Reader Panel Poll

“Do your research. Know your donors’ needs. Know your needs. Dress well, smile, and be polite and professional.”
— Nicolas Gaudreau
director of development,
Church Street School for Music and Art

“Remember that a ‘no’ is one step closer to a ‘yes.’ Keep the door open with qualifying statements asking, ‘If we were having this conversation three years from now, what would have had to happen in your life and the life of the institution to make you happy with a decision to move forward with this project today?’ Then sit back and listen. Use the 80/20 rule.”
— Margaret May Damen
president and founder,
Institute for Women and Wealth