Tag Archives: Community Relations

Value of Follow up – PRICELESS

People who follow up in a timely manner achieve greater success. It’s a bold statement. Do you agree? Take a look at someone who is doing well in growing their future. They share their message and then what?

OFFER opportunities to be involved. It’s the “O” in SOAR. First, you share your message and then make an offer. A person must follow up with individuals they shared their message with. The follow up includes an offer for the person contacted to participate in something for free with “no sale” involved. This is required for the next step in developing a solid relationship.

Timelier follow up is best. Meet today, call tomorrow, benefit forever. Does the benefit mean it’s a sale? Benefits arrive in many ways. Consider the basic fact and keep this with you, we feel joy within ourselves when following through on something. The act of contacting someone, preferably via phone because it allows for two-way conversation, brings enlightenment. Again – in many ways.

There’s one thing, which rings true time and time again. You’re encouraged to take notice. Following up gets put on the “low priority list” nine times out of ten. People get too busy with what’s next and forget about what’s happened. Those “easy” leads coming forward lose power over time. The longer we wait the more we lose.

Following up is truly THE KEY for moving forward in growing just about anything. This is a bold statement, in bold lettering, for a reason. People are encouraged to address the underlying reason for why they put less effort into following up when IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP in building trust for relationships.

Take the scenario of follow up calls – Have you been a procrastinator? Hands going up. YES, we all tend to put off for today what we can do tomorrow. The following list has been helpful for people wanting to shake this

Set up a favorite spot to do calls and go there with the intent of ONLY doing calls
Get comfortable with your favorite coffee or tea
Avoid distractions (i.e. when doing calls happens at home, avoid doing laundry at the same time)
Jump right in – the sooner the better (Meet today, call tomorrow, benefit forever)
Always have something to invite people to participate in. This is the next step. This is offering opportunities. This comes in many forms.

SOAR offers 10 – 15 minute calls to anyone interested in talking more about growing market share. This is the next step we offer to you for increasing your market share. Schedule a call through this link and speak with the founder and CEO of SOAR.

Reality Impact for Growing Market Share & Raising Money

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Reality – we impact and are impacted.

Social impact is something we hear a lot about. Businesses are choosing to give time, dollars and resources to organizations who create impact and offer value in return. During your next board meeting – make a list of the ways you’re giving back to the people giving to your organization. This goes for everyone! Every business has other people involved. A client gives any business they frequent their support. This, in turn, raises money.

Everyday reality changes. Let’s talk about how you do business. Stuck in what worked twenty years ago? Stuck in what worked a year ago? You know everything is time sensitive in this ever-changing world, right? You may have noticed what has worked in the past is not working as well any longer. It’s because we’re not in the same space any longer. It’s the impact of reality.

Staying on top of reality takes balance and the ability to move quickly. Stuck doesn’t work anymore. SOAR works with boards to create reality through natural talents and focused directional shifts. Something, which always remains true is the desire for success. The reality is – it’s something we can impact and it will definitely impact us!

Understanding Corporate Giving

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By Gayle Gross

Companies are more cautious about revealing too much about their philanthropic activities, for fear of:

being inundated with requests they cannot fill.
raising the expectations of potential beneficiaries in a good year.
angering shareholders who may perceive the company’s charitable activity as giving away profits, or who don’t approve of the organizations or causes supported.
losing public support by giving to something considered controversial.

http://granspace.org is a great resource. The information above was borrowed from their website for this article.

Companies giving gifts requires a delicate balance. Engagement on behalf of the non-profit is important PRIOR to an ask.

I worked for a bank and EVERYDAY new requests for donations came in. EVERYDAY is not an exaggeration. I could add 1 – 3 new requests every day and on average it would still be correct. People the bank didn’t know came walking in the door with all of the right tools. The request letter, statement about their need, and a brochure about themselves.

Eventually, companies get the the point where there has to be a “giving back” component to the ask. What is the non-profit giving in return? Over time a strategic system began to develop at the bank. In 2017 the system was named and training others on the program began. There’s one catch. YOU have to SOAR and not be afraid to leave the ground!

At the bank, giving changed. Requests came in and they were strategically organized by which ones we could truly help. The reality was, we didn’t have a lot of money to give at the time. Instead, we did something new. The request would be for $5000 and we’d give $1000 along with resources (training) on how to fundraise $4000 more dollars. I’d sit on non-profit boards, and represent the bank through development functions. In the end, everyone grew market share! People saw the bank helping others in a new way.

SOAR goes above the basics for fundraising and lifts organizations into collaborative partnerships. Businesses, large and small, partner with non-profit(s) to create social impact where everyone benefits.

See what SOAR is…

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Gayle Gross is the founder and CEO of SOAR. It’s time more businesses connect to increase market share. Collaborative Networking Events are making it happen! Email Gayle to learn more: iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com

Partnering for Social Impact Includes Raising Money

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“87% will purchase a product because a company advocated for an issue they cared about and 76% will refuse to purchase a company’s products or services upon learning it supported an issue contrary to their beliefs.” Talk about pressure for businesses. This was taken from a communication case study in 2017.

