Hello and a Handshake: Building Donor and Partnership Connections That Last

Name: Hello and a Handshake: Building Donor and Partnership Connections That Last
Start: 2026-01-28T11:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-28T13:00:00-05:00
Location: 136 N Mercer Rd, Bowling Green, OH 43403, United States

Schedule

Wed Jan 28 2026 at 11:30 am to 01:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

136 N Mercer Rd, Bowling Green, OH 43403, United States | Bowling Green, OH

Too many donors feel like an ATM — only contacted when money is needed. Too many partnerships fizzle because the relationship feels one-sided. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right approach, every interaction can leave people feeling valued, connected, and eager to support your mission.
In this fast-paced, practical session, you’ll discover how to use proven networking strategies to deepen donor loyalty, spark meaningful partnerships, and avoid the transaction trap. Whether you’re meeting a new donor, talking with a board member, or connecting at a community event, you’ll learn how to make conversations more authentic, engaging, and productive.
You’ll leave confident, energized, and equipped with tools you can put to work immediately — building relationships that last long after the lunch is over.
Learning Objectives
• Discover how to make donors and partners feel valued instead of transactional.
• Learn practical conversation strategies that create authentic, lasting connections.
• Apply simple networking tools to strengthen relationships before, during, and after events.
About the Presenter
Starting his professional career as a computer programmer (with all the social skills that implies), Greg Peters fully empathizes with the struggles faced by “reluctant” networkers everywhere. After thirty years as an entrepreneur, business owner, and professional networker, however, he also understands the limits of your success are directly related to the power of the connections and relationships you build.
Now, as the co-founder of Third Generation Networking, Greg works with business professionals to develop their networking skills so they can improve their access to best practices and industry knowledge, increase influence in their communities, and ultimately build their bottom line success. He has captivated audiences from diverse industries such as Kellogg’s, Real Estate One, the Credit Union National Association, University of Michigan, and Meeting Planners International, among many others.
Greg has served as Chapter President for the National Speakers Association, Michigan Chapter. He has achieved the rank of Master Black Belt in the Martial Arts. He wrote his book, “Hello and a Handshake”, and hosted the podcast “Third Generation Networking”. Throughout all of these accomplishments and those associated with being a husband, father, and stroke survivor, he has witnessed first-hand that you achieve nothing of significance without the help of others. His driving purpose now is to give everyone the tools they need to build the resources for their own success and significance.