Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Fundraising Done Right

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ROL_page_bannerOn Monday I attended the Hopelink Luncheon. It was a great event with 1500 people and they raised just under $1 million dollars! And why do I know that? Because on Tuesday (yes, the very next day) I had a postcard in the mail box thanking me for attending, and included was the amount the raised, AND my address, both hand written. I also received a voicemail yesterday thanking me for my donation and for attending the luncheon.

Thanking donors is something that most nonprofits do well. I have received voicemail and postcard thank you’s for fundraisers I’ve attended in the past, but the efficiency and organization of the event and especially of the follow-up gives me confidence these folks know what they’re doing and that my donation is in good hands.

When I work with clients I often suggest that they have follow-up emails written BEFORE the event. You get back to your office after a speaking engagement, plug-in email addresses and hit send on that follow-up note. Make it easy on your self. Plan ahead, be organized, have the resources you need (often an admin) and be efficient. It pays off.

No Time? No New Business

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ifyoubuildittheywillcomeLast week I got an email from my client, frustrated that in September there was no new business. There was, however, a lot of heads down work, some vacation and staffing changes. But no dedicated time for any potential clients to have a free 15 minute consult as their website offers.

I suggested that in busy times, block a bit of time each week for potential clients. What’s the worst that happens? You have a free hour to catch up on something if no one takes advantage of it. I had a colleague who always had 2 hours blocked out a week (at least) for prospective clients.

If you want NEW clients, you need to make time for them. It’s definitely an “If you build it they will come” thing. AND you need to promote it. Make sure there’s an offering on your website, add it to your newsletter, mention it when you’re at networking events and giving your elevator pitch. “Every Tuesday from 10-11 my phone lines are open.” Whatever it might be, make time for the business and I promise you it’ll show up!

A New Use for Money Hungry Kids

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main_lemonadeYesterday I met with a new client. As we were talking about increasing his lists he asked me “How do I get the business card info to you for the newsletter list?” I could tell he didn’t have the bandwidth and could sense there’s a drawer of business cards in his life…

So I asked if he has a teenager in his life. Light bulb moment.

I ask this question of most of my clients. We all know a kid who is looking to make a few extra bucks. Data entry is often a pretty great project for them. You aren’t annoyed by spending a half hour after an event putting your new contacts into your CRM, and they make a few bucks.

Any time I can outsource a project to someone who is cheaper, faster and more experienced than me I will. I tell my clients this up front. Spreadsheets and data entry make me ANGRY. Online research and list building is something that someone can do way better and cheaper than it’d cost you to have me do it.

If you have a kid but don’t know what information you need, I have a handy business card spreadsheet template that captures all the info you need and makes it easy to store, upload to your newsletter list (with permission of course!), and add to your CRM. Contact Me for a copy!