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The Attributes Of A Successful Fundraiser

Focus. Dedication. Practice. Whatever.

Fundraising, just as any aspect of human endeavor, has been going on for a long time, and it is a field full of those who succeed and those who don’t. The fact is, some people seem to do it better than others even without trying while others try and work at it, and still struggle, gaining nothing more than frustration.

It might be luck, or it might be the person doing the fundraising. It is a fact that certain types of people are more successful than others.

Speaking at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Fundraising Conference, Bill Crouch of Crouch & Associates said that studies have shown that four profile attributes were disproportionally represented among top fundraisers. They are:

* The skill to change speaking style and behavior depending on the audience.
* The thirst to learn more about people, places and things.
* The ability to recognize, curate and communicate relevant information.
* The confidence and skill to artfully close the deal with a prospective donor.

Further, they display what is called Vertical Intelligence, which helps build confidence:
* Being resilient
* Overcoming disappointment
* Staying focused
* Creating new habits
* Operating with trust
* Handling emotions
* Relating to others
* Solving problems