This Is What Happens When You Don’t Ask

Recently?when hired by a new client his concern is about the ask. He said he gets?anxious and?nervous about asking for a donation. Understandably, it’s the reason just about everyone comes to me. Asking for a donation just isn’t something they are comfortable?with unless it’s tied to a reward, like a T-shirt or sponsorship.

The main reason this creates anxiety is?because most are usually afraid of the word NO, which means?they're afraid of rejection. Let me share some reasons why you might be told NO. If you were to come to me and ask for a donation for your organization and I tell you no, there could be multiple reasons why I am saying No, here are some?financial or time related examples:

• I am in financial straits
• I may be in debt
• My partner might be without work
• Might have to put my kids through school
• Might be starting a new career
• Just bought?a new home
• Divorce or getting married
• Taking care of elder?or sick family members
• Moving to another town/country

What all of these have in common is that none of them have anything to do with you. They are all about me.

I might say no because your organization is just not?that important enough to me. I don't have anybody affected by it or?I'm not affected by it. It may be a global organization doing a lot of good in the world, but still, it's not hitting home for me. It's not touching my heart. Also, I have other organizations that I am donating to because they align with me and my passions.?Again this is all about me not you.

Hopefully you begin to see there are many reasons for the NO. The point being?that it has nothing to do with you. It's all about me. So when somebody makes a decision whether to give, or not to give to an organization, it's about them, not you. They are not rejecting you.

What I'd like you to consider is that if you don't ask, you are?already g at NO. And one more thing, which is even worse, is that you are rejecting both yourself and that other person. You are already assuming that the answer is NO by?not giving them the opportunity.?So why not ask?