Q: I wondered if you have a formula for what percentage of people attending an Ask Event^™ will contribute or pledge that day or shortly thereafter? Our event had 95 guests and we have received nine commitments/pledges so far. This is about 10%—is this normal?

Karen in British Columbia

A: An organization that attends our workshop, utilizes the coaching that accompanies and follows the workshop, and follows the entire model accurately (all four steps) can expect about 45% of Ask Event guests to give or pledge money at the event. For organizations who have not participated in the full Benevon training (including the workshop and coaching), that number is usually somewhere closer to 25%. There are a variety of possible reasons for why your organization's event did not reach that range; please see our article, "Five Reasons Ask Events Fall Short" and consider whether any of these issues may have affected your organization's success.

With sufficient cultivation of your guests, enough "ripened fruit" at the event, and by sticking to the recommended Ask Event program format, your organization should be able to reach the 45% range. Participation in a Benevon 101 Workshop and in the coaching that accompanies and follows the workshop would also greatly increase your Ask Event success; this customized training and personal coaching by experts helps you to avoid pitfalls while planning out all the details of your fundraising system leading up to, including, and following the Ask Event.

Terry