Since journeying to India at the end of March, I have discovered ten-fold just how important our fundraising efforts can be. Walking into schools and hospitals as white women designated my mother and I "fundraising diplomats" for Kerala, India. It didn't matter if we were higher-ups or doctors, what we had in America were resources--and charity.
I spoke with my friend Diana yesterday about the differences between our cultures. She is from Bangalore, South India. She told me that one of her favorite things about our culture here is that people are so willing to give of what they have. "In my country, the rich have to be the richest; they cannot afford to give any of it up because it is a contest," she said.
I experienced only the highest charity when I was in India. I never asked for money, but I was given 100% love, so her statement surprised me. My concentration wasn't on India, though--it was on America. People really are willing to give. Fundraising of all types is how so many large ventures are accomplished here. If people weren't willing to give of their resources, we would not see many advancements that we are fortunate enough to witness.
School fundraising truly focuses on the heart of the fundraiser and the heart of the consumer. Your child may have the opportunity to fundraise for the first time this year. Being aware of the charity behind the gift and recognizing the customer for that charity can be a great way to show appreciation. One day you our your child may be a fundraising diplomat for a school organization, a nonprofit job, or even another country. It is easy to expect generosity in the monetary form; it is wise to expect generosity in the charitable form.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
School Fundraising: Creating A Positive Attitude
We often think of having a positive attitude but creating a positive environment. Many times the reality of the situation is that we can actually shape our own attitude. This is not to say that the grouchy co-worker or unhappy customer doesn’t get us down once in a while—it is only human to feed off of the energy around us. However, being aware of this energy can be greatly beneficial.
Many have heard the idea that we cannot control the situation but how we react to the situation. This is often true. If someone yells at us, no one makes us yell back. Practicing ways to maintain a positive attitude might help you react differently in these tough situations. Helping your child practice them as part of the fundraising technique might also help produce more sales.
Happy people like to buy. Happy people can also be more willing to sit and chat about the purpose of your child’s fundraiser. See the connection here? Attitude is almost everything when it comes time for the presentation.
So, parent, here are some techniques you and your child can implement together to produce a healthier, happier YOU.
Smile
Have you ever tried to think bad thoughts while smiling? It’s tough. Each time something negative is bought up during a fundraising presentation, remember to smile. This may help relieve built up stress and should help boost your confidence.
Say “Thank you.”
Despite what is said by the customer, your child should be thankful for the contribution. It may sometimes sound funny saying thank you for negative input or refusal to buy, but this is necessary to maintain a positive attitude. Your child may say thank you for any given time allotted during the presentation or simply “thank you.” Choosing to not resort to conflicting words is ultimately rewarding.
Use positive sentences
When selling we sometimes vocalize what we wouldn’t do or items we cannot provide. It can help the buyers’ confidence as well as your child’s to keep sentences focused on what is possible. Changing sentences to the positive also can help offer solutions rather than sounding like a complaint. Rather than saying, “We don’t take donations,” your child might say, “We consider every purchase a donation…and we definitely appreciate them.”
Finally, your child may choose to journal about the fundraising experience. This can help each day be new. Any worries or complications from one day can be left aside after getting emotions down on paper. This is often a very calming technique.
Please visit MommiesLine.com today! This essential line of "for Mommies" books provides a central resource addressing the many issues inherent in the lives of women at all life stages. The line also helps support charities assisting American women and children. I am the proud author of "School Fundraising for Mommies."
http://mommiesline.com/
Many have heard the idea that we cannot control the situation but how we react to the situation. This is often true. If someone yells at us, no one makes us yell back. Practicing ways to maintain a positive attitude might help you react differently in these tough situations. Helping your child practice them as part of the fundraising technique might also help produce more sales.
Happy people like to buy. Happy people can also be more willing to sit and chat about the purpose of your child’s fundraiser. See the connection here? Attitude is almost everything when it comes time for the presentation.
So, parent, here are some techniques you and your child can implement together to produce a healthier, happier YOU.
Smile
Have you ever tried to think bad thoughts while smiling? It’s tough. Each time something negative is bought up during a fundraising presentation, remember to smile. This may help relieve built up stress and should help boost your confidence.
Say “Thank you.”
Despite what is said by the customer, your child should be thankful for the contribution. It may sometimes sound funny saying thank you for negative input or refusal to buy, but this is necessary to maintain a positive attitude. Your child may say thank you for any given time allotted during the presentation or simply “thank you.” Choosing to not resort to conflicting words is ultimately rewarding.
Use positive sentences
When selling we sometimes vocalize what we wouldn’t do or items we cannot provide. It can help the buyers’ confidence as well as your child’s to keep sentences focused on what is possible. Changing sentences to the positive also can help offer solutions rather than sounding like a complaint. Rather than saying, “We don’t take donations,” your child might say, “We consider every purchase a donation…and we definitely appreciate them.”
Finally, your child may choose to journal about the fundraising experience. This can help each day be new. Any worries or complications from one day can be left aside after getting emotions down on paper. This is often a very calming technique.
Please visit MommiesLine.com today! This essential line of "for Mommies" books provides a central resource addressing the many issues inherent in the lives of women at all life stages. The line also helps support charities assisting American women and children. I am the proud author of "School Fundraising for Mommies."
http://mommiesline.com/
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
School Fundraising: Applying Body Language
Nonverbal cues can sometimes speak our emotions more accurately than the words themselves. You may be able to think of a time you were extremely bogged down at work and someone asked a favor of you. As your mouth was saying, “Yes, of course,” your head was shaking in the “no” direction. Your partner may have taken advantage of the preferred words, but that doesn’t mean your head nod went unnoticed.
It is just as important for your child to be aware of body language, the same way you must be as a grown adult. Your child will most likely be interacting with many adults and could send the wrong message. On the positive side, actively being aware of our nonverbal cues can help the sale go much smoother.
It is a good idea to be aware of the nonverbal cues to avoid. If you see your child using these motions repetitively, you may want to address it and practice new habits.
