1. Create a list of names.
Open Google Sheets or Excel and start writing down a list of everyone you know. Literally everyone. Teachers, your dentist, school friends, family and all your parent’s friends. For each person, gather their email address and phone number.
You want to get at least 200 names.
2. Order the list and start with the easiest people to ask.
In another column, rank each person with a 1, 2, or 3. The 1’s are easy to ask. The 3’s feel a little more awkward. When you start messaging people, start with the 1’s.
3. Send a short message and ask if people want to hear about your need.
Here’s an example of something you could send to start the conversation. If they agree, take them to coffee, set up a phone call or send them an email.
“Hey Johnny, how are you? Have you heard of Living Disciple? It’s a missions organization I just signed up for. I’ve got a pretty wild 6 months ahead of me. Would you be interested in hearing about what I’m doing and the support I’ll need?”
3. Prepare your story and “the ask.”
Sit down and write. You need to articulate why people should donate to you. After writing an “ask email” you’ll be prepared for your conversations and emails.
Here are some tips:
Think about your audience. Connect with what they are most passionate about. For example, if you’re asking your grandma, you want to talk about how much Discipleship Home will impact your life. But when you’re talking to your church, you want to focus on how Discipleship Home gives you the opportunity to share the gospel.
Make it clear you’re going to ask for finances. This helps them get in the right mental space. Near the beginning of your email include something like this, “Thanks for letting me write, I am building a team of supporters for Living Disciple and I thought this might be something you’d like to invest in. So let me start by telling you the story!”
Sharing a few facts about Living Disciple will build your credibility. For example, Living Disciple is a missions organization that plants Discipleship Homes in unreached nations. And our focus is to make real disciples not just convert.
Talk about how you will serve others and change lives. Grandma will donate because Discipleship Home will change your life. But most people want to invest their money in someone who is impacting other people’s lives. You’re focusing on becoming Christlike, hearing God's word, and on becoming an Authentic Leader. That effort will produce a natural love of Christ to pour out of you, to heal the sick, to set people free, and to bring peace to the hearts of people. This is a cause anyone can get behind.
Make a clear ask and then stop talking and let them respond. After you’ve shared your heart, present your financial need and say something like this, “To join Discipleship Home I need to raise $9,000. I am wondering if you’d be interested in donating towards this.” Then just be quiet and let them answer!
Be ready when they ask “how do I give?” After you are accepted by Living Disciple you will most likely receive payment information that you can share with your donors.
4. Follow up, follow up, follow up!
Life is busy, people forget. Don’t say “no” for people. Keep following up until they give you their “no.” It generally takes three follow up emails after an ask to get an answer from people. (Another reason why meeting in person is better!)
Here’s an example follow up email: “Hey Johnny, just following up to see if you had a chance to think about my support email. Let me know, thanks!”
