In-Person or Not: Keeping it Personal in Philanthropy
If you’re like me, you might be tired of discussions around our need to adapt to a “new normal” in our professional environment. Yes, our work changed dramatically when we suddenly shifted to a virtual environment, and yes, it is changing again as we shift back to more in-person and hybrid experiences. Though most have been impacted in one way or another, those of us who work in the philanthropy space have really had our resilience and creativity put to task. When relationship-building is at the center of everything we do, how do we maintain a high level of personalization and engagement in a virtual world that seems here to stay?
I admittedly hadn’t been thinking too much on this topic. Most of my work occurs in a virtual space and I still feel deeply connected to my colleagues and our clients. Yet, I was recently speaking with a Director of Philanthropy for a community-based nonprofit who expressed frustration around the challenges she’s had securing in-person meetings due to donors’ inclination toward Zoom (no offense, Zoom…we’re grateful for you!). She also had challenges getting the Board to meet in-person, ultimately choosing a hybrid meeting model to bolster attendance. Our conversation reminded me just how relevant and real this issue still is. Our work is rooted in human connection, and that means we often lean toward in-person interactions, but others may prefer the convenience of virtual meetings, and that is unlikely to change going forward. So, how do we disconnect our association of “personal” from “in-person” experiences? It begins by resetting our expectations and drawing upon our natural ability to forge connections. Here’s a few tips to guide your approach:
Be flexible - Invite people to meet in-person when possible, but be ready to pivot if doing so would sacrifice attendance. Remember the goal is to have engagement and connection, so nurture that in whatever format will secure an individual meeting, or yield the highest attendance for a group meeting. Remember that donors and board members are doing the same thing we are - being efficient with their time, and they’re giving some of that time to you. Maximize it!
Use follow-up tasks as opportunities for individual outreach - You’ve just had a virtual Board or Campaign Leadership Committee meeting? Chances are you’ve got some follow-up to do. Try to get creative, and use this as an opportunity to give someone a quick phone call versus sending an email. A 5- or 10-minute call can sometimes be more efficient than trading multiple emails, and the personal touch will help forge deeper individual connections with key individuals between group meetings.
Remember social graces - In-person meetings always have those moments before or after when people are milling about, catching-up, and asking about each other’s days. We don’t have to lose this entirely in a virtual setting. Be intentional about creating this space or starting a meeting by asking about how someone’s weekend was, or asking for an update on their family. It sounds overly simple, but I’ve been in meetings where people forget to take that time! A few short minutes dedicated to social graces sets the right tone and is well worth the time. Not to mention, when we're relatable, people feel even more connected to us -- find a point of shared connection to keep things "human," even behind screens.
Finally, and most importantly, remember that you’re not alone: this cultural shift is happening to all of us, and we are all learning new ways to feel connected in this hybrid landscape. We don’t need to feel like we are sacrificing relationships over the efficiency and convenience of virtual meetings. Just like a hybrid meeting, we can have both!
Nicole Cicoria
Lead Consultant & Philanthropy Advisor
nicole@georgephilanthropy.com