Favorite Icebreaker?

Faith Murray

I imagine that all of us who work in smaller shops have been called in at times to staff a donor event, assist with thank-a-thons, or spread community cheer. This is a question for all you natural extroverts out there.

What is your favorite tip, small talk technique, or icebreaker during “first contact” episodes? It's obviously easier to chat it up with a long and loyal donor, but for new relationships, what's your favorite way to transition from “thank you” to “what's your story”?

Keith Wilson

@Faith Murray great question!! I look forward to hearing the responses from the extroverts in the group! Even though I'm the database manager I have a small portfolio of donors I'm suppose to help cultivate and I dread making those phone calls; I mean, unless they want to talk about Raiser's Edge all day! LOL! ?

Kerry Acker

@Faith Murray, I like to think outside the box when it comes to meeting people…I quite hate the ‘What do you do?’ question that often starts conversations, because I see the bias arise via nonverbals based upon the response heard and the receiver's opinion of that profession. Another question that receives a similar reaction is the ‘Where did you go to college?’ question. I like to know about a individual or couple's reasons or key reasons they choose to be philanthropic. Are they new to philanthropic experiences or has this been part of who they've been for years? Did someone teach them about philanthropy and if so, how did they do it - by giving monetarily or through volunteerism? How do they ultimately select the organizations they choose to support? For couples, do you make philanthropic investment decisions together or do you each have unique interests to which you direct resources? What interests do you have that inspire you to contribute? What have been some experiences that made your giving particularly rewarding? & in some cases one could ask - Do you have any philanthropic goals? If so, how is their current giving tied to their long term goal? Each of these answers not only help you get to know the donors, but they also help you identify whether there is an even more rewarding giving opportunity you could offer that could further engage the donors and help them have the impact they desire and the donor-experience they'd feel to be most meaningful.

I am by no means an extrovert by the way. I'm more the ambivert/omnivert (whichever term one chooses) and I tend to ask questions out of a sincere interest to know others more deeply, watching people often pause to be more thoughtful with their answers, and then listening for their perspectives that help me better understand who they are. And in some cases it reveals what they hope to accomplish philanthropically either in the short or long term. ~Good luck!