Nonverbal gestures and language to avoid:
• Crossing arms while in conversation – this is typically a closed off stance that can show disinterest.
• Moving eyes away from speaker- wandering eyes can be distracting while rolling eyes can be offensive.
• Sitting with legs pointed away from speaker – this may be a sign of discomfort
• Resting hands on the face – closes off the face and could be interpreted as low confidence.
• Placing hands on hips – this can be an aggressive pose.
New habits to start:
• Keeping arms by side and using hand motions – this shows the customer you and engaged and interested.
• Maintaining eye contact – this shows you are focused and listening.
• Sit toward the speaker – this shows you are comfortable in the surroundings.
• Keep hands folded in lap or as tools to emphasize speech – still hands shows you are concentrating on the speaker’s words. Engaged hands show you are expressive and friendly.
If your child does have a habit of placing hands on the hips, help find a pose that is more natural and age appropriate. If standing, one option is holding hands behind the body. This shows your child is not afraid of the situation. Even that pose, though, can be a little more informal than most elders are used to. A good practice is when not using the hands to emphasize or express, keep them folded in the lap or to the side when standing.
We are now well under way to becoming better presenters, better fundraisers, and better communicators.
"School Fundraising for Mommies" is under development through MommiesLine.com. The book covers how mommies can help their children master the art of sales through their school fundraising experiences by developing planning, selling, and networking skills.
Also, to celebrate women philanthropists and learn more about “School Fundraising for Mommies” tune into the Mommiesline.com radio program on March 17, 2008. The program will be available online.
It is just as important for your child to be aware of body language, the same way you must be as a grown adult. Your child will most likely be interacting with many adults and could send the wrong message. On the positive side, actively being aware of our nonverbal cues can help the sale go much smoother.
It is a good idea to be aware of the nonverbal cues to avoid. If you see your child using these motions repetitively, you may want to address it and practice new habits.
Nonverbal gestures and language to avoid:
• Crossing arms while in conversation – this is typically a closed off stance that can show disinterest.
• Moving eyes away from speaker- wandering eyes can be distracting while rolling eyes can be offensive.
• Sitting with legs pointed away from speaker – this may be a sign of discomfort
• Resting hands on the face – closes off the face and could be interpreted as low confidence.
• Placing hands on hips – this can be an aggressive pose.
New habits to start:
• Keeping arms by side and using hand motions – this shows the customer you and engaged and interested.
• Maintaining eye contact – this shows you are focused and listening.
• Sit toward the speaker – this shows you are comfortable in the surroundings.
• Keep hands folded in lap or as tools to emphasize speech – still hands shows you are concentrating on the speaker’s words. Engaged hands show you are expressive and friendly.
If your child does have a habit of placing hands on the hips, help find a pose that is more natural and age appropriate. If standing, one option is holding hands behind the body. This shows your child is not afraid of the situation. Even that pose, though, can be a little more informal than most elders are used to. A good practice is when not using the hands to emphasize or express, keep them folded in the lap or to the side when standing.
We are now well under way to becoming better presenters, better fundraisers, and better communicators.
"School Fundraising for Mommies" is under development through MommiesLine.com. The book covers how mommies can help their children master the art of sales through their school fundraising experiences by developing planning, selling, and networking skills.
Also, to celebrate women philanthropists and learn more about “School Fundraising for Mommies” tune into the Mommiesline.com radio program on March 17, 2008. The program will be available online.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
School Fundraising: Commitment to Practice
I substitute taught a group of 7th graders yesterday and asked them to mention one unique thing about themselves. A good majority of the class said they were good at one sport or another. One little girl said she has either basketball or softball practice every day of the week, including the weekends. Our children already know how to be committed to venues that society values. They practice day after day to become better at their trade.
The same aspects of commitment can be applied while practicing the school fundraising presentation. Just as your child may have an instructor for dance or a coach for basketball, you are your child’s coach for fundraising. You can encourage your child to begin a practice regimen that can be carried out while balancing other activities. This can be a special time, morning or night, that your child rehearses the presentation in front of a live audience to enhance delivery skills.
As a parent, you can encourage your child to be committed to the practice schedule, and you can also coach the elements of the presentation. Your child may encounter a variety of people during the fundraising event. Adapting to the different personalities can be much easier with several days of previous practice.
Your child should be practicing daily. Being committed to the fundraising activity is imperative for it to succeed. Your child’s commitment to the project should not waiver if the determination and persistence are strong. Below are three elements to help your child stay committed to the activity.
Work on one element at a time:
Trying to focus on every aspect of the presentation each time will likely burn your child out and not be as effective than honing in on specific skills.
Write down the practice schedule:
Committing yourself in the written form has shown great success. You can help your child make a checklist so it is fun to mark each practice and what skills were practiced on that day.
Stay on track with your schedule:
Make sure you give your child a little slack. If one day of practice is missed, excuse it and get right back on track. The important thing to remember is that your child doesn’t get frustrated and quit.
The same aspects of commitment can be applied while practicing the school fundraising presentation. Just as your child may have an instructor for dance or a coach for basketball, you are your child’s coach for fundraising. You can encourage your child to begin a practice regimen that can be carried out while balancing other activities. This can be a special time, morning or night, that your child rehearses the presentation in front of a live audience to enhance delivery skills.
As a parent, you can encourage your child to be committed to the practice schedule, and you can also coach the elements of the presentation. Your child may encounter a variety of people during the fundraising event. Adapting to the different personalities can be much easier with several days of previous practice.
Your child should be practicing daily. Being committed to the fundraising activity is imperative for it to succeed. Your child’s commitment to the project should not waiver if the determination and persistence are strong. Below are three elements to help your child stay committed to the activity.
Work on one element at a time:
Trying to focus on every aspect of the presentation each time will likely burn your child out and not be as effective than honing in on specific skills.
