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In these scenarios, we can often wonder as coaches, "Are these people just cheesing out and not wanting to call? Or have they tried and no one is picking up?" It's difficult to discern. Here are some reflections from seasoned coaches: 

• Are they getting the results through text that they would be by phone? It should be a 3:1 ratio of responses per reach-out. If they are seeing these results, then great. If not, then encourage them to try phone calls for a week and "see what happens." PS - It will be difficult to discern results if they're not submitting an MTD Activity Form through Toolbox each week. Encourage consistency in this so you have the tools you need to zero in on what needs your support.
    
• Have some discernment about generational needs: Younger generations may prefer text. People in their 40's and up; just call them.
  
  
• Encourage them to try the "Text, then call." Send a text before calling. This works great for those who consider a call an emergency or won't answer the phone if they don't have the number in their contacts. The text can sound something like this: Hi! This is _____. Just wanted to give you a heads up that this is my number. I’m going to give you a call tonight to talk about some prayer and giving opportunities with the ministry I’m a part of. If tonight doesn’t work for you, let me know. Talk to you soon!
  
• Look at the average gift. If it’s $50 or lower, it usually means they’ve just been asking their young friends. They’ll need your encouragement to stretch and reach out (by phone) to other people who have a higher capacity to give.
  
  
• Step out of the comfort-zone. It's ok to encourage your people to call a bit more than they feel comfortable. We all need that little push to help us out of our comfort-zone. 
  
  
• Point to efficiency. Have them take a look at some of these text conversations: How many days ago the conversation started and if they’ve gotten to the resolution yet. Often times, the “easier” text conversation takes days... or even weeks to resolve, where a phone call would take 5 minutes. People don’t realize this.
  
  

Also known as the “At this rate, it will take you 8 years to raise your initial support" conversation.

This one takes prayer and tact but it's time to have this honest conversation when your support-raiser seems stuck or discouraged by MTD.

Reliant's MTD Thresholds & Expectations can be a helpful resource in this situation as it explains what milestones support-raisers are to reach and gives you guidance on what should happen if they don't. These milestones can also serve as a motivator. Example: The 12-week milestone is coming up in 4 weeks. Looks like you have $x left to raise by then. How about we work on breaking that down into small chunks you feel you can accomplish. Does that sound like something that would work for you? 

Tasks for Full Time MTD can also be a helpful tool to send to the employee to remind them what their work should look like in this season.