8 Relationship Tips

Pick your two favorite and try them out for a month. You'll be amazed at the impact you will make.

One - Put the Person First

Make the relationship the goal, not the sale of a golf team or an annual gift. Share some of your time on their agenda. Connect and build trust.

Two - Be More Curious

Bring your interest in others to work. People are drawn to you when you show interest in them. By sharing some of your history and interests, you'll discover they'll share back with you.

Three - Reach Out and Connect

Practice behaviors that show people, above all, that building a collaborative relationship is your first priority. Share one-on-one time with people important to your mission, exploring what is important to them.

Four - Be More Open and Vulnerable

Discuss what your organization does well, plus one or two challenges you face beyond raising money. Don't hide behind the mission. Let your donor know who YOU are as a person, parent, and citizen. Vulnerability shows honesty and honesty builds trust.

Five - Uncover Shared Interests and Values

Look for the clues, they are everywhere. Observe the magazines they read, their awards and photos, the music they listen to, and their style of dress. Then most importantly, ask them about them.

Six - Ask Questions That Build Trust

I was born in __________. Are you originally from here?
My spouse ____ is a ______. And your husband/wife?
My son ____ is 18, and he's off to State University next year. How about your children?
I've been with the organization as _______ for __ years. And you?
What community interests do you (and your spouse) have?

Seven - Listen, Really Listen

Give stakeholders plenty of time to express themselves. Talk only about 40% of the time. The more you know about a person, the better you can help them impact your mission.

Eight - Stay Connected

Use the power of you in your conversations. Take the time to process what they are saying. Embellish their response by sharing your thoughts and experiences. Show you care.

---

Relationship Strategies That

Build Your Capacity

Everyone talks about the importance of relationships in capacity building. Our products focus solely on showing development professionals and their boards, step-by-step, how to grow their mission by making relationships stronger and more genuine.