Five Types of Askers – Which Are You?

Figuring out how to ask.

Asking is essential to the development effort of an organization.  In fact, the number ONE principal of development is this: “ASK.”  Unfortunately, some of us may shy away from asking for gifts.  It is important to understand that asking people to consider a gift to an organization is not “begging.”  It simply is a strait forward request for a consideration that matches a donor’s expressed interest with the important mission of the organization.  It is the proper thing to do if you work in development.

Research has shown us at there are at least five types of askers. Knowing what type we are can be helpful in getting the most out of our asking style, and it can lead us to develop a more natural, successful style. The five types are:

The Delicate Dodger. They are pleasant, deep thinkers, very strategic, listeners. They avoid confrontation and will work to smooth things over before engaging a donor.

The Remorseful Requester. Asking is a challenge because personal experience shows giving away money is really hard. The approach is one of empathy.

The Assuming Asker. They are smiling and happy, and the person being asked knows and loves them. They can spend minimal time actually asking because they have already developed a good business relationship.

The Domineering Demander. Their conversation is a bit one-sided. They have a lot of information to share and want to do so, and the people being asked are hopefully engaged and listening to what they say.

The Polished Proposer. They have a good balance between speaking and listening. They are extremely well-versed in all aspects of the ask, including possible responses from those being asked.

So, consider your natural style, choose the timing and the words that will make for a successful ask.  Remember, you really want the donor to give because you believe in your mission, and that mission makes it so much easier to make the “ask.”

—
5 Types – source: The Non-Profit Times, April 22, 2014