Guest Post for Stratagems: Finding a Cause You Love

by Brian Saber

This post originally appeared in Jim Eskin’s monthly newsletter, Stratagems. In it he provides news, trends, and ideas about philanthropy, advocacy and image. If you haven’t, be sure to subscribe here. Jim has more than 30 years of leadership experience in institutional advancement, fundraising, public affairs, and communications.

It makes perfect sense that Brian Saber is President of Asking Matters — he has spent his entire career ASKING for money for non-profits. He highly recommends it, especially major gifts.

He notes that most of us don’t think of ourselves as actual “fundraisers” because we think it’s something sales-y that takes a big personality. So people entering the business gravitate toward events, grants, etc.

However, if he’s learned one thing over 30 years it’s that cultivating and asking individuals for gifts takes all kinds and what he thought would be his detriments turned out to be his biggest strengths.

“I’m introverted and shy. I truly get anxious at the thought of meeting anyone new. In fact, my policy is to never introduce myself to anyone if I can avoid it. Doesn’t sound like a fundraiser, does it?” Yet once you get over that hump, Brian points out that you will really enjoy getting to know people individually. And as an introvert Brian tends to talk less and listen more, which is key to fundraising.

Final advice: Don’t worry about who you think you are. Focus more on finding a cause you love. When you do, you’ll be able to apply your skill set brilliantly to whatever role becomes your calling — even major gifts!