With my head in the sand, I produced a Major Gift FAIL!
As a young man, I let my insecurity thwart a sensational chance to bond with two incredibly wealthy supporters.
Any person who is new to major gift fundraising can face the same insecurity.
This is one more opportunity to learn from my beginner’s mistakes….
Wow. Excellent message. Seems like common sense, but can see how a lot of people would let themselves get in their own way.
I appreciate the comment. Looking back, I can see how I let personal insecurity force me to think about my own needs and blind me to the sincere interest of these people. When I got over myself time we became enormously close. That happened because they had enough interest in our organization to put up with me and enough experience with young idiots to treat me like a skittish puppy. In the end their support became substantial and I began to grow in self-confidence and maturity. I suspect many nonprofit executives who engage in major gift activities go through the same learning curve and hope they each encounter prospects who will nurture their professional growth. BTW – this happened when I was 28 years old – a bit young for the role.