Write down the practice schedule:
Committing yourself in the written form has shown great success. You can help your child make a checklist so it is fun to mark each practice and what skills were practiced on that day.
Stay on track with your schedule:
Make sure you give your child a little slack. If one day of practice is missed, excuse it and get right back on track. The important thing to remember is that your child doesn’t get frustrated and quit.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
School Fundraising: Creating an Outline
If you and your child have been avidly following my blogs and implementing the different techniques, you are probably ready to dive in and begin presenting. Just like any quality presentation, it is very important to work from an outline. The goal is not for your child to sound scripted. Instead, having a rubric enables your child to concentrate on the customer’s needs and personality.
We have discussed how important it is to meet the needs of the customer first and foremost. Placing others ahead of ourselves requires patience, but is often rewarding in many ways. The rubric is very flexible. It will be an opportunity for your child to understand the layout of an outline (if this hasn’t already been taught in school) and the uses for it. If we use the outline correctly, we should sound very natural during the presentation, inserting dialogue with any opportunity.
Below is an example of a presentation outline. The most important thing to remember is to know your customer. If your customer begins a story, encourage more details or share a similar story of your own.
I. Introduction (“The Pan”)-The Pan is the basis for your presentation.
A. You – “Hello, I’m Jennifer…”
B. Your Cause – “I’m a part of X organization…”
C. Greeting – “How are you today”
It’s very important here to greet the customer rather than beginning to speak about the product. Remember, it’s not about the product; it’s about the customer. You haven’t even gotten to know the customer yet, so you cannot be certain how or if it will meet their needs.
II. Body (“The Cake”)- The cake is the savory part you give and receive details.
A. The Product
B. Why You Chose This Customer
C. Possible Needs/Goals The Product Can Fulfill
Help your child to overcome the fear of talking about the customer. If your child explains that the reason for choosing this customer is to get the neighborhood involved or because “rumor has it” that this customer likes chocolate (for example), your child will be creating a bigger purpose than the product itself.
III. Call to Action (“The Frosting”)- The frosting is the reward and tie-off.
A. How Many?
B. Who Else?
C. Follow-Up
This final stage is the glaze on the sale. Your child should be comfortable asking for referrals because the customer will most likely refer those interested in fundraising activities or the particular product available. This is a great opportunity for your child. Then, scheduling a follow-up or delivery is vital to end the sale on relationship rather than money.
We have discussed how important it is to meet the needs of the customer first and foremost. Placing others ahead of ourselves requires patience, but is often rewarding in many ways. The rubric is very flexible. It will be an opportunity for your child to understand the layout of an outline (if this hasn’t already been taught in school) and the uses for it. If we use the outline correctly, we should sound very natural during the presentation, inserting dialogue with any opportunity.
Below is an example of a presentation outline. The most important thing to remember is to know your customer. If your customer begins a story, encourage more details or share a similar story of your own.
I. Introduction (“The Pan”)-The Pan is the basis for your presentation.
A. You – “Hello, I’m Jennifer…”
B. Your Cause – “I’m a part of X organization…”
C. Greeting – “How are you today”
It’s very important here to greet the customer rather than beginning to speak about the product. Remember, it’s not about the product; it’s about the customer. You haven’t even gotten to know the customer yet, so you cannot be certain how or if it will meet their needs.
II. Body (“The Cake”)- The cake is the savory part you give and receive details.
A. The Product
B. Why You Chose This Customer
C. Possible Needs/Goals The Product Can Fulfill
Help your child to overcome the fear of talking about the customer. If your child explains that the reason for choosing this customer is to get the neighborhood involved or because “rumor has it” that this customer likes chocolate (for example), your child will be creating a bigger purpose than the product itself.
III. Call to Action (“The Frosting”)- The frosting is the reward and tie-off.
A. How Many?
B. Who Else?
C. Follow-Up
This final stage is the glaze on the sale. Your child should be comfortable asking for referrals because the customer will most likely refer those interested in fundraising activities or the particular product available. This is a great opportunity for your child. Then, scheduling a follow-up or delivery is vital to end the sale on relationship rather than money.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
School Fundraising: Measuring the Big-Picture Goals
Measuring goals isn’t always like measuring flour for a recipe. Some goals are based around improving skills, for example. It is still very important to have a system to determine your child’s progress. This article will be devoted to helping you find the ways you will be able to measure these goals so you can enjoy the reward of completing them.
When’s the last time you thought about doing good for others? Some people consciously make an effort and many help without giving it a thought. If your child is struggling in this area, you may have made a goal in dear hopes that your child will gain compassion through this school fundraiser. Is this a silly goal? Certainly not. Interacting with people under specific plans-of-action can get your child in the habit of doing good for others. It may also enlighten your child to the intrinsic value of selling, a reward that goes beyond any material goods.
So how do we measure this thing called compassion?
Begin by giving your child time to at least make three presentations. After these presentations, you will evaluate your child based on the following questions:
• Is your child beginning to talk to customers easier?
• Does your child use key words that signify compassion for the customers and not just the product?
• Does your child share stories about selling experiences?
Even if the stories your child shares are comical or poke fun at the customers, that does not mean your child is not compassionate. This may be your child’s way of showing care through awkward life stages. Listen to the true story being told. Does your child mention personality traits of the customers? If so, this means that your child is really taking interest in them. This will definitely be a gradual process, but keep evaluating every presentation after the third one. If you cannot be there for the sales delivery, ask your child about the experience. And remember, you have the opportunity to direct the conversation. Asking your child about these experiences may create a-ha moments for the both of you.
My child has all the compassion in the world but is shy during the delivery.
If this is a statement that resonates with you, one of your child’s goals may be to become more comfortable with the presentation. This goal is another long-term goal (like being more compassionate) and should also come with short-term goals. It will be easier for your child to measure the progress if there are steps.
For example, a few short-term goals might be:
• Laugh five times through my presentation. This will keep your child on track, having strategically placed where these laughs will be throughout the presentation. It will also lighten the mood; who can stay tense while laughing. Relaxation is half the battle to accomplishing an effective presentation.