Corporate social responsibility was defined and now businesses must pay attention. How are businesses you know impacting society? People are paying attention to the causes they support and businesses, in turn, are being more strategic with the money they donate. Talk about pressure for non-profits.

Let’s be real. Even SOAR thinks strategically about the best connections when preparing for a Collaborative Networking Event. We offer an opportunity, which puts businesses and non-profits together. Consider it a selection process or a way to support multiple organizations for growing their programs. A Collaborative Networking Event supports leaders in the community, non-profits and businesses. People interested in having these kinds of events have two options to learn how to do them.

There’s the 1:1 with SOAR ($225 per month) for as many months as it takes to develop the program. The organization paying the invoice determines when they are done.
Or, an organization takes part in a virtual workshop ($129 one time).

We encourage clients to pre-plan how they want to engage in the program. A client is a for-profit or non-profit business – period. They can come onboard individually or together.

FAQ – What’s the best way to learn the system? Depends on who’s learning. The visual presentation through the virtual workshop is great. It does include a follow up call. You just don’t get the 1:1 coaching like a person paying the $225 though.

FAQ – Can we purchase both programs and get the coaching calls included with each? Of course. There’s one call with the virtual workshop and two calls with the 1:1. That’s three calls! Sounds like a smart move. The cost for both. Well, you can do the math!

Learn more about workshops HERE and see if this is what you’re interested in. You are also welcome to send an email with specific questions about 1:1 coaching. iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com

Building Networks to Raise Money is Looking Beyond the Simple Connection

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Increasing market share naturally happens when relationships are established and then cultivated to be effective, as well as, sustainable.

Networking opens doors and then it’s time to look beyond the simple connection to determine the deeper dive, which establishes opportunities for giving back.

SOAR is a system anyone can learn and implement to be more successful when growing their program.

Businesses have gained market share to more than 50% in their community within one year. Non-profits have increased fundraising 126% within four months and 371% within sixteen months.

TRICK of the trade – SOAR

Share your message
Offer opportunities for people to be involved
Accept the way people participate
Respect and appreciate

Spend money where money works. Board development has the potential to grow fundraising by leaps and bounds when the right process is implemented AND it doesn’t take very much of the board’s time!

Something to get started with – turn things inside out before building. Know where your fundraising program needs help.

Break it down
Determine what’s working
Determine if there are items you can improve upon for better results
Dismantle parts taking up too much of your time with no positive results
Feel good about the changes!

The founder and CEO of SOAR works with boards on their fundraising program. Email iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com to schedule an initial call to determine if SOAR is a good fit for you.

Preparing for the ASK – Is fundraising a TREND?

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A trend is the general course of prevailing tendency. If everyone asks for money in the same way is it a trend? Of course it is! Do you think a person you’re asking knows the trend? Of course they do.

Preparing for the ASK is usually a trend. People lean towards:

Researching the person and their circumstances to determine a potential gift
Reviewing patterns of giving history
Examining personal details and developing a strategy
Planning the next move

What if the trend shifted? Do you think the person you’re asking would wonder why? We’re not condoning being your “at-home” self but we are interested in your genuine nature when it comes to producing an effective ask.

Usually, the pattern for an ask begins with small talk, which often sounds very rehearsed. Think of it this way, people are more likely to give to someone they know, like and trust. Building that into the relationship prior to the ask is key. Here’s a short list of tips:

Always do what you say you will
Let people know they are thought about (when an ask doesn’t matter)
Sincerely give back and make it effective
Be genuine

SOAR believes a person is better to resource their natural gifts in every situation and has proven there’s a means to raise more money this way. We are often caught up in the financial goal having to be reached by a certain time and forget we are dealing with people. Human nature takes over in ALL cases. This is a trend that’s sure to last!

SOAR offers services to help you increase the dollars you raise. There are workshops, webinars, 1:1 consultations and team building sessions. email iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com to share your interest.

Seeking 5 Innovative Fundraisers

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SEEKING 5 innovative fundraisers to become winners with SOAR!

SOAR gives back and now, one fundraiser in each of the 5 areas of the U.S. will be selected to learn SOAR’s system without cost. Send an email with “why you” described.

Send no more than 200 words by April 20 to iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com Put “Innovative Fundraiser” in the subject line.

SOAR’s system has the potential to increase gifts 126% in four months and 371% in sixteen months and we want you to WIN the opportunity to participate. The value is $8000! Your simple reason for why you’re a good selection is important. We will do phone interviews beginning April 23.

Areas for selections are diagramed below:

Need Help Raising Money? Do a Monthly!

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A monthly…what is that? It’s a no-long-term commitment month of time where you get what you need to raise more money because WE’VE been in your shoes for a very long time. We’ve heard:

“Double gifts within the next six months.” (Double $23,000, oh my…)

“Raise $7000 within the next two months.” (There’s nothing in place for where to begin, oh my…)

“Raise enough money to cover your salary.” (Oh my, oh my, oh my…)

Losing sleep was the problem for CEO and founder of SOAR, Gayle Gross. She was working in relationship development and fundraising, just like you. The goals were high and they had to be met quickly, which she was able to do…by developing a system. But, that’s not why you’re here.

