Boards: The Secret Superheroes of Fundraising

Step 1: They need a personal message that is inviting and inspiring. They need practice with an elevator speech, but it can't be learned or memorized. It has to be their own personal story of why they care!

Step 2: They need to be happy, fired-up and passionate. If they are, they'll be engaging. If they are embarrassed about what they're up to, then they put people off. Energy — positive or negative — is contagious.

Step 3: They have to have the right attitude. Everything starts with attitude. You have to get your mind-set right before you can make anything happen in the world. Your board members might need some "attitude adjustment" every now and then.

Sometimes all it takes to get them pumped up about the cause at hand is to take the fear of asking off their plates. Remind them that they are trying to raise friends and not necessarily funds. (But, of course, friends of your organization will give, as well as help in many other ways.)

Step 4: They have to be willing to follow up. Say your wonderful board member has inspired a friend with her passionate story about your organization. She has contagious energy and an enthusiastic 
attitude.

All this is wasted unless she can say, "Can you come down for a tour?" Or, "I'm having a small group over to my house next week to meet the new director; can you come?" Or, "Can I take you out for coffee and get your ideas on how we tackle this huge community problem?"

Somehow, some way, when a board member gets the door open for a second conversation, you're on your way to a donation.

2. Gather friends with small social events. You can expand your community relationships and make friends fast through small gatherings. This job is perfect for board members who have many friends and like to socialize.