The key to fundraising for nonprofit or for-profit goals is relationships. People connect to others as part of their work and life and seek to build stronger and more diverse interactions.
Expanding your outreach to build a new business/nonprofit, project or opportunity all boils down to people. And there is a big difference between getting the opportunity to meet with someone prominent and building and maintaining that relationship. Developing multiple touchpoints with these new relationships is key by focusing on individuals within your circle who can assist you.
These are three of the major personalities traits one must cultivate to be successful.
The Peer
If you are the "Peer,” you may serve in a similar position or organization to others. CEOs of competing companies often know each other well, as do politicians or investors with a similar focus. The world is comprised of thousands of these matches. This type of relationship can be developed at all levels, but most frequently when you are in a position to make decisions that affect others and can make your own opportunities. Many of your interactions may be transactional in nature. You may want to adjust some of your relationships to focus on other matters than just work and develop a focus that feels more rewarding. You may find more value for yourself from serving in the role of the Peer where these same relationships can benefit or expand to help others.
The Social
If you are the “Social,” then you swim, so to speak, in circles where your friends and family have influence. Your relationships go deeper than in the world of business, and your network often expands because of social situations. When people get to know you in contexts outside of their regular days, such as at a friend's wedding, college reunion, or during a beach vacation, you develop a trust that, because it is external, gives you significant value. Your relationships are often the reason you are given opportunities in your career. Though you can’t “buy” these relationships, your role often in these business or philanthropy discussions centers on understanding the passions and desires of others, and whether what is being presented to you would resonate with people you know.
The Leverage
If you are the “Leverage,” it’s because people need and want you involved in something. Period. This is crucial because without your involvement others won’t step up and fully join a project. They may endorse it, or show up, but it doesn’t become their passion or the next point of emphasis in their career. If people think about what they will lose, you emphasize what they will gain. You have developed both trust and weight to your actions.
To connect smartly, you have to widen your circle and establish contacts to position your relationship in a way where you can maintain it during the ups and downs of business interactions.
Don’t let your own inhibitions or issues get in the way of learning about your new contact(s). The more you know about each other, the stronger your relationship can develop.
Always offer a different perspective and have a value that can be strengthened and help you achieve your goals. Taking on a new task can be daunting, but the people you surround yourself with can make it all possible.
Finally, unless you operate with integrity, don’t expect others to treat you any differently. The best ideas in the world won’t turn into reality until people join together around them.
