3 Reasons Optimists Raise More Money, Especially During a Pandemic

It’s easy to be pessimistic these days with so much instability and insecurity in the world…

• Coronavirus spreading
• Rampant inequality
• Economic uncertainty
• Political instability

The list goes on and on.

And yet, some people are optimistic. With so much negativity all around, how can they stay so positive?

Optimism vs. Pessimism in Fundraising

Friends of mine love to travel (not during Coronavirus, of course). And every time they get back from another trip of a lifetime, I ask how their trip was. Sadly, I know what type of response I’m going to get. The weather was bad. The planes were delayed. The hotel was too cold (or hot).

Seriously? You just got back from an African safari, or a cruise around Europe, and you’re complaining? How can that be?

Why are some people optimistic and others pessimistic? So that leads me to my fundraising question of the day:

Can you raise money right now, even during a pandemic and such economic instability?

For some, the answer is: “Absolutely! YES!”

And, yes, they have indeed raised money during these tough times. In many cases, more than they’ve ever raised before.

For others, it’s an absurd question: “Obviously we can’t raise money right now. Don’t you know there’s a pandemic?”

It may not be easy, but I believe you have a choice of whether to be optimistic or pessimistic (maybe that’s the optimist in me). You *CAN* turn lemons into lemonade… a rainy day into a snuggling-up-with-a-good-book day… a traffic jam into a music jam. In fact, I have 31 rules to live by that state as much.

3 Reasons Optimists Raise More Money than Naysayers

Even in a pandemic. Especially in a pandemic.

1. They have the right mindset.

Optimists believe they can. And they act on those beliefs (see #3 below). That means, they don’t give up. They adjust and adapt. They keep on fundraising. And they’re not bothered by some rejection.

2. They use the right language.

Because they are optimistic, they use positive language.

Instead of hesitantly asking, “Will you give?” they boldly ask, “How much would you like to give?”

Instead of, “Would you like to meet?” they say, “When is a good time to meet?”

See the difference?

These subtle, yet important distinctions make all the difference in how a donor responds — and therefore, your results.

3. They take action.

Since optimists are convinced they will raise money, they’re more motivated to put themselves out there and make it happen.

Pessimists are convinced they won’t or can’t, so why bother trying? Donors probably won’t pick up the phone, or call back, or want to meet… so what’s the point?

Unfortunately, these attitudes and actions turn into self-fulfilling prophecies.

Your Perception Guides Your Reality

Over the last few months, it has been interesting to hear people around the country tell me that “no one wants to talk” or, conversely, that “everyone wants to talk.” Both statements can’t be true. Your perception guides your reality.

Over at the Capital Campaign Toolkit, I have a front row seat to a number of organizations deciding to pause or continue their campaigns. Some are going full steam ahead, while others are hesitant and reserved.

Unconvinced? Check out this post on how organizations are raising huge amounts of money over a short period of time.

You’ve probably heard Henry Ford’s famous quote:

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

Optimism in fundraising is essential — especially these days. My colleagues and I are astonished to see how much people can raise when they believe they can.

So what do YOU believe?

Post a comment below and share how your optimism (or pessimism) has colored your ability to raise money during COVID-19.