How your ears help raise money
November 13, 2009 by Sandy
Filed under Donor Relations, General Fundraising
There’s an ad in the new issue of Fundraising Success magazine that caught my eye. It says “Listening is the new fundraising.” I don’t know about you, but I’ve known listening was important for years.
When it comes to building relationships, which is what fundraising is all about, listening is key.
One of the most important skills you can develop as a Fundraiser is your ability to listen well. Whether you’re talking with donors, volunteers, or co-workers, being able to hear what someone else is saying is a skill that takes a moment to learn and a long time to master.
There’s an old saying that goes “You have 2 ears and 1 mouth – use them accordingly.” It’s a nugget of wisdom that means you should listen twice as much as you talk.
Here are 8 keys to being a good listener.
1. Be patient and calm. Don’t be tapping your foot or drumming your fingers.
2. Be present in the moment. Don’t be thinking about yesterday or tomorrow. And don’t be thinking about what you’re going to say next.
3. Focus on the person you are listening to. No multitasking.
4. Don’t let your mind wander. No mental distractions.
5. Ask questions. This is a good way to open up the conversation for the other person and give them the chance to express themselves.
6. Summarize what you’ve heard. This is a great way to clarify. Sometimes people don’t say what they actually mean and by summarizing, you help them better verbalize their feelings and ideas.
7. Watch body language and what isn’t being said. Listen for underlying feelings and ideas.
8. Don’t interrupt. In fact, pause for a moment before you speak. This will help the other person feel that you aren’t in a rush and are likely paying close attention to what they are saying.
If you are tired or stressed, it’s going to be harder to listen well and you may have to work a bit harder.
The best way to master the skill of listening is to practice. Spend time daily practicing these 8 keys to being a good listener and you’ll find fundraising to be an easier task.