There’s a program we offer, which helps to get you on track for reaching your financial goal. We call it a “Monthly with SOAR.” There’s no strings attached, no continued commitment. We begin by doing an audit of your current systems because that’s where we find the simple tweaks you can make to shift momentum! Honestly, we do what we do because not everyone has the ability to see things close up, and it’s hard to step back to see things objectively.

You begin a “monthly” by answering a questionnaire. Here’s the beginning:

What is your current individual goal for dollars raised?
By when would you like to achieve this?
How do you prepare for an ask?
What happens after the ask – when you get the money and when you don’t get the money?
And, so on…

We include a Link to pay in an email when you decide to move forward. But, talk to us first to see if it is a good fit. It is $225 for a month of focused direction to achieve your goal. This includes:

Open lines of communication, which means calls are welcome and encouraged. We take and answer questions related to your fundraising program and what you’ve hoping to accomplish
An audit of current systems, which includes suggested areas to tweak for better results
Steps are determined to accomplish goals. And, we put the parameters in place based on the audit and what we work on together
There’s an in-person visit (video conference for people outside Colorado Springs area) and at least one voice call scheduled for coaching
Fundraising templates are shared based on what you need

Denise at ESM in Colorado Springs said just yesterday that the calls really help her focus. She always has so many things going on and we talk once a week for twenty minutes. She feels it helps to get her back on track. She has also taken the bull by the horns and is hosting SOAR’s networking events to get the word out. Again, this is for another day!

Email iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com with your questions or schedule time to chat about a Monthly with SOAR. See the calendar by clicking this link. Gayle is the founder and CEO of SOAR. She takes time to work with everyone to accomplish their goal.

One more example: A major gifts officer from a local college just began this program. The goal is to come to you where you are, metaphorically. We begin at whatever level you’re at; beginning fundraiser or advanced officer with a desire to freshen things up.

Why People Donate & Why They Avoid You if You’re Asking for Gifts

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Have you ever asked people why they give? This can be a donation of time, money, or resources. It is crucial to know why a person gives if you’re looking for donations. It is also important to know why some people may avoid you!

The top reason a person gives, believe it or not, is because someone they know has asked them to give and they want to help. Simple and sweet!

The next eight reasons for why people give, according to experience:

Usually a person or someone they know is affected by what the mission is helping. They donate with a feeling to alleviate need.
People give because of what they get in return. It could be a good feeling, tax benefit, recognition, or some sort of driving force they achieve for another mission
People often feel emotionally moved by someone’s story. It becomes a personal connection and they have a desire to help
A person wants a sense of closeness to a community or group
There’s a desire to memorialize someone
Charitable family traditions – it’s the way a person was brought up
A person wants to leave a legacy
The feeling of being fortunate and wanting to help others

Going back to the TOP reason about why people give; people asking people they know AND getting the donation.

The reality is – there’s a downside. People get tired of being asked again and again to give. The sense of obligation soon subsides and a person being asked begins to avoid the person asking. Take a simple test:

Are your calls going unanswered, again and again?
Do you feel the notes you send get lost in the mail?
Do you leave a lot of voice messages, which are rarely returned?

Answering yes to any of these questions shows there’s a problem. We can help. There’s a quick remedy. Read on.

Develop a fundraising system, which does not rely on the same people giving over and over again because the group you ask continues to grow AND you know them. When you ask – they will give!

At SOAR we work with progressive people and organizations. Become part of our network, Get Free Tips – click here!

We also offer a look at your fundraising system through this quiz. Click here!

Fundraising For a Leader and a Cause

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Theodore Roosevelt made a speech titled “The Leader and The Cause” on October 14, 1912. A portion of that speech is printed here: “I am in this cause with my whole heart and soul. I believe that the Progressive movement is for making life a little easier for all our people; a movement to try to take the burdens off the men and especially the women and children of this country. I am absorbed in the success of that movement.”

This statement was made right after he was shot in an assassination attempt. He took the bullet and then mentioned it takes more than that to kill a bull moose. SOAR offers education for fundraising – for a leader and a cause. As a fundraiser, you have to bite the bullet at times. And, being stronger than a moose certainly is a benefit.

SOAR offers a workshop in Colorado for leaders. This is the location where moose have been seen. Woodland Park, Colorado in July is one of the coolest places around, quite literally. It is usually 12 degrees cooler than Colorado Springs.

While nibbling down…what if someone gave you the tools to say:

In this cause with my whole heart and soul
Making life a little easier for all our people
A movement to try to take the burdens off the men and especially the women and children of this country
I am absorbed in the success

The only way to change results with fundraising is to adjust systems as needed.

SOAR offers the workshop and also other options:

Workshop details on the website
FREE Initial Consultation – Schedule 15 minutes
50-minute call ($1 a minute) to set goals for your program – focused on YOU raising money in your community – email iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.com with your interest
Audit of Systems – $374
Year-long Development – $8000 ($225 gets the program started with the audit of systems)

See more about SOAR!