There was once a young man named Cosimo who lived in the city of Florence during the Renaissance. Cosimo was an ambitious young man and dreamed of making his fortune through his fundraising efforts.
Every day, he walked around the commercial districts of the city, knocking on doors and pitching investors various investment opportunities.
Although Cosimo made a concerted effort, he had difficulty persuading anyone to invest. The investors he encountered were primarily focused on their own priorities and goals. He believed that those who were willing to listen to him were doing so out of generosity rather than genuine interest.
Disappointed and discouraged, Cosimo began to wonder if he would ever make it as a successful fundraiser.
One day, while Cosimo was seated on a bench in a small park, feeling dejected after yet another failed attempt to convince an investor to back one of the opportunities he was working on, he noticed an older man approaching him.
The man, elegantly attired, asked if he could sit on the bench alongside Cosimo.
"May I sit next to you?"
“Of course, signore,” said Cosimo.
The man, who introduced himself as Leonardo, asked Cosimo if he was okay. Cosimo recounted his struggles as a fundraiser and the difficulties to convince anyone to invest in his ideas.
Leonardo listened intently and then told Cosimo that in his many years working in business he had learned that the key to success was not just about the right opportunities but also about building solid, long-term relationships. And, importantly, with the right investors.
Cosimo was moved by Leonardo’s words and asked for more advice. Reminded of his younger self, Leonardo shared his insights and offered to meet Cosimo the same day and time every week to chat.
“I’ll be here,” said Leonardo. “Come when you can.”
The two men met most weeks and over the months that followed struck up a special friendship. During that time, Cosimo matured personally and professionally.
Then one day, during one of their chats, as Cosimo spoke about an investment opportunity he was fundraising for, Leonardo said to him. “I will invest.”
Cosimo was taken by surprise. Leonardo had never shown a desire to invest in any opportunity he shared with him.
“Why this opportunity?”
“It’s not the opportunity, Cosimo,” said Leonardo.
“What is it, then?”
“It’s you. I’m investing in you.”
*********
Fundraising is an art that can be developed and mastered. Learn more with the definitive guide to fundraising: The Fundraising Guide (More Than Just Money: How To Fundraise Successfully).