Asking about Asking: Mastering the Art of Conversational Fundraising - Softcover

Stroman, M. Kent

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1938077407 ISBN 13: 9781938077401

Publisher: CharityChannel Press, 2014

Synopsis

What gets in the way of your face-to-face fundraising? Can’t get “in” to see a funder? Don’t know who to ask? No time for donor calls? Fear that your prospective donor might say “no”? Asking about Asking: Mastering the Art of Conversational Fundraising shows you how to overcome these obstacles using conversational fundraising—leading to successful one-on-one gift solicitations.

Conversational fundraising is a simple, effective, proven technique for soliciting contributions and recruiting volunteers. If you have ever postponed talking with a donor because you didn’t know how to start a conversation about a large gift—then get your copy today. Asking about Asking gives you the tools you need to have meaningful, productive, enjoyable conversations with both current donors and potential funders. As you get out of the business of guessing and assuming by asking the right questions, your fundraising results will improve dramatically.

In this second edition, the reader benefits from the input of hundreds of nonprofit leaders who identified their greatest obstacles to asking for major gifts. In this update, Stroman presents their responses—along with strategies to successfully work around these roadblocks.

Asking about Asking will equip you to:

• Seek and find larger donations.
• Gain confidence as a fundraising staff member or volunteer.
• Climb the 10 Step Staircase and get your proposals accepted.
• Become more comfortable, confident and effective when asking.
• Build and strengthen relationships which lead to charitable gifts.
• Get free from assuming and guessing about donors’ intentions.
• Identify and overcome personal and organizational fundraising obstacles.
• Ask donors strategic questions, in the proper sequence, prompting deeper conversations.
• Apply donor-centered solutions that you can begin using NOW to raise more money.
• Help donors TRULY ENJOY the gift making process.

Stroman provides a treasury of useful tales, tools, and tips you will return to again and again. Don’t wait to exchange yesterday’s worn out, inadequate approaches for high impact, cutting edge techniques that REALLY work. Asking about Asking should be considered required reading for anyone involved with serious fundraising.

About the In the Trenches Series

As part of the CharityChannel Press In the Trenches series, Asking about Asking is written in a fun, upbeat style. But don't be fooled by its down-to-earth approach and ample use of sidebars. In the Trenches books are authoritative and cover what a beginner should know to get started and progress rapidly, and what a more experienced nonprofit-sector practitioner needs to move forward in the subject.

About this title

About the Author:

Regarded as America's ASKING Coach, Kent Stroman is a talented speaker, insightful advisor, effective communicator and published author. He has an appeal that transcends barriers of age, culture and occupation. Since 1976 he has been involved in teaching and organizational leadership, impacting numerous organizations with his passion for excellence. Kent is a CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant).

Kent's purpose in life is to Equip, Inspire and Encourage. He accomplishes this through speaking, writing, teaching, consulting and executive coaching.

After a 25 year career in higher education, Kent launched Stroman & Associates, consulting in fundraising, board governance, strategic planning and leadership development. In recent years, Stroman has been personally involved in fundraising efforts generating tens of millions of dollars for charitable causes. He is a BoardSource-trained governance consultant, Sarkeys Foundation-approved retreat facilitator, and serves as an adjunct consultant for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits and has earned the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Master Trainer designation.

In addition to a vast portfolio of board experience, Kent is past Chairman of the Regional Chamber of Commerce board and currently serves on the boards of the Community Foundation (Past Chairman), and United Way.

Kent enjoys snow skiing, water sports, travel, reading, cooking and singing in his church choir.

In 2003 Kent was named the Outstanding Fundraising Executive by Eastern Oklahoma's Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

In 2005 he was honored by Big Brothers Big Sisters with their cherished Ray G. Steiner "Champions" Award for "exemplifying the character qualities of leadership by example, integrity, generosity, and commitment to excellence; and for outstanding contributions to furthering the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters."

In 2010 Stroman was awarded the prestigious "Cornerstone Award" for "his expertise, tireless dedication and hard work to transform South Haven, one of West Tulsa's most neglected and impoverished communities."

Kent is a frequent speaker and presenter to regional, national and international audiences.

About this edition

• Publisher: CharityChannel Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1938077407
• ISBN 13: 9781938077401
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 304