Timing

It's all about timing. What is? Everything. All of it. All of the time. Timing.

Am I ready? Are they ready? Will we ever be ready? For babies, marriage, the next job, the next ask, to clear off one small shelf in the closet so they stop leaving their stuff on the floor?

There's never a perfect time... or is there?

Perfect is a bit strong in relation to timing, unless, of course we are talking about releasing a football or hitting a baseball or anything related to a tangible object, a definite answer, etc. As it relates to people, perfect doesn't exist. There is no perfect time or perfect person (trust me, I've looked). There is right now. There is what and who is in your path today. So what is perfect in that moment? This is the question to ask.

I was working with a great group last night on making the ask, but more specifically, talking about the challenges of recent past asks and next steps. While the end goal for the organization is to raise significant dollars, the donor may have a different end goal. Have you asked them? Where are THEY right now? What does your organization mean to them? Where do they want to see you go? How would their passions match up with helping you get there?

I often compare fund development to dating and marriage. You go into it, perhaps, knowing a bit about the person; heck, maybe they are your friend, but you've never seen them in this light. Hmmm, they look so shiny and new and a bit scary. You've called to ask them to meet up. You're nervous. You rehearse what you are going to say as you get ready. You put on your best outfit and check out how you look in the mirror. You then stop and realize that you BOTH know why you are meeting. There is no doubt that this is a date. You are going into this to see if there is something more or if you should remain just friends.

All of your nerves were for naught. The dinner was great! You both had a delightful time and now you know that they are interested. You are excited to see each other again and so it goes... date after date. Thank you notes and phone calls. Mailed articles of interest and next meetings. And then the day comes. It's been ten months. Do you take the next step? Are you ready? Are they ready?

****back to the actual point of the blog****

The reality is that some donors may be ready after meeting you twice, while others may not be ready for 18 months. There is no timetable on ready. The only question you can ask is, for what are they ready right now? More cultivation? Further engagement? The only way to find out is to meet, talk, discuss, and LISTEN.

So get excited. Be giddy. Do the happy dance. Clear off the shelf in your closet "just in case," but dear lord do NOT tell them you've done it!

When will they be ready? You'll just know... or so I've been told.