Why Realtors and Economists Should Listen to Fundraisers
On Monday, August 5, Americans woke up to news (like for the thousandth time) that the stock market(s) took a huge tumble.
Of course, every time this happens, one major media narrative is repeated with little fact-checking. "Fear of a recession" or "a slowing job market" is usually the culprit.
Of course, the markets rebound—they always do eventually. What you saw was a sale—a great big sale on stock.
But one thing that has never sat well with me [and economists will probably call me an idiot] is how often "projections" about the economy are wrong. Just...plain...wrong.
Why are these people paid so well and treated with so much deference when nearly every month they are wrong, wrong, wrong?
A few months ago, I wrote about how fundraising is the most transferrable skill in the world. The sheer number of skills you must master to get people to part with their cash for no product or service in return basically makes you a magician.
“The sheer number of skills you must master to get people to part with their cash for no product or service in return basically makes you a magician.”
But I feel like economists and business reporters should be listening to fundraisers.
Hear me out.
The Unique Skillsets of Good Fundraisers
Fundraisers, the good ones at least:
Have their ears to the ground and their antennae up all the time.
Scour newsletters and Google alerts and gossip with colleagues about who is moving from one funder to another.
Attend workshops and webinars to get the latest tips and technology on fundraising.
Know what time of year is best to approach companies and foundations for money.
Know that actively listening and observing is often more important than prognosticating.
Know that despite national data on the decline of charitable giving, the pool of donors is always growing and, adjusted for inflation, things aren't always what they first appear.
In short, fundraisers are knowledgeable and adaptable. They know what the tea leaves are saying and they know exactly how to adjust and adapt to keep the money flowing.
I think our profession should be in the room when it happens. "It" being projections about the economy.
Fundraisers vs Realtors: Who Would You Bet On?
I was watching the show "Owning Manhattan" on Netflix and was flummoxed by how many realtors selling huge properties to the rich and famous were missing their best arguments. I caught myself saying, "OMG I could sell circles around some of these people. They aren't even making the most compelling case that speaks to the buyer's goals."
Yep, I think realtors should also bring fundraisers to these properties and say, "Tell me how you would sell this home...go!"
In Short: Fundraisers Deserve More Respect
As you can probably tell, I LOVE FUNDRAISERS. I am a sucker for them when they come to my door, or call my phone, or send me a handwritten note to ask for money. It is because I love fundraisers that I want them to get more respect. And I don’t just mean respect for bringing in money. I’m talking about respect for the unique and valuable skills and insights they can bring to wealth of topics.
