It is not a nuisance to meet people who donate to your nonprofit.

I remember a friend of mine inviting me to a small gathering of his friends. When he asked me to go with him, I heard myself say, “I don’t know any of them.”

My friend was pretty quick and told me that was the whole reason for going that night was to get to know them. The night turned out to be fun and I did get to meet some amazing new friends.

This conversation happened over two decades ago and I still remember it. I have to be willing to be uncomfortable and put myself out there to meet people if I want to get to know them.

When I was an Executive Director of a nonprofit, it was the biggest struggle I had every week. How do I get to know the people who volunteer and give to my organization? Especially if they are busy and I am busy.

How do I get past the awkward first call? What if they ask me if I am going to ask them to do something or give money? What will I say then?

It took lots of patience from my mentor and some interesting conversations with donors for me to realize the “nuisance” of being uncomfortable and taking the time to meet people especially donors was worth it and could be enjoyable.

Most people were very gracious and helpful. They would let me know quickly if it was worth my time to call them or visit them.

I remember stopping by to meet in person one donor. She told me never to come back. They would mail an annual check and I did not need to waste my time visiting them. They would be faithful.

Others would give me a check in the first few minutes of meeting with them.

People will help guide you how they want to be respected, engaged and thanked.

You have to pick up a phone or go to a gathering even if you don’t know people very well. It is okay to be uncomfortable. That is how you meet your next best friends.

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