• Take control of the conversation from the beginning when faced with elders. It is very tough for children to ‘take control’ of a conversation because they are often taught to be quiet around adults. It is very important to listen during the conversation, but your child can work on taking control by asking the customer a specific question when they first meet. The customer will answer, which will give your child leverage to comment and move into the presentation.
• After my customers make a comment, I will make one comment and then ask one question. This will keep the presentation moving fluidly. For example, if a customer says, “I like the floral print of this paper,” your child might say, “Yes; it is beautiful; there are two other floral prints as well. Do you have a garden; or have you just always admired flowers?” These questions will show your customers you care and will give you an idea about their lifestyles. Maybe your customer does have a garden and you have gardening shovels and gloves in another fundraiser. This will give your child a selling point.
Now that you have developed these short-term goals, you will be able to make a checklist of how often your child is completing them. Soon they will be part of a confident presentation, and you can leave your checklist at home!
If you have any specific goals you need help with, don’t hesitate to ask. Cheers to a beautiful (and windy) day!
"School Fundraising for Mommies" is under development through MommiesLine.com. The book covers how mommies can help their children master the art of sales through their school fundraising experiences by developing planning, selling, and networking skills.
When’s the last time you thought about doing good for others? Some people consciously make an effort and many help without giving it a thought. If your child is struggling in this area, you may have made a goal in dear hopes that your child will gain compassion through this school fundraiser. Is this a silly goal? Certainly not. Interacting with people under specific plans-of-action can get your child in the habit of doing good for others. It may also enlighten your child to the intrinsic value of selling, a reward that goes beyond any material goods.
So how do we measure this thing called compassion?
Begin by giving your child time to at least make three presentations. After these presentations, you will evaluate your child based on the following questions:
• Is your child beginning to talk to customers easier?
• Does your child use key words that signify compassion for the customers and not just the product?
• Does your child share stories about selling experiences?
Even if the stories your child shares are comical or poke fun at the customers, that does not mean your child is not compassionate. This may be your child’s way of showing care through awkward life stages. Listen to the true story being told. Does your child mention personality traits of the customers? If so, this means that your child is really taking interest in them. This will definitely be a gradual process, but keep evaluating every presentation after the third one. If you cannot be there for the sales delivery, ask your child about the experience. And remember, you have the opportunity to direct the conversation. Asking your child about these experiences may create a-ha moments for the both of you.
My child has all the compassion in the world but is shy during the delivery.
If this is a statement that resonates with you, one of your child’s goals may be to become more comfortable with the presentation. This goal is another long-term goal (like being more compassionate) and should also come with short-term goals. It will be easier for your child to measure the progress if there are steps.
For example, a few short-term goals might be:
• Laugh five times through my presentation. This will keep your child on track, having strategically placed where these laughs will be throughout the presentation. It will also lighten the mood; who can stay tense while laughing. Relaxation is half the battle to accomplishing an effective presentation.
• Take control of the conversation from the beginning when faced with elders. It is very tough for children to ‘take control’ of a conversation because they are often taught to be quiet around adults. It is very important to listen during the conversation, but your child can work on taking control by asking the customer a specific question when they first meet. The customer will answer, which will give your child leverage to comment and move into the presentation.
• After my customers make a comment, I will make one comment and then ask one question. This will keep the presentation moving fluidly. For example, if a customer says, “I like the floral print of this paper,” your child might say, “Yes; it is beautiful; there are two other floral prints as well. Do you have a garden; or have you just always admired flowers?” These questions will show your customers you care and will give you an idea about their lifestyles. Maybe your customer does have a garden and you have gardening shovels and gloves in another fundraiser. This will give your child a selling point.
Now that you have developed these short-term goals, you will be able to make a checklist of how often your child is completing them. Soon they will be part of a confident presentation, and you can leave your checklist at home!
If you have any specific goals you need help with, don’t hesitate to ask. Cheers to a beautiful (and windy) day!
"School Fundraising for Mommies" is under development through MommiesLine.com. The book covers how mommies can help their children master the art of sales through their school fundraising experiences by developing planning, selling, and networking skills.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
School Fundraising: Memory Jogger for Kids
This is an activity to help your child think of connections. It is very important to then divide the people you know into groups relative to your fundraiser. For example, if you are selling crafty materials, you may have people from categories such as “mom’s friends” and “doctor” joined into a group you title “likes painting.” Your child could then focus attention selling to this group.
Copy and paste the below titles into another document and format it with enough space so your child can write names. Feel free to create your own categories or write names by using the alphabet as a second strategy.
Have fun! The number of people in your market will sure to grow.
Address book
Across the street
Parents
Mom’s friends
Dad’s friends
People who come to my house
People I like to visit
Bus Driver
Car Repair People
Window cleaner
Teachers
School helpers
Coaches
Friends
Dance instructor
Dentist
Doctor
Landlord
Funny people
Church members
Eye care
High voice
Owns a truck
Soccer
Basketball
Tennis
Football
Hockey
Volleyball
Softball
Cheerleading
Track
Cross Country
Swimming
Band
Choir
Bowling
Gymnastics
Other sports
Photography
Just had a baby
Pregnant
Aunts
Uncles
Brothers
Sisters
Grandparents
Cousins
Favorite restaurant workers
Travelers
Healthy people
Grocer
Stores I shop
Farmers
Firemen
Librarian
Babysitters
Crafters
Business owners
Organizations or clubs
Copy and paste the below titles into another document and format it with enough space so your child can write names. Feel free to create your own categories or write names by using the alphabet as a second strategy.
Have fun! The number of people in your market will sure to grow.
