“As the new advancement leader, how can I have the upper hand when there was no handoff?”
You took over the advancement role from an individual with a long history with the organization. There was no handoff or phasing out as you took the reins.
How does one move forward in this situation?
I’ve been there.
Do: Make a lot of calls.
Get started. Immediately.
Remember, though, these aren’t cold calls in the grand sense. They have given money in the past. You just weren’t at the helm.
If you’re early in your role, you have a window of opportunity, give or take 18 months, where you can say, ‘I’m still new in this role.’
Do: Ask them to invest in you–not the organization.
When you call, ask them to invest in you as a leader and be generous with their time.
You don’t have to say it that way, but ask them to invest in you and your leadership.
They have been involved and supportive in the past and are already sold on your ministry’s mission.
You have a lot to learn, and who better to instruct you than someone passionate about your cause?
Do: Approach them as the new leader in the organization.
You want to mention the head of the organization or the board chair. ‘I work alongside the head of the organization,’ or ‘I work with the head and the board.’
It’s even better to mention the people by name rather than their title.
This alerts donors that you are looking to be effective as a leader in the organization rather than triggering the thought, ‘Here’s the new advancement person trying to get money.’
Approaching givers as someone who works alongside the head and the board demonstrates that you are reaching out to those who have been supportive and involved. It shows you want to learn about their background and connection to your organization.
You can even mention so-and-so suggested you reach out to them.
This approach makes it very difficult to say no. They will likely want to help you, and relationships can grow from there.
Forget about the lack of handoff. Get your hands dirty with those supportive of your vision. I would love to hear from you. Text me your progress. Keep moving forward.