How to Get More Contacts

Are you wishing for more contacts? To raise money, you need to have a long list of contacts, but first you need to serve well the contacts you already have.

PERSONAL & INVOLVED NETWORKING

If you truly have stewarded your current donors well, and definitely need more contacts, then we see much better results with having someone personally introduce you to people in their network. This works better than giving you the names for you to contact directly. Take the time to maximize the relational equity they already have with this new contact. 

Who needs to hear about this ministry?

Ask for references from advocates, partners, and those already on your contact list. But don't ask for a list of names from them. Ask that financial partner to meet with you as you explain your ministry and the need.

Go to your closest friends first and ask to sit down with them to talk about reaching out to their networks.

CONTACT THE CHURCH

You can also turn to your pastor and other pastors you know. They are typically very supportive of ministry or mission work, and have loads of contacts. Set up a meeting and take a notebook, ready to schedule some future meetings. As you sit down to meet with others, ask them, "Who do you know that would be interesting in sharing Jesus with the Japanese?"

Ask yourself the question, "Who needs to hear about this ministry?" This question lowers the barriers in your mind to who you should reach out to. Avoid asking yourself the question, "Who would give to this ministry?" which raises barriers. Don't ask others, "Do you know anyone I could talk to about this?" That's too broad and presents an obstacle to growing your network. It allows the person to say no and move on, not actually considering your request.