If your sponsorship sales are a little rocky, your younger staff—or maybe even you—may be feeling about selling the way Gen Z daters regard the prospect of dating: tiptoeing around so they don’t seem cringey or overeager.
According to a new report published by Hinge, 95 percent of Hinge users fear rejection, and Gen Z daters even more so.
More than half (56 percent) say that this fear holds them back from pursuing a potential relationship. They are ten percent more likely than millennial daters to say that they have missed an opportunity to be with someone because of this fear.
What’s causing this fear?
Many cite the pandemic as a cause for their nervousness talking to new people (47 percent more than millennials) and even (25 percent) for feeling less confident on a first date.
Think about your younger team members. How confident do they seem in in-person interactions? Where can you support their development here?
Sponsorship sales—just like most activities in a nonprofit or association that result in increased revenue from donations, grants, corporate gifts, membership dues, or fees for services—require confidence, thinking on our feet, staying in the moment, and building relationships.
The report goes on to talk about how Gen Z daters can increase what they call “Rejection Resilience,” a great term. Hinge relationship experts describe rejection resilience as “the ability to bounce back and continue the dating journey despite encountering obstacles or refusals.” (P. 14)
The same concept applies to business development. Sure, of course, it’s disappointing when a sale (or a date) doesn’t work out.
But maybe there is a better sponsor (or date) just ahead. You need to give yourself a moment to acknowledge disappointment, then keeping going.
I’ve found that reframing “rejection” can be helpful. If you’ve done your best or understand where you could do better, let go and trust that you’ll achieve success in the future.
Start to pay attention to how long you need to work through the disappointment. You may notice that what once required days eventually only sets you back hours or even minutes.
The Good News About Gen Z
Here’s the good news. Gen Z is the new love generation; 90 percent want to find love.
Your nonprofit or association’s events can help younger workers network and learn and who knows? Maybe find love.
That’s another reason to inspire you and your team in your search for great sponsors.
If you need some dating tips, you can download the report here.
If your team could use some confidence building and practice with in-person communication, I’d love to talk with you. Send me a note here.
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