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Advocates
There may be seasons in your work that you will need or want "advocates" for your ministry. These would be people that are very committed to your work, and would be willing to go on your behalf to their sphere of influence and ask people to join your team. You would not be involved in the process, other than working with your "advocate," and hopefully communication with the new supporters they would bring on board. This strategy may be needed if you have run low on friends, family and their referrals, and do not have the skills or time to do "cold calling." Another factor that makes this advocate strategy an option is if you are away from your "home" territories for an extended period of time and simply are not finding success over the phone, or through mail or email. Hopefully an advocate already knows you and your ministry well. It is important to coach them well, and provide for them the tools that they need to do the job effectively. Have them thoroughly review this web site, along with the communication tools you use in your work. Give them an ample supply to use. As they make contacts on your behalf, they will probably will not have the same success you would have personally, but a whole new sphere of contacts and influence is now being exposed to your ministry. Tangible ways to support an advocate: #1. Be in constant communication! They will need encouragement, just like you do. Getting "No"s is not fun, but part of the process. #2. When they have someone who says yes, or seems very interested, if at all possible do a conference call with the 3 of you so you can make a direct connection with the new supporter or potential supporter. (Be careful here, be sure to coach your advocate not to just get anyone on the phone with you, you want him to bring to you people that are genuinely interested. If your advocate puts just anyone on the phone and the person is not interested, it is awkward for everyone, and can spoil the work, and worse, the friendship.) #3. As soon as someone joins, be sure to send them a current newsletter and all your contact information, including how to give, etc.
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