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I just got off the most ridiculous SMU call ever. First, they called my cell at around 8:15. That started things off on the wrong foot. She starts under the guise of "updating my contact information." Then there is a recitation of my 2 degrees from SMU, in case I'd forgotten, I guess. Okay, so far, whatever. But then come the inane questions. "How did you enjoy your experience at SMU?" Not wanting to be rude, I said it was great. Next was "were you members of any organizations at SMU?" Rather than spout off the organizations, which she seemed to want me to share even though I know she couldn't possibly care less, I just said yes. But my patience was growing thin. The crown gem was "what were some of your memorable experiences?" Really? I'm going to be so moved by that question that I'll start gushing to a stranger, and in a fit of nostalgia, open up my checkbook?

I'd had enough. I said "can we please just skip to the part where you ask for money?" Thankfully, she did.

Am I overreacting to this lame fundraising strategy?

Obviously the call didn't resonate with you. There must be some science to it or the school wouldn't be using it. Next time when (214) 768-XXXX is calling in the evening, don't answer.

http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/2147687636

https://www.gailperry.com/phone-calls-d ... rofitable/

Hi, I’m xxxx, calling on behalf of xx organization.
Do you have time for a quick talk?
First of all we want to give you a huge thank you for your (gifts, volunteering, attending event) with us.
It’s awesome that you are doing this. (AFFIRMATION OF THE DONOR)
Do you mind my asking what was it that led you to make the donation in the first place? (GETTING DONOR FEEDBACK)
You may remember reading about xxx project that you helped fund.
Thanks to people like yourself, we were able to xxxx, and now here’s the impact of this xxxx.
What we are doing today – is a phone campaign so we can tackle this next important project.
We are asking people to increase their gift by xx amount and then they can help create xxxxx impact or reach xxxxx people.
Most people are giving in this range of $xxx to $xxxx. How much would you like to give?

SMU calls 5124592222 for me

I love their submarine sandwich

So if they just got to the point - probably more people would say it was impersonal. "i can't believe they just came out and asked, and didn't care about my time at SMU or what i have done since…blah blah blah…"

I never know why some people are so sensitive about being asked to support their university. Its SMU's job to ask. We have a lot of areas that need to get better - and they all take money, and we are a private school. I'd be pissed if they weren't asking.

What I find annoying is when you give a bit extra $$$ to The Mustang Club it's amazing how quickly your school Meadows/Cox/Lyle, etc. seems to find some time to call you as well...

But you know whatever hey live and let live. SMU wouldn't be in business without tapping everyone for money. Just roll with it. You don't have to ever give them money (well, except for the "rights" to buy tickets in Moody/Ford of course).

Pony Up.

Block the 768 prefix. It works.

I get calls with similar scripts from my grad school (UT) so I guess it is a common approach.

Bergermeister wrote:Block the 768 prefix. It works.

Yeah that is usually a good approach but I always feel bad when one of the student-athletes calls me to thank me for my Mustang Club donation and they have to leave a voicemail. Of course, they probably prefer that anyway so maybe I should just permanently not answer any calls from 768

Its just a lot easier to get caller ID and don't answer-those are decisions that are not likely to be determined by a cold call

Bergermeister wrote:Block the 768 prefix. It works.

But then you'll miss the ticket office calling you!

CA Mustang wrote:

Bergermeister wrote:Block the 768 prefix. It works.

But then you'll miss the ticket office calling you!

And the women's golf team members