Let Others Speak for You

Review any speeches the person has made and see if he or she mentioned your organization. What about editorials or other printed materials? In conversation with you, did he or she say something that was a great endorsement? If so, memorize it and write it down as soon as possible.

Some people will write an endorsement, but many prefer you to give them a suggested paragraph that they can (but often won’t) edit. That’s where your earlier work comes in handy. Using words that came right from their mouths establishes a level of comfort and often minimizes editing. Be realistic, though; you’re more likely to get someone to agree to say you are a good organization that is worthy of support than that you are the best organization in the entire universe and that only a fool wouldn’t support you.