Last year I spend a few months working as a fundraiser for WWF Romania, raising money for orphaned baby bears. The experience has taught me a lot of things, especially the fact that fundraising, just as any job that requires talking to people, is actually harder than you would think. In this post I will tell you about my experience as well as give you some tips on how to be a good fundraiser. Of course I am no expert, but I am sure I can at least teach y'all a few useful things!
(image source: http://www.harrisonbands.org/revenue-fundraising-opportunities/)
It's really important to know what you're talking about so you can talk with confidence and so you can be as comprehensive and as comprehensible as possible. You'll also be asked questions - so always be prepared. Why is your cause important? How are people making a change by helping you? These are things you should know by heart and be ready to share with everyone you talk to!
~It's easier if it's a cause you care about, although not required! But always act interested. Your attitude is crucial!
Of course no one can manufacture passion, but it's important to at least act interested in what you're saying, otherwise the people you are trying to convince won't believe in your cause either!Trust me, no once is gonna donate if they feel you don't wanna be there. Smile and be enthusiastic! Your cause isn't boring!
~ Remember to stick to the point!
People are usually in a hurry so remember to stick to the point as much as possible! Hurry up but be efficient and don't make people feel like you can't wait for them to leave.
~ Practice!
You're always improving while on the field, sure, but practicing in front of your mirror or with friends/family is a great way to evolve. Ask someone what they think your weak points are, you'll even realize them yourself! Don't get discouraged and always strive to be better! You can also search online for tips or videos to help you learn new techniques, or ask your coworkers/superiors/trainers for advice or answers to your questions!
~ Engage with people during you pitch and make sure they know you are interested in what they're saying.
Using phrases like "That's great!" and "Your help will be very important" or even asking them questions about themselves in relation to your topic will make them much more open to willing to donate.
~ Be emphatic and relate to people! Use anything the people tell you to create a connection.
Most people are gonna mention things about themselves in your conversation, use that! Try to connect what they're saying to your cause so it helps with convincing! People want to be understood and like to feel like you relate to them. Phrases like "Ï totally get what you're saying" and "A lot of people share that concern But" will take you far!
~ You can always put a piece of yourself in your pitch!
Just because you have a certain thing to present doesn't mean you can't be flexible! You can create your own special pitch that contains a part of your personality as long as you remember to stick to the topic in question!
~ Always be ready to improvise
People can be very creative when it comes to excuses, so always be ready to counter them - it's like debate. Make them listen to you! They most likely have 5 minutes.
~ One thing you need to remember is you won't convince them all, not even if you are the best fundraiser or salesperson. Some people just won't want your product - they hate whatever you're selling/offering/raising money for and they just aren't into the whole thing. Trust me, you can't catch them all. And that's ok! Don't get discouraged! The important thing is you are there and doing your very best! Don't lose your enthusiasm and don't forget why you're there!
Set realistic goals for yourself, this is important for your self-esteem and overall motivation.
~ Approach, approach, approach!!
Everyone passing by is a potential donor. It's in everyone's advantage to approach as many people as possible! The more people you approach, the more people will stop to talk to you. And remember to not be picky, you would be surprise by who would donate and who wouldn't!
Sure, you'll find amazing people, but you'll also find shitty people. There's always gonna be that guy who "doesn't believe in fundraising" or the one who's asking you why you don't help "a more important cause". Remember to keep a positive attitude and keep believing in yourself and your cause!
This is pretty much all I can think of for the time being, I hope at least someone finds it helpful! Good luck fundraising~~~~