Book review: I'm Not Going to Ask: The 24 reasons Board Members and Volunteers give for not being willing to solicit -- and How to Respond by Jerry Panas
This is a book you probably need, especially if you are part of a small to medium organization and you depend on your board to raise money. Or if you're a board member and want to do a little self-help in service of the cause you care about.
Some board members don't want to raise money for you, for all kinds of reasons, including:
- I'm too busy.
- I'm shy!
- I think we should raise money instead by holding events.
- It might costs me a friend if I call someone I know.
- I'm not a salesperson.
- I don't like begging.
- I'm uncomfortable with rejection.
- I've never done it before!
You get the picture. There are a lot of reasons board members give for not asking.
This book has answers. No-nonsense, compassionate answers that don't shout them down or belittle them -- but treat them with the respect they deserve. These answers can persuade them and help them overcome their objections so they can embrace the joy that will come from asking.
Our fundraising industry is full of instant experts who will happily advise you on anything. Is their advice any good? Buyer beware! That is not the case here. Author Jerry Panas has been doing great work in the industry since long before there was such a thing as an instant expert. He's written a ton of books, and you should run, not walk to buy yourself an armload of them.
I know you're busy. So you'll appreciate the brevity of I'm Not Going to Ask. You can read it in one sitting. Though you'll want to go back to it repeatedly as you help your board rise to a new level of value and commitment.
Now here's the thing about I'm Not Going to Askthat'll really surprise you: It's free. Just click here to download your copy.
You'll be glad you did. So will your newly empowered board members who are raising money -- and loving it!
