Awkward donor call
Joan: Hello?
Me: Hi, this is Rachel from XYZ. I’m trying to reach Joan Smith.
J: Yes?
Me: Do you have a few minutes?
J: Depends.
Me: Well, I’m the Development Director at XYZ and I’m reaching out to some of our donors. I was hoping we could chat a little. [Pause] Did you get my letter a couple of weeks ago?
J: I don’t remember getting it.
Me: Well, I was hoping to chat and to learn a little more about you. I know you’ve done some of this work yourself.
J: Are you a fundraiser?
Me: Well, I’m the devel-
J: When was the last time I donated?
Me: Uh, 2023. We’re still doing [this work] and as someone who believes in it, I wanted to get your perspective. But I’m not calling to ask you for a donation.
J: That’s a surprise.
Me: Yes, I just wanted to—
J: Look—I’ll make a donation. Where should I send it to?
UGH. This was kind of my worst nightmare about making these calls (except for the donation part). I have never done real major donor work before and am taking a Veritus course. But I can't get comfortable with it.