Tell Me More!

One of the great joys of my week is Lola Day with two of my grandkids who live nearby. My three-year-old grandson, Carter, is a handful. Bright. Articulate. Full of energy.

Recently, he was telling me about a dream he had. I mentioned that I'd had a similar dream when I was young.

Without missing a beat, he said, “Tell me more.”

I mean… what three-year-old says that?

In the South you’d say I fell out, which roughly translates to falling over laughing. Carter looked at me with those soulful eyes and doubled down:

“I’m serious, Lola. I want to know more.”

I love that Carter is curious and already has a great vocabulary.

You know what I love even more? He genuinely wants to know about me and my experiences. Even at three years old.

That’s a skill many of us could practice more often. In life, yes. But especially in fundraising.

Too often, we approach donor conversations like a task to complete. We show up with our list of questions... or worse, a mental checklist we feel obligated to run through.

But some of the best moments in donor relationships come from something much simpler.

Curiosity. Just three small words: Tell me more.

When they mention a hobby, a passion, or something happening in their family.
Tell me more.

When they mention a hobby, a passion, or something happening in their family.
Tell me more.

When they talk about why your mission matters to them.
Tell me more.

Even when they’re frustrated or upset with your organization.
Tell me more.

Curiosity creates space. It shows respect. It communicates that the donor is valued as a person, not just a transaction. And often, curiosity leads to the stories, insights, and connections that deepen relationships.

So here’s a small challenge for the week:

In your next donor conversation, pause before moving to the next question or topic. Try Carter’s approach.

Smile. Lean in. And simply say: “Tell me more.”

You might be surprised by what happens next.