If You Want the "Yes," You've Got to Ask!

I don’t know about you, but I get pretty busy most days, weeks, months…and I can get forgetful if I let myself. That is one of the many reasons I have to be really proactive about fundraising for the March for Babies. It’s so easy for me to send out the initial fundraising email and then just let it go.

But long ago, when I worked in fundraising professionally, my boss told me something I’ve always remembered – the answer is always “No,” when you don’t ask. And what I’ve learned over the years is that the asking doesn’t necessarily mean just sending one email. I’ve learned that, if I don’t get a response from someone, or if I get a non-committal response like, “Sure, I’ll donate!” that it’s worth following up and reminding.

This can be difficult. I can be kind of a shy person, and I’m not really someone that would generally be described as “pushy.” But when it comes to March of Dimes, I just feel so strongly about the importance of the mission that I’ve learned to step outside my comfort zone and beg, plead, grovel, whatever it takes to raise money for babies.

And besides, just like I said at the beginning of the post, I get busy. And if I get busy, chances are the people I’m asking are busy, too, right? So, chances are they intended to donate to this amazing cause about which they know I’m truly passionate, and just forgot to follow through. So, that reminder email or call can be just the reminder they need, too.

And if I feel my courage flagging, I just remind myself – the answer is always “No,” if I don’t ask.

Written by: Lindsay Atherton, Mission Mom and Guest blogger