{"id":5204,"date":"2015-01-05T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-01-05T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.causevox.com\/?p=5204"},"modified":"2024-05-08T17:52:00","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T17:52:00","slug":"suggestions-from-supporters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.causevox.com\/blog\/suggestions-from-supporters\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips to Handle Suggestions from you Supporters"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"suggestion<\/p>\n

Passionate, deeply involved supporters are a godsend, but when they start to provide well-intentioned feedback, it can be more distracting than helpful.<\/p>\n

Here are some pointers on separating the wheat from the chaff and fielding supporter feedback.<\/p>\n

1. Consider the Source<\/h3>\n

Some of the loudest opinions come from the least credible sources. Don\u2019t get caught up in how elaborate, persistent, or aggressive someone is. Instead, focus on their credentials and experience.<\/p>\n

There is always the possibility that the person offering advice actually knows what they are doing. These suggestions will most likely look legitimate and be composed in a respectful way that clearly demonstrates sound thinking.<\/p>\n

But if the advice is coming from someone who has no experience serving the needs of your beneficiaries and simply has loud opinions, you can safely move on.<\/p>\n

Look for experts<\/a> and people who have accomplished something like what you hope to accomplish. Take the advice of these people seriously when it\u2019s offered, and go out of your way to ask for it.<\/p>\n

2. Look for Patterns<\/h3>\n

Even if those offering suggestions and advice are not experts in the field, you might still take notice if the same thing is mentioned by more than one person. Sometimes being close to your cause makes it easy to miss the obvious, and external input, even from non-experts, can be revealing.<\/p>\n

If you notice a lot of your supporters are offering the same kind of advice or criticizing the same issue, take a deeper look. Even if it\u2019s not a real problem, it\u2019s clearly something you should address in your messaging, since it\u2019s popping up on the radar of many of your supporters.<\/p>\n

3. Get the Details<\/h3>\n

Vague, non-specific criticism or advice is a safe way for people to feel involved without actually having to produce any concrete items that they could be held accountable for. If you follow-up on the feedback of this kind, make sure to ask for specifics.<\/p>\n