If You Want Money, Ask for Advice

If you want money, ask for advice.

If you want advice, ask for money!

This is a longstanding fundraising mantra and it works.

If you’re looking for money, ask for it.

You’ll receive an avalanche of ideas, recommendations, and advice on how to raise it.

But you probably won’t receive any money.

If you want money, ask for advice.

When a university wants to build a new football stadium, they call their top six donors in.

We’re not asking for money today.

On the table here is a model of the new stadium we’re planning.

As supporters of the university, we wanted to offer you an opportunity to share your input.

Do you like the design?

Is it too big or too small?

How long do you think it will be before the donors start fighting about who gets to put their name on it?

How does this affect you as a presenter?

Simple.

If the goal of your presentation is to raise funds, consider the old adage:

If you want money, ask for advice.

If you want advice, ask for money!