Networking with Business Cards

I am a multi-tasker. So when I go to business card exchanges to promote my non-profit I always bring my other hats. One in particular is mom. I have three children. One is taking her bar exam today and the other two will be finishing college in the next two years.
What has this got to do with a business card exchange? Well using vistaprint my children now have 250 free business cards to promote their flourishing careers. As I talk about my NPO, I also have opportunities to make and establish connections for the three careers that my children are embarking on.
The way I look at it is if my name, NPO, or my children stick in a business person's mind or if I was able to give them a successful referral then they will reciprocate at some point.
I met an entrepreneur today that said, "It is not who you know but who knows you." So true and important in this global business world that we help each other so we can all prosper.
If my NPO does not entice a business owner, who is at a business card exchange to drum up business, and I do something nice like provide a connection other than my NPO, I would expect that once this business owner is successful he/she will remember me with my NPO in some way.

Trade Show Tips

Why represent your NPO in a Trade Show? There are many reasons such as exposure to the community, support for the person/organization that is putting on the trade show, and to promote business within your.
So how do we make this event show a return on the investment of time and money?
First Establish Objectives… are you looking for more clients, product sales, publicity, awareness?
Establish a Realistic Budget consider staff time and a projected return on investment
Develop a Compelling Sales Message with an exhibit that POPS… make sure the whole package is complete. Is the presentation appealing? What is going to draw people to your booth? Will you be able to create a “crowd” of interest that compels others to stop at your booth?

Pepsi Refresh Project Round Two

Just a quick up date. . .
We are hovering in the thirties. A respectable number but not high enough to win the money. It has however given our NPO the opportunity to speak on the radio and receive some air time with a Public Service Announcement.
So we are plugging away and enjoying all the publicity that comes along with participating.
Please consider using the link at the top of the blog and to vote today.

Who do I Ask?

You are ready to develop your prospect list. But who do you want to ask? And who will most likely give you a gift and help you with introductions to additional donors?

Look to individuals that already give to similar organizations as yours. Donor recognition reports are often available on line. If you are an animal shelter, look to other animal shelters to see who their donors are.

Take a good look at your current donors. Who do they know? Where do they work? Who can they connect you with?

Does the prospect that you are interested in approaching live or work in the community in which you operate your NPO?

Has the prospect given to your NPO in the past? Maybe they have given for years at minor rate. Now may be the time to ask for a larger gift.

Take a look at your special event guest list. Is there anyone on the list that can give or help you connect with someone else?

Has the prospect, his/her family member or friends benefited from your services?

The key here is to find the connection. There are so many NPO out there, what makes your organization special to the prospect?

Pepsi Refresh Project Round Two

Just when I thought this chapter in my fundraising life was over the email came. The top 100 in each dollar category is resubmitted into the competition automatically. I guess if your supporters just get tired of the process then you get less votes, don't reach the top 100, and after a month you are removed.

Well at Devereux it took us the first week in June just to get started. Almost every day we moved up a few notches in the rankings to a respectable 57. I thought that was it and then I received the dreaded email. We were put back in the competition. I write dreaded using a little humor. Win or lose many more people know about Devereux. And since we are a national organization that is a lot of people talking and emailing about our NPO across the country.

Sure we would love the $250,000. At a time of high unemployment it would be nice to hire new staff. We have designated $92,000 of the grant to staff salaries. Not to mention all the good we are doing for students with Autism and developmental disabilities.

Back to the Pepsi Project. We are now at 38 in the rankings. With the Fourth of July holiday upon us I have a little concern with where our ranking will be on Tuesday. I am encouraged because many employees have asked me to remind them through email to vote.

I was out last night and we were talking about the process. Mostly how confusing it is to vote. But I reached a few more people this time and earlier in the process so we shall see.

If you are interested in learning more about the Pepsi Refresh Project click the link at the top of this blog. Be sure to Vote for Devereux Pocono Center under Education 250K while you are there. Thanks