Connection Progression

You know that feeling you get when you realize that someone has become a forever friend or a trusted colleague or valued teammate? Feels good right? It's like suddenly one day you think, "Holy moly! This great relationship with this great person happened when I wasn't looking."

I call this the connection progression.

This same progression occurs with your nonprofit fundraising prospects and donors. There seems to be a final drop in the bucket that makes your connections with them deeper, more meaningful.

With each new relationship you build with your organization's constituents there comes a moment when something just clicks.

Try these tips to progress and connect in a more intentional way and make the click happen quick.

1. Before a Visit
   Get to know your prospect before your first visit through research. Take this research to the next level and fold it seamlessly into the conversation during the visit.
2. During a Visit
   Listen for subtext (what is actually being said beneath the words) you are receiving from your prospect. Adjust your messaging accordingly.
3. After a Visit
   Follow up post-visit in a timely way that is authentic to you. Make sure your prospect knows how much you appreciate them.

Think about the relationships that develop between you and your prospects and donors. What is your plan as an asker for the progression of connection with them? How does your connection with them typically progress? Is it a straight line? Or is it a winding journey? Does it happen quickly? Or does it usually take a bit more time?