Recently, I’ve noticed that a huge number of employers want
people with sales experience, or have changed job titles like “waiter” or “cashier”
to “salesperson”. We know that sales are the driving force in business, but
there are many negative associations we make with the word “sales”.
When I sold
insurance, for example, it was difficult for my clients to trust me. Salesmen
in the past had taken advantage of them by selling them unnecessary products or
using the complicated world of
insurance against them. It would make anyone weary,
and even though I tried to be ethical in my work, I often went home feeling
slimy.
Sales left a bad taste in my mouth, and when I first began
learning about fundraising for nonprofits, I was uneasy because I was
associating many of the methods used with my time in sales. It seemed like more
weaseling money out of people. It wasn’t until I became a donor myself that I
realized that fundraising is nothing like sales.
When you approach someone with the opportunity to give to
your organization, you are providing them a surefire boost. A few years ago, I
decided to ask my family for help in collecting money for some of my favorite
causes instead of giving me presents for Christmas. When I was able to give a significant amount
of money to organizations I believed in, it felt amazing! I was instantly part
of something much bigger than me, and I was able to have an impact on it!
I was sold on giving,
without ever feeling like someone was “selling” me giving.
Fundraising professionals and volunteers work to give people
that feeling. Obviously, the organization needs donations to continue running,
but the uplifting feeling that donors receive from giving is really the product
of the fundraisers work.
The point is, I have been converted. Fundraisers are
not salesmen. There is nothing slimy or underhanded about showing people the
joys of giving. As long as your methods are ethical and your organization is
worthy, fundraising can be beautiful work.
