Do you follow up after funding appointments? What if people promise to give, but don’t start?

Here is a letter exchange with my friend H. about checking back after appointments. What do you think of my counsel?

Flocks of sheep and herds of goats were the economic engines for shepherds in ancient Palestine. Careful shepherds paid close attention to watch for injured animals or signs of disease. They studied the habits of each animal; they knew them well. Why study their flocks?

Two weeks ago a friend of one of our international staff wrote to ask me how "Joe's" support was coming along. I explained his situation and assured her that he needed to raise $5000. Within a week she wrote to say she was going to give $3100. When I called her to thank her, she hinted she had more to give because she had received a small inheritance…

In a Reader’s Digest survey, 16 countries answered the question: “What is your worst habit?” Procrastination was the worst habit in:

• Russia 50% 

• Australia 45% 

• Netherlands 41% 

• United States 40% 

• Canada 36%

• Germany 36%