Picture this: You’re a new healthcare fundraiser, and you’ve just spotted the elusive Dr. Busy-Bee, the renowned surgeon whom almost all your major gifts donors would love to meet. You’ve been trying to get on her radar for months, but every time you approach, she vanishes faster than a box of donuts in the break room.
Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding your head right now, you’re not alone.
Engaging clinicians in philanthropy can feel like an impossible task—they’re always just out of reach, and you’re left wondering if truly partnering with them on philanthropy is even possible. But fear not, the keys to winning clinicians’ time and attention are not as elusive and mysterious as they seem.
In fact, by the end of this piece you’ll have a few approaches and strategies to build authentic relationships with clinicians and make your interactions with them meaningful. This will vastly increase your chances of creating clinician champions to help you reach the transformational gifts on the horizon.
Here’s the thing: Winning clinicians’ time and attention isn’t just about boosting your fundraising numbers. It’s about creating meaningful partnerships that can transform patient care, advance medical research, and leave a lasting legacy. It’s also about aligning your goals with the passions and priorities of the healthcare heroes who work tirelessly to save lives and improve outcomes. A good place to start is to authentically commit to an ethical and honorable approach.
Are you ready to crack the code on clinician engagement? To go from being the fundraiser who gets lost in the shuffle to the one who stands out and inspires action? Then grab your stethoscope (just kidding, leave that to your clinical partners), and let’s dive in! Together, we’ll uncover the secrets to building powerful partnerships that can change the face of healthcare philanthropy, one busy clinician at a time.
Understanding the Clinician Mindset
Before we embark on our quest to win clinicians’ time and attention, let’s take a moment to step into their shoes. Picture yourself in a world where every moment is a matter of life and death, where you’re juggling patient care, research, and administrative duties like a circus performer on a unicycle. Welcome to the demanding world of healthcare professionals!
To effectively engage with clinicians, we need to understand their key priorities and motivators. At the top of the list? Providing exceptional patient care and advancing medical knowledge.
Clinicians are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. They’re not in it for the glory or the fancy office (although a comfy chair and a well-stocked snack drawer never hurt).
Fundraisers sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that clinicians are too busy or too important to care about philanthropy. We might assume that they view philanthropy as just another distraction from their “real” work. But here’s the secret: Clinicians are often eager to collaborate with partners who can help them achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact.
The key is to bridge the gap between fundraising and clinical priorities. We must show clinicians how philanthropy aligns with their mission to provide excellent patient care, advance research, and train the next generation of healthcare leaders. We’re not just asking for their time; we’re offering them a way to amplify their impact and leave a lasting legacy.
How do we bridge that gap? It starts with building authentic relationships based on trust, credibility, and shared purpose. It means taking the time to learn about clinicians’ passions, challenges, and aspirations. It means being a true partner in their work, not just a passing acquaintance.
Think of it like a medical team working together to save a patient’s life. Each member has a unique role and expertise, but they all share a common goal. Fundraisers can be part of that team. We bring the resources and support that can help clinicians achieve their vision and transform lives.
Let’s dive deeper into the art of building authentic relationships with clinicians. Get ready to trade your stethoscope for a listening ear and your scalpel for a strategic plan.
Building Authentic Relationships
It’s time to talk about the heart of clinician engagement: building authentic relationships. Just like a strong, healthy heart is essential for a thriving body, strong relationships are the lifeblood of successful clinician partnerships.
How do we build these strong relationships? It all starts with establishing trust and credibility. Think of it like a “trust fall,” the classic team-building exercise where you close your eyes and fall backward, hoping your partner (or team) will catch you. Engaging with clinicians is similar—they need to know that you’ve got their back and that you’re in it for the long haul.
First and foremost, do your homework. Before you reach out to a clinician, take the time to learn about their specialty, their research interests, and their recent accomplishments. It can’t hurt to review their education either, like where they completed their residency. Show them that you’re not just another fundraiser looking for a quick win, but a knowledgeable partner who understands and values their work and efforts.
When you’re ready to make contact, start with a warm introduction. Leverage your shared connections and networks to get a foot in the door. Did you both attend the same alma mater? Do you have a mutual colleague who can sing your praises? Use commonalities to break the ice and establish a personal connection.
Once you’ve initiated contact, focus on building rapport. Ask questions, listen actively, and show genuine interest in their responses. Remember to share your own experiences and passion for healthcare philanthropy. You can bond over your shared commitment to making a difference in patients’ lives.
But don’t stop there! Maintaining relationships is just as important as building them. Keep the lines of communication open with regular check-ins and updates, share relevant news and insights that might interest them, and celebrate their successes and milestones. Make them feel valued and appreciated, not just when you need something, but all year round.
Here’s a pro tip: Don’t underestimate the power of small gestures. Sending a handwritten note, sharing a timely thoughtful article, or even getting them a cup of their favorite coffee can go a long way in strengthening your relationship.
Remember, building authentic relationships takes time and effort. It’s not a one-and-done deal, but a continuous process of nurturing and growth. When you properly invest in these relationships, the payoff is immeasurable. You’ll have clinician partners who are not just willing, but excited to collaborate with you, who will open doors and champion your cause.
Put on your relationship-building hat (it looks great on you, by the way) and get ready to cultivate some clinician connections. With a little charm, a lot of listening, and a dash of persistence, you’ll be well on your way to forming the kind of partnerships that can transform healthcare philanthropy.
What’s Next?
Building strong clinician partnerships isn’t just possible, but can be rewarding, fun, and truly elevate your level as a fundraising professional. They can even help your clinician colleagues find more meaning in their work.
What does it take to become a true master of winning clinicians’ time and attention?
Here’s the thing—there is no quick fix, not only do you have to understand and see how it is possible, but you have to put in the work too. Mastering clinician engagement is a journey of learning, growth, and continuous improvement.
Just like medicine itself, the landscape of healthcare philanthropy is always evolving, and to stay at the top of your game, you’ll need to stay curious, adaptable, and hungry for knowledge.
That’s where our workshop Dynamics of Clinician Engagement comes in.
If you’ve enjoyed this piece or found it valuable, then you’ll love this workshop! It covers all of the topics mentioned here but dives deeper with anecdotes, practical tools and processes, video examples, and application activities that can kickstart or ramp-up your learning journey!
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself, your career, and the cause you care about most. Take your next step now and join the movement to transform healthcare philanthropy, one clinician partnership at a time.
