We often believe that giving more choices is a way to show grace. When, in fact, it creates more work for the person on the receiving end because they then have to think through all of those choices. When we narrow the choices, it's much easier to make a decision.

Here's an example: 

• Don't do this: Can you meet sometime next week? 
  • By asking this, you're really asking me to look at my calendar for the next 7 days and see if there are any meeting times available. That's too large a task to put on someone who is not yet a stakeholder!
    
    
• Instead, narrow the choice to something very specific: Can you meet tomorrow at 2pm near your office? 
  • Now the donor only has to look at one spot on their calendar: tomorrow at 2pm. That's a much easier request to respond to!
    By the way, if that time doesn't work, most people will offer an altermative. If they don't, simply offer your next available appointment time. 

More Examples:  

• In booking an appointment: "How about we meet up for coffee tomorrow at 2pm near your office. Could that work for you?" 
  
  

• In an appointment: "Would you ask the Lord if He's empowering you to partner with this ministry by giving $200 a month, or some other amount? (wait for response) I'll be praying over you as well. I'd like to touch base with you tomorrow. Is that too soon?"
  
  

  • Naming an amount narrows down the options (instead of $1 to $5,000 and every number in between, your donor is now thinking of the one number you gave them and asking the Lord if He would have them give that. Naming an intentional amount also lets people know what would help you meet your funding goals. 
    
    

  • Naming a day for follow up gives the donor a timeframe to make a decision. You're not being pushy; that would sound like, "You have to give me an answer by tomorrow!" Instead, you're framing an idea of when the decision could be made. They'll let you know if that's not enough time. 

• In a follow-up text: "Very encouraged you're joining my support team! Do you think it would be possible for you to start that gift by this Thursday? Here is the link to set up the gift online: _____ Let me know if you'd prefer to give by phone or mail. I can send you that info." 

  
  

• In a follow-up call: (donor can give) "This is very encouraging. Thank you! If you have 5 minutes right now, I can walk you through how to set up that gift, then it's off both of our task lists. Would that be helpful? Giving Steps on Reliant.org "