the heart of the client and try matching opportunities to accomplish their desires. Even if those opportunities are with another business, a different non-profit or another cause. Ya, that’s right, I went there– even if that means giving your business to someone else.
“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:24-25
Years ago a donor gave me a five-figure gift. In addition to telling the donor about my organization and how “my” programs matched some of those interests and passions, I also told the donor about where he could give to OTHER organizations!! What?? You have to be kidding!! I know have I lost my mind? Nope. I have learned that the donor is not mine, and that giving him away is the very best thing I can do.
Like me, you have probably grown up in a fear-based environment where you had to scrap for things, and where you had to protect things from being taken. However as I grow deeper in understanding of Jesus, he has has modeled for me an opposite approach that is so unnatural that I have had to learn how to give things away. Even though I have financial goals to reach and it is counterintuitive to share in the way I am describing here, because if you share you run the risk of losing, the truth is that sharing and giving away is the far better path. And it really works. That donor has learned that I am looking out for his best interests and not my own over the years, and now, gives six-figures to my agency as a result.
I think this “giving up” approach works in every area of your life– sales, consulting, fundraising, spouse, family, and friends. The more you can serve them, the greater response back you will receive from them. Look at how tightly you are holding onto someone or something, and ease your grip. Believe me, good things will happen. Try it today—you will be blessed.
Question |
Can you share a time when you gave a sale, donor, friend up?