A Conversational Marketing™ Expert (CME) can talk to hundreds of donors every single week at Incept.
In fact, in order for most blood centers to keep their blood supplies safe, they require hundreds if not over a thousand blood donors to give generously. This is why we operate seven days out of every week. The need for blood is always prevalent and never takes a holiday or weekend off. We even have a backup generator that powers us through power outages, severe storms, and blizzards just so we can continue to save lives on behalf of our clients.
When we are able to educate blood donors about the donation process, it is a really powerful thing. You can always tell they are interested in at least learning about the process by the questions they ask, so that is another reason why it is very helpful to know specific information about donating blood.
Below are three questions that aren’t related to medication that you’ll usually get.
“I didn’t know that about donating blood.”
- How come I’m always asked to donate blood? This is a common question we get when someone feels like we are possibly calling them too often. The easiest way we can level with this type of donor is by simply telling them the truth. Most blood centers require hundreds of donors to donate blood every single day just to keep up with the need. In fact, donor bases for many blood centers are actually shrinking due to numerous reasons (think of the diminishing Baby Boomer generation), and it is more important than ever that healthy current donors continue to donate when they can.
- How many times can I donate blood safely each year? Sometimes donors can feel as though they have given enough, and you can sense a certain apprehension when they ask you if they are safe and eligible to donate blood again. Since there is no upper-age limit for donating blood, as long as a blood donor is in good health, they can actually donate safely once every 56 days if they are doing a whole blood donation. If they are doing a red cell donation, then that number increases to once every 112 days. Platelet donors can donate weekly. If someone were to donate plasma, they can donate it twice within a seven-day period with at least a day in between their donation. As you can see, depending on the donation type, one can contribute multiple times a year and be safe and healthy.
- Why do you have to be at least 110 pounds to donate blood? This is a good one. Donors who are 17 or older must weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood. If you are a blood donor who is 16 years of age, you might be required to weigh more. The reasoning behind this is that blood volume is completely proportionate to body weight. If you weigh less than the required weight, your body might not be able to tolerate the loss of fluid as well as someone who does weigh enough. It really is for donor’s safety and comfort why weight requirements are in place. Check with your local center as requirements may vary.
The more we know as Conversational Marketing Experts (CMEs) the easier it is to educate and inform blood donors to make a conscientious decision about donating blood. When they actually feel like they are making an informed decision, they feel safe about their appointment, they feel good about what they are doing, and we have effectively strengthened the relationship with that blood donor at the same time.