Mentoring: An Overlooked Path to Fundraising Expertise

A good friend, Carol Weisman, recently shared a few key thoughts about how she learned to be a top-notch fundraiser and fundraising consultant. Her learning curve has spanned 43 years and counting, because you literally never stop.

Here were eight pieces of advice:

1. Be a good listener.
2. Be a good storyteller.
3. When telling a story, never take your eye off the donor.
4. Have the insight how to tell the story that is right for your specific donor.
5. Do your research.
6. Cultivate before asking.
7. Thank them whether they give or not, and regardless of the size of the gift.
8. Find a great mentor.

You’ve probably seen or heard some variation of the first seven before. But finding a great mentor may be something you’ve overlooked or not invested much time in.