Fundraising Made Easy

Fundraising. For most people working or volunteering for non-profit organizations, fundraising is a nasty word. Few enjoy it; most dread it and even more fear it! Nevertheless, it is a reality of all non-profit organizations in order to maintain their programs and general operations. Whether you are hosting a big event or a year-long campaign, take a look at the following keys for success. They just might help quell your money-asking fears and turn your next fundraising initiative into a great success.

1. Develop a plan. All great successes start with a well-devised plan. Think strategically and consider all players involved in order to capitalize on organizational talents and connections.

2. Cultivate a “circle of friends” – aka prospective donors. Your organization has an inherent circle of friends that will likely support your fundraising initiatives simply because they believe in your mission. And, you don’t need rich friends either. (Wealth is the least reliable indicator of a potential donor).

3. Make the ask. As part of your strategic plan, you should identify the key players in your organization who would be the best representatives to ask for donations. If you are a smaller operation requiring all involved to solicit donations, devise a value proposition for donors to make it easier to ask. Don’t make it about money but rather the continuation of a cherished service and/or institution.

4. Think and act positively. Keep your head and spirits up throughout the fundraising initiative. A good attitude is contagious and your bottom line will show the effects of that!

Need help spreading the word about a specific fundraising event or generating PR for a campaign or drive? Contact ProMoter Inc. today to learn how a strategic PR plan can help your organization reach its goals.

Is Your Company Missing Its Brand?

BRAND – it is a funny, little 5-letter word that leaves most small business owners scratching their heads with a perplexed expression on their face wondering, “Where is my brand?” It is an easy case to crack, really, and you don’t have to look in the trees or through the big budget catalogs of “brand enthusiasts” to find where your brand has been hiding. In a sense, it is what your company is and has always been. However, there are ways to make that brand more attractive and fresh.

What is a brand? According to the sources at Wikipedia, the word “brand” began simply as a way to tell one person’s cattle from another by means of a hot iron stamp. Today “brand” has evolved to acknowledge the identity of a specific product, service or business. While it is visible through a name, logo, slogan or even color combination, your brand also encompasses the personality and culture of your product, company or service.

What does this means to you? Brands are often a key selling component for a product and/or service. So why does this word affect your business’s bottom line and how can you use it to your benefit? A recognizable brand creates loyalty among its consumers, who are likely to continue to buy from a company with a “brand” they trust. Additionally, a solid brand gives your business credibility in the marketplace.

How do