When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice. – Marquis de la Grange
I love this quote. It can be read as manipulative, but I choose not to. And yes, “accomplice,” does convey wrongdoing of some sort. But if not taken so literally, it can be read in a way that reminds us of how we should be doing our work:
- Find prospects with financial capacity and at least some interest in who we are or what we do;
- Communicate with them about the impact we make;
- Get them involved;
- Ask for their advice regarding our work/plans for the future so that we can have even more impact;
- Explore with them how they can supplement their advice with their financial investment.
Every organization needs more accomplices. And when you regularly ask for advice, you are one-step away from gaining more.