Lessons from a timeshare

In order for someone to "buy" our school to the point where they will contribute several key hurdles must be crossed. Before we look at those, let me share an interesting sales experience I had recently; going through a timeshare sales presentation.

There are things we can learn from the secular world; after all truth is truth whether people credit the truth Giver or not.

Before you roll your eyes, consider this fact: three of ten presentations result in a sale. Yes, from a "dead stop" to writing a check takes less than 2 hours. A sale of something a person did not know they needed from a total stranger to a new mortgage in 120 minutes.

I am asking, "Wait! We're selling something with lasting and eternal significance and it takes us (sometimes) years to see people make their first contribution. What gives?"

Here is the anatomy of our experience:

1. Getting us to sit down and declare our (vacation) priorities - our values
2. Letting us dream about what we could do (vacation-wise) without regard for price - our passions
3. Showing us the impact and flexibility of our purchase (fixed price, weeks anywhere, easy upgrade and deluxe accommodations)- our plans
4. Showing us the full price - and us saying "no way could we do that" - our resources
5. Giving us a sense of urgency - "this deal will not be here tomorrow" - our timing
6. Finally, presenting us with a workable plan that met our budget (we didn't buy, but it was enticing)- our legacy

How about the Christian school, or any ministry for that matter?

I contend that what we experienced in this sales experience is a marvelous example of how we can meet our donors where they are and usher them (as the Holy Spirit leads the process) to invest in a better investment, the lives of future generations.

There are many differences between selling a timeshare and the "selling" of Christian education, but there are key similarities:

1. Values - what do they believe about children and their education?

2. Passions - what is the dream that is only limited by current resources?

3. Plans - What is their timing and situation in terms of Kingdom investments (it may not be education, which is OK)

4. Resources - what is available for investment? income, assets, time, talents, connections?

5. Timing - Is this the time that the Lord is leading to make an investment?

6. Legacy - What will be the lasting impact? Reflect back on the values and passions

I do not advocate trying to go from stranger to supporter in 2 hours, but I would not preclude it either.

What we can learn is that donors' hearts and heads (just like ours) must be connected before decisive action can be taken.

By the way, every seller of the timeshares was first a committed and an enthusiastic owner.