Address book
Across the street
Parents
Mom’s friends
Dad’s friends
People who come to my house
People I like to visit
Bus Driver
Car Repair People
Window cleaner
Teachers
School helpers
Coaches
Friends
Dance instructor
Dentist
Doctor
Landlord
Funny people
Church members
Eye care
High voice
Owns a truck
Soccer
Basketball
Tennis
Football
Hockey
Volleyball
Softball
Cheerleading
Track
Cross Country
Swimming
Band
Choir
Bowling
Gymnastics
Other sports
Photography
Just had a baby
Pregnant
Aunts
Uncles
Brothers
Sisters
Grandparents
Cousins
Favorite restaurant workers
Travelers
Healthy people
Grocer
Stores I shop
Farmers
Firemen
Librarian
Babysitters
Crafters
Business owners
Organizations or clubs
Friday, January 25, 2008
School Fundraising: Setting Goals
Children and parents alike are so conditioned to the regular notion of fundraising that they start dialing the phone or dropping off order forms before knowing what they are working toward. Setting goals is an essential step for all parties involved.
The school has a list of established goals for the students to accomplish; and most of them are based off of materialistic rewards. School fundraising can be an educational experience if you, as the parent, set your own goals and guide your child to make individual goals that will lead to a successful outcome.
As my previous articles have discussed, treating school fundraising as a sales experience will help your child immensely when making presentations for school projects, applying for colleges or grants, and entering the job force. There are several tangible and intrinsic outcomes to work toward—and the hard part is really honing in on three main goals for each fundraising event. Limiting your goals to three will help you go deeper on each one.
Below are brainstorming activities to help both of you narrow your goals.
What do you want your child to accomplish?
-Begin by thinking short term. If there is one quality your child improves on through this process, it is a success. Does your child need more self-confidence? Does your child need to work on presentation? Or doing things for the good of the cause?
-There will be plenty of more fundraisers and activities to continue honing in on these attributes. Settle on one. Write it down. And write why.
-List specific examples of why your child needs to work on this skill. Is it a reasonable goal? How will it serve your child in the future?
What is something tangible your child would like to obtain?
-Have your child look through the list of rewards offered for this fundraiser. Is there a toy your child really wants? Is your child working to raise money toward a trip or event? Find the main tangible your child is working toward and write it down.
-Have your child write how this reward will be a benefit. Will the toy be fun to play with? Is there a reward that can be donated to a local charity? Will your child have to do fewer chores to make it to a travel experience or event?
-Help your child decide how much money or how large of toy sounds reasonable and yet is a high enough goal.
What is something intangible that your child would like to accomplish?
-Begin by reading my article “Fundraising: Focus to Help Others.” This explains the importance of altruism.
-Help your child think of one way this fundraiser can help someone else. Who or what is this going to help? Why is this important to me?
-Form this thought into a goal, making sure it is reasonable to accomplish.
Congratulations! You have a great start to making this fundraiser a successful learning experience. Write your three goals down and keep it with the fundraising materials. Make notes along the way so you can track how you are accomplishing these goals. If you find any of them to be out of reach, take notes on why; this will help you form clearer direction in the future.
Fundraising is really an extension of education at home. I will continue to share insights on how to make this experience profitable in many ways for you and your children. Eventually you will have an interactive resource that will help guide you in much more detail on this subject.
"School Fundraising for Mommies" is under development through MommiesLine.com. The book covers how mommies can help their children master the art of sales through their school fundraising experiences by developing planning, selling, and networking skills.
Good luck creating your three goals for fundraising!
Imagine what would happen if we set three goals for ourselves each day.
…and accomplished them!
The school has a list of established goals for the students to accomplish; and most of them are based off of materialistic rewards. School fundraising can be an educational experience if you, as the parent, set your own goals and guide your child to make individual goals that will lead to a successful outcome.
As my previous articles have discussed, treating school fundraising as a sales experience will help your child immensely when making presentations for school projects, applying for colleges or grants, and entering the job force. There are several tangible and intrinsic outcomes to work toward—and the hard part is really honing in on three main goals for each fundraising event. Limiting your goals to three will help you go deeper on each one.
Below are brainstorming activities to help both of you narrow your goals.
What do you want your child to accomplish?
-Begin by thinking short term. If there is one quality your child improves on through this process, it is a success. Does your child need more self-confidence? Does your child need to work on presentation? Or doing things for the good of the cause?
-There will be plenty of more fundraisers and activities to continue honing in on these attributes. Settle on one. Write it down. And write why.
-List specific examples of why your child needs to work on this skill. Is it a reasonable goal? How will it serve your child in the future?
What is something tangible your child would like to obtain?
-Have your child look through the list of rewards offered for this fundraiser. Is there a toy your child really wants? Is your child working to raise money toward a trip or event? Find the main tangible your child is working toward and write it down.
-Have your child write how this reward will be a benefit. Will the toy be fun to play with? Is there a reward that can be donated to a local charity? Will your child have to do fewer chores to make it to a travel experience or event?
-Help your child decide how much money or how large of toy sounds reasonable and yet is a high enough goal.
What is something intangible that your child would like to accomplish?
-Begin by reading my article “Fundraising: Focus to Help Others.” This explains the importance of altruism.
-Help your child think of one way this fundraiser can help someone else. Who or what is this going to help? Why is this important to me?
-Form this thought into a goal, making sure it is reasonable to accomplish.
Congratulations! You have a great start to making this fundraiser a successful learning experience. Write your three goals down and keep it with the fundraising materials. Make notes along the way so you can track how you are accomplishing these goals. If you find any of them to be out of reach, take notes on why; this will help you form clearer direction in the future.
Fundraising is really an extension of education at home. I will continue to share insights on how to make this experience profitable in many ways for you and your children. Eventually you will have an interactive resource that will help guide you in much more detail on this subject.
"School Fundraising for Mommies" is under development through MommiesLine.com. The book covers how mommies can help their children master the art of sales through their school fundraising experiences by developing planning, selling, and networking skills.
Good luck creating your three goals for fundraising!
Imagine what would happen if we set three goals for ourselves each day.
…and accomplished them!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
School FUNdraising: Fun at Home
It seems with all the rigmarole of school fundraising that families have forgotten how it can really bring them together. It exposes your child to the concept of “working together” and it reminds you of the joy of childhood. Girl Scout cookies would just be cookies unless our hearts didn’t melt from seeing the girls and parents stand out in the cold and still hold a smile.
I researched online some of the best activities for families to do together at home. If you can incorporate these into the “art” of fundraising…voila! You’ve accomplished far more than the parent who hands over the fundraiser ‘bail-out’ cash. Now get ready for the next one ☺
#1 Read with your child
Sure, every child loves a good book. From watching babies to grownups, I see the favorites are the ones asking you to join in. Get a book (or create one!) that talks about the purpose of fundraising. You can even use my other articles to develop the body of the book. Have your child read the instructions and then finish the page. For example, you can have him or her “write names of family in the picture of the house” and “write names of neighbors in the picture of the circle.” This will help your child think of people to contact for the fundraiser. You can then ask your child about the symbolism of the circle: it is a circle because neighbors and friends establish a community that is important and reliable.
#2 Do arts and crafts
Of course! This is one of the best ways to use your creative energy and destroy the house. And it’s worth every last glue smudge. Get out those crayons, markers, paintbrushes, and poster board—this is time to create some publicity. You can create posters, little brochures, and even thank-you cards. I don’t remember the last time I saw a thank-you card for a fundraiser. We start to expect that friends, family, and neighbors will participate because they always have. Reinvent an old tradition. They will remember you.
#3 Cook. Make snacks.
We just wouldn’t be human if food wasn’t involved in our fun activities. Eating brings people together; and it can be a very healthy and fulfilling time. You can block of a period of an hour or so just for your child and promise him or her that it is “your” time together. You could make a special snack and then work on the next step of your fundraiser. Remember, fundraising is teaching your child the steps of selling. Your child will have to prepare, present, and network time and time again. What a great time to begin learning how fun it can be—right in the home.
#4 Outdoor bug hunt
I’m sure you can find a way to tie this one in…
Cheers to a fresh day!
I researched online some of the best activities for families to do together at home. If you can incorporate these into the “art” of fundraising…voila! You’ve accomplished far more than the parent who hands over the fundraiser ‘bail-out’ cash. Now get ready for the next one ☺
#1 Read with your child
Sure, every child loves a good book. From watching babies to grownups, I see the favorites are the ones asking you to join in. Get a book (or create one!) that talks about the purpose of fundraising. You can even use my other articles to develop the body of the book. Have your child read the instructions and then finish the page. For example, you can have him or her “write names of family in the picture of the house” and “write names of neighbors in the picture of the circle.” This will help your child think of people to contact for the fundraiser. You can then ask your child about the symbolism of the circle: it is a circle because neighbors and friends establish a community that is important and reliable.
#2 Do arts and crafts
Of course! This is one of the best ways to use your creative energy and destroy the house. And it’s worth every last glue smudge. Get out those crayons, markers, paintbrushes, and poster board—this is time to create some publicity. You can create posters, little brochures, and even thank-you cards. I don’t remember the last time I saw a thank-you card for a fundraiser. We start to expect that friends, family, and neighbors will participate because they always have. Reinvent an old tradition. They will remember you.
#3 Cook. Make snacks.
We just wouldn’t be human if food wasn’t involved in our fun activities. Eating brings people together; and it can be a very healthy and fulfilling time. You can block of a period of an hour or so just for your child and promise him or her that it is “your” time together. You could make a special snack and then work on the next step of your fundraiser. Remember, fundraising is teaching your child the steps of selling. Your child will have to prepare, present, and network time and time again. What a great time to begin learning how fun it can be—right in the home.
#4 Outdoor bug hunt
I’m sure you can find a way to tie this one in…
Cheers to a fresh day!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
School Fundraising: Selling with Purpose
Helping others and teaching altruism to your child is one of the healthiest ways to help your child understand the purpose of fundraising. It’s also very important to teach your child about making the sale. It’s not a secret—it’s exciting! Don’t think you have the credentials to teach on this subject? Haven’t been a car salesperson or a QVC model? The reality of it is, you sell every day. You go to the store and demand discounts on imperfect clothes; you sell your personality to strangers to make new friends; you even sell yourself on certain ideas. Now it’s time to pay attention to those strategies and put them to use.
Coming from Michigan, I know what it’s like to fundraise in a down economy. I see students and parents afraid to bring their fundraising materials door-to-door because they know their neighbors are having a tough time to make ends meet. The best thing to do is sell, sell, sell. When your neighbors are having a hard time, so is your school. You will appreciate that band equipment, the free uniforms, or the enriching play outing. Cookies may be your neighbor’s favorite snack…or he might have a long-time connection with the school band. You never know.
Explaining the economy and necessary organizational growth to our children can be difficult—and is encouraged. But in case you get stumped, here are three reasons you can give them that express why making the sale is important:
1. Money is coming in.
More money coming in is less that your child or child’s organization needs to come up with. Explain it to your child like this: You have ten friends. You get a dollar a week, and you have $3 saved up. You want a pizza that costs $10, but you only have $3. If you share the cost with your ten friends, you only have to pay $1, and you get your pizza and have $2 left. Fundraising can really help spread out the cost of large purchases. If your close networks alone contributed a single dollar to your important cause, think of what a difference that would make.
2. Work is necessary to gain the reward.
You can tell them it’s like getting a job. They are getting paid for their time. They don’t necessarily have to work more hours—but they have to work smart to gain the outcomes they are looking for. They have to plan appropriately and follow the steps to fundraising, including the preparation, selling strategies, and follow-through.
3. You will meet new people.
Some people sell solely because of the connections they make. Fundraising is a great way to get involved in the community. Your child’s attitude will spread to her or his potential customers; if you are used to thinking of fundraising in a negative light, that is because you are giving in to the negative energy. Dare to make fundraising cool again! Dare to make it an exciting activity to be shared with family and friends. You will find that people love fundraising just as much as Halloween—it’s just an excuse to invite the children inside to share stories and hot cocoa.
Coming from Michigan, I know what it’s like to fundraise in a down economy. I see students and parents afraid to bring their fundraising materials door-to-door because they know their neighbors are having a tough time to make ends meet. The best thing to do is sell, sell, sell. When your neighbors are having a hard time, so is your school. You will appreciate that band equipment, the free uniforms, or the enriching play outing. Cookies may be your neighbor’s favorite snack…or he might have a long-time connection with the school band. You never know.
Explaining the economy and necessary organizational growth to our children can be difficult—and is encouraged. But in case you get stumped, here are three reasons you can give them that express why making the sale is important:
1. Money is coming in.
More money coming in is less that your child or child’s organization needs to come up with. Explain it to your child like this: You have ten friends. You get a dollar a week, and you have $3 saved up. You want a pizza that costs $10, but you only have $3. If you share the cost with your ten friends, you only have to pay $1, and you get your pizza and have $2 left. Fundraising can really help spread out the cost of large purchases. If your close networks alone contributed a single dollar to your important cause, think of what a difference that would make.
2. Work is necessary to gain the reward.
You can tell them it’s like getting a job. They are getting paid for their time. They don’t necessarily have to work more hours—but they have to work smart to gain the outcomes they are looking for. They have to plan appropriately and follow the steps to fundraising, including the preparation, selling strategies, and follow-through.
3. You will meet new people.
Some people sell solely because of the connections they make. Fundraising is a great way to get involved in the community. Your child’s attitude will spread to her or his potential customers; if you are used to thinking of fundraising in a negative light, that is because you are giving in to the negative energy. Dare to make fundraising cool again! Dare to make it an exciting activity to be shared with family and friends. You will find that people love fundraising just as much as Halloween—it’s just an excuse to invite the children inside to share stories and hot cocoa.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Fundraising: Focus to Help Others
Teaching altruism to a child can seem like a double-sided obligation. After all, altruism is the focus of wanting to help others and do good without being recognized or rewarded. The whole motivation behind many fundraisers is to get a certain amount of money or get the desired prize. However, when focusing on doing good for others, often time the materialistic rewards do come—but your child will be less concerned about them.
You might be thinking, “Oh right…doing good for others. My mother sure does need that ten pounds of chocolate rotting in her basement that she bought from us last year!” There can be more to fundraising though. Much more.
Think about why Pampered Chef and Mary Kay are so successful. It’s not really about the products. It’s about how the people and products make you feel. I first became a Pampered Chef consultant because I called to find a party to get a discount on an apple wedger I wanted. The woman was so positive and encouraging that the next thing I new I was ordering my consultant kit. I wanted to be part of the fun she had.
Fundraisers can be the same way. Getting your child focused on doing good will leave him or her much more satisfied with the results. There will be some people who buy because they want the product and don’t care who is selling it; but the majority of people buy on emotion. That is why I was able to sell mortgages when I knew very little about the actual mortgage business: I knew a lot about the people and personality business.
Do Good For Others: Host a Fundraising Party
Don’t reinvent the wheel. It’s worked for Pampered Chef. It’s worked for Mary Kay. People like to have a good time. Help your child organize a fundraising party. Below are three big reasons why this will be a success.
1. Happy People Buy.
People like social events. They like networking, meeting new people, and catching up with old friends. Bring them under one roof and their shopping talents will shine. They will think of the uses they have with your products. Maybe they will host a party of their own and buy a tower of chocolate for h’orderves. Or maybe they will just like returning the favor for helping them have such a good night.
2. Guests Recommend Products.
Any time I had the option of cooking at a Pampered Chef event or doing a magazine sale, I always chose the first. People do the selling for you when they are sitting around in a room together. One person will say that they liked the texture of a certain wrapping paper or the flavor of a certain candy, and pretty soon the entire room will have it on their order forms. Your guests will do the selling for you.
3. People Will Remember You
Not too many students will be hosting their own fundraising parties. This will give you the chance to establish your own identity—maybe even your own brand. People will remember you, and they will talk about you. My sister moved to an entirely new town and had a “rock-star birthday party” for my niece. She had multiple cakes and outfits for the kids. She was instantly remembered and talked about throughout the community. Her focus was to help the kids have a good time. Help your kid focus on letting the adults have a good time, and these same rewards will come.
You might be thinking, “Oh right…doing good for others. My mother sure does need that ten pounds of chocolate rotting in her basement that she bought from us last year!” There can be more to fundraising though. Much more.
Think about why Pampered Chef and Mary Kay are so successful. It’s not really about the products. It’s about how the people and products make you feel. I first became a Pampered Chef consultant because I called to find a party to get a discount on an apple wedger I wanted. The woman was so positive and encouraging that the next thing I new I was ordering my consultant kit. I wanted to be part of the fun she had.
Fundraisers can be the same way. Getting your child focused on doing good will leave him or her much more satisfied with the results. There will be some people who buy because they want the product and don’t care who is selling it; but the majority of people buy on emotion. That is why I was able to sell mortgages when I knew very little about the actual mortgage business: I knew a lot about the people and personality business.
Do Good For Others: Host a Fundraising Party
Don’t reinvent the wheel. It’s worked for Pampered Chef. It’s worked for Mary Kay. People like to have a good time. Help your child organize a fundraising party. Below are three big reasons why this will be a success.
1. Happy People Buy.
People like social events. They like networking, meeting new people, and catching up with old friends. Bring them under one roof and their shopping talents will shine. They will think of the uses they have with your products. Maybe they will host a party of their own and buy a tower of chocolate for h’orderves. Or maybe they will just like returning the favor for helping them have such a good night.
2. Guests Recommend Products.
Any time I had the option of cooking at a Pampered Chef event or doing a magazine sale, I always chose the first. People do the selling for you when they are sitting around in a room together. One person will say that they liked the texture of a certain wrapping paper or the flavor of a certain candy, and pretty soon the entire room will have it on their order forms. Your guests will do the selling for you.
3. People Will Remember You
Not too many students will be hosting their own fundraising parties. This will give you the chance to establish your own identity—maybe even your own brand. People will remember you, and they will talk about you. My sister moved to an entirely new town and had a “rock-star birthday party” for my niece. She had multiple cakes and outfits for the kids. She was instantly remembered and talked about throughout the community. Her focus was to help the kids have a good time. Help your kid focus on letting the adults have a good time, and these same rewards will come.
Monday, January 7, 2008
School Fundraising Tips: Market Selection
As a Pampered Chef consultant, I thought moving to Philadelphia was the key to my success. There were people everywhere, and I would be the #1 seller in the world! Reality check, Jennifer: There are people everywhere...and there are also restaurants everywhere. My landlord told me I was the only tenant who had ever used the stove! None of them needed my cooking supplies because they didn't cook.
Don't worry, you won't have to move across the country to help your child succeed at his or her fundraiser; if the product is being sold in your community, it is probably being used in your community. There are three important questions to remember when deciding who your child will market the fundraiser to:
1. What segments of people do I know?
2. Who could most use this product?
3. What products could I offer to the other segments?
What segments of people do I know?
These segments can be divided by age, location, or interest. Have your child think of 5 main segments. You will be able to narrow them later. He first might say, "old people," "aunts," "uncles." These are good starts. You could add, "just married" or "women" to the list. I will try to do another post on brainstorming for this activity.
Who could most use this product?
When having your child think of who could use he product, they will probably name every person they know; it is only natural to want to sell to everyone. Defining a target market (age, location) will help them think about the bigger picture. There will be other fundraisers (probably next week), and your child will establish more credibility and likeness if he or she asks help from people who could really use the product. Your child's customers will establish a special connection with your child and the particular product. Year after year, they will expect to get that same product from your son or daughter.
What products could I offer to the other segments?
This will get your child thinking ahead and excited for the next fundraiser. For example, if you are selling wrapping paper, that would be a great product for couples "just married." They may not have the holiday essentials yet. You could also get your child to start noticing birthday and Christmas presents. Who spends a lot of time on wrapping? Your child could add those people to his fundraising list for next time. Or, if you have more than one child, have them market to different segments. Your children can also make agreements to do this with friends that share networks.
Don't worry, you won't have to move across the country to help your child succeed at his or her fundraiser; if the product is being sold in your community, it is probably being used in your community. There are three important questions to remember when deciding who your child will market the fundraiser to:
1. What segments of people do I know?
2. Who could most use this product?
3. What products could I offer to the other segments?
What segments of people do I know?
These segments can be divided by age, location, or interest. Have your child think of 5 main segments. You will be able to narrow them later. He first might say, "old people," "aunts," "uncles." These are good starts. You could add, "just married" or "women" to the list. I will try to do another post on brainstorming for this activity.
Who could most use this product?
When having your child think of who could use he product, they will probably name every person they know; it is only natural to want to sell to everyone. Defining a target market (age, location) will help them think about the bigger picture. There will be other fundraisers (probably next week), and your child will establish more credibility and likeness if he or she asks help from people who could really use the product. Your child's customers will establish a special connection with your child and the particular product. Year after year, they will expect to get that same product from your son or daughter.
What products could I offer to the other segments?
This will get your child thinking ahead and excited for the next fundraiser. For example, if you are selling wrapping paper, that would be a great product for couples "just married." They may not have the holiday essentials yet. You could also get your child to start noticing birthday and Christmas presents. Who spends a lot of time on wrapping? Your child could add those people to his fundraising list for next time. Or, if you have more than one child, have them market to different segments. Your children can also make agreements to do this with friends that share networks.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
School Fundraising: An Introduction to a New Perspective
I first began truly appreciating fundraising when I was in college and had the time to reflect on the process of my elementary days and the impact it had on my perceived ability to succeed in a sales society. Growing up, I would bring the magazine home like every other kid--waving it in front of my mom's eyes and begging her to buy a couple things "if she wanted." I was more concerned that she show my magazine to every relative, neighbor, and breathing being on the planet. I despised the tension in the air when I would visit a distant relative once a year and have to ask if they wanted chocolate-covered Ju Ju Beans to go with my smile. It took years to realize that these events were so tough for me because:
1. I had no goals.
2. I expected my mom to do the work.
3. I started from square one with each sale.
I became passionate about fundraising when I needed to raise money for trips. In the past, I had sold things I didn't really care about. It was nice to have a Garlic Bread in the freezer once in a while--but it wasn't flying me around the world with it's magic garlic salt. So when I completely paid for my trip four years in a row to a national conference on drug education, I valued the networks I created through those elementary fundraising events. I sold my little heart out for our annual P.R.I.D.E Chicken BBQ, and then I worked at the BBQ to make sure it was a success. My team kept logs of individuals and organizations that donated in the past. This helped define our market and develop new sources.
After High School I continued my fundraising ventures. I became an avid Box Tops for Education collector because I knew that with every box top, a school would get ten cents towards school supplies. My friends' parents started collecting them for me, and I would walk through the college dorms to collect as many as I could. I took over $200 worth one time to a school I volunteered at in Philadelphia for an Alternative Spring Break. The kids in that class were never so excited.
I also have fundraised for larger organizations such as World Vision, Operation Christmas Child, Operation Rice Bowl, and Make a Wish Foundation. When it came time to fund my study on the Holocaust in Poland, I resorted to this resource I had used to help so many others in the past.
I read many disgruntled mother bloggers who are fed up with fundraising for their children. Through this blog, I hope to bring you a new perspective. If we stop fundraising for our children, we can start developing their communicative skills to goal-set, present, and network. Fundraising is experiential education for our children in a sales-dominated world.
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