What do they have in common?
They take Guts. Stamina. Mindfulness.
Dealing with FEAR. Talking to BIG STATUS people. Preparing for BIG WINS.
Securing your ideal job is on par with securing a million dollar donation, right? To get there you have to reach down deep, make contact (even cold calls), build connections and trust, communicate value, and talk about money.
Shauna Whidden, a senior major gift officer and environmental attorney, has made thousands of phone calls and raised millions of dollars. She shared her wisdom at the Interview Club.
Imagine yourself prepping for that important salary negotiation as you read her advice.
FIND YOUR QUIET PLACE INSIDE- we all have a quiet place inside and it’s truly a “reset.” It’s helpful to go to that quiet place when you’ve got a lot of noise in your head or strong emotions knocking you off balance. Connecting to that quiet place is a key step in effective communication, particularly in situations when fears, doubts and discomfort come up (and that often happens when speaking, interviewing, meeting a new person, making a cold call, asking for a contribution). So, make it a practice to sit quietly for a few minutes, connect to your body (your seat on a chair and your feet on the ground), and listen inside to your breath and your heart beat. Then, walk into that interview or make that call (and remember that the more you practice the more you can connect back to that quiet centered feeling place).
BE FRIENDLY- I was blown away listening to Shauna’s cheery upbeat genuine tone as she modeled the mock phone call to a potential donor. She sounded like she was excited and interested to speak to the person! I believed that she wanted to connect and that she hoped they would answer the phone. I presume that her underlying belief is that the “other” person is also potentially friendly and open to conversation; and certainly not someone to fear, avoid or demonize. Whether it’s a job interview, a walk in the dog park or a cold call, what’s possible if we approach others as friends?!
KEEP A LONG VIEW/REMEMBER THE END POINT FEELS SO GOOD – Shauna approaches each phone call imagining the great feeling of satisfaction (dare I say ELATION) that comes from having worked hard and had success (like running a marathon or getting a job offer with great salary or securing a million dollar donation). Staying connected to the knowledge that a hard won high is possible puts perspective on the process. When you’re running a marathon, you’re likely to sweat, suffer, struggle and swear, and you’ll also have moments when you delight in the challenge.
Career transitions and million dollar donations take hard work. Remember the sweet taste of success.
Now, get yourself ready for that big phone call or interview. Breathe, smile softly and keep your eyes on the prize. You deserve a big win.