5 Tips to become more influential

Real influence happens when others will gladly and confidently follow you.

Donors, your fellow boards members, staff, community leaders, your kids…

If you’re the boss, board chair or development director, pay special attention.

“Followers in voluntary organizations cannot be forced to get on board. If the leaders have no influence with them, they won’t follow”

I’m lifting this right out of Leadership 101 by John Maxwell, (a great book that’s easy to skim) and author of the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

I didn’t use the word “leadership” in the title of this post because I’ve found that many nonprofit executive directors don’t see themselves as leaders.

Or they make developing leadership skills a low priority.

Is that you? If so, think again. It may be one of the quickest ways to raise more money and create an effective board.

Maxwell says that people who are unable to build solid, lasting relationships will soon discover that they are unable to sustain effective leadership.

Here are 5 Tips to Influence your Donors and Board Members

1. Possess a genuine love for people. Love people more than procedures.
2. Deal wisely with difficult people. Check out the popular book Difficult Conversations.
3. Greet people with enthusiasm You rarely succeed unless you’re having fun. You must have a good time meeting people. Smile often. Smiles bring dollars.
4. Remember first names. People love their name more than any other word. Use it and you’re at an advantage.
5. Offer creative ideas for change and improvement. Leaders are learners. When you are always looking to improve the workplace, boardroom, and your donors experience, people will follow you because they want to.

We are interested in others when they are interested in us. If you take raising money seriously, you’ll pay attention to learning and being genuinely interested in people.

When you learn more about donor communications, board development, and how to develop effective fundraising strategies, you’ll attract the right people and raise more money.

Is increasing your influence a priority for you?