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Let's say your ministry hosts a gathering once a week. You can use that consistent ministry activity as an opportunity to bring donors into the heart of the ministry. While on the video call, walk around and show the volunteers and the students while you talk about the vision of what you're doing and why you're doing it. Throughout the time, ask questions of your donor so it's more of a conversation instead of a monologue. You can even introduce the donor through the call to a couple of volunteers as you walk along. Donors say they love these types of video calls because it gives them a great pic of what the ministry is doing and what it looks like. Your ministry partners will appreciate you taking the time out to give them a tour. They may even ask you to schedule another time so others can go on the tour as well! (This has actually happened to other missionaries.)  

• • A few things you'll want to do before the video call: 
    • Do schedule these calls with your supporters (vs randomly calling). This call takes a little more planning because I'm trying to get both husband and wife on the call (but maybe younger people who have more free time can get a call with no appointment-setting needed).
    • A few minutes before the call, walk around at your event and ask people if you can introduce them on the call. Ask if they can say something short like "Hey, nice to see you!" You can also ask the volunteer or student a question to bring them out a little more on the call.

    • Is there a type of donor that's best for this type of video appointment? I think it could be done for whoever your priority people are. 

    • Do you do a financial ask on this call? If the Lord's leading you to ask this person to partner with you financially or increase their giving or connect you with others, this is a great way to make that ask face-to-face!  You can also use video calls to remind annual donors about why they love the ministry (*do this before they decide about annual giving for the next year). This sets you up to call back in a few months for the ask. You can use these video calls as a way to reconnect with supporters they haven't talked to in a while.  A third way to use video calls is to keep you connected, in relationship with your supporters, and keep their vision high for your ministry (this is especially crucial for your anchor donors and those who are close to falling off your team). 
    • What method or app do you use to make these calls? There are many apps out there that will host video calls. Here are some of the most common: 
      • Zoom. The new standard that even your Grandma knows how to use. Thanks, COVID. 
      • Facetime. Super easy to use, but both users have to have an iPhone/ iPad/ mac/ etc. 
      • Skype. Old school, yet versatile. Can call one or multiple people at a time. Can call on a phone (if the person has the Skype app installed on their phone) or can call a computer or tablet (must have the app installed as well). Older people (30's and up) will be more familiar with Skype than the younger generation. 
      • Google Hangouts. Also versatile. Can call one or multiple people at a time. Can call on a phone (if the person has the app installed on their phone) or can call a computer or tablet (must have the app installed as well). Younger people (30's and under) will be more familiar with Google Hangouts than the older generation. 
      • It's always a good rule of thumb to FIRST ASK YOUR DONOR what program/app they prefer to use. It will help if you're familiar with and have all 4 of the above mention programs already downloaded on your phone or tablet (it's a bit harder to walk around at an event with a laptop in your hand.... even harder to do that with a desktop. haha).