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/
Monday, March 17, 2008
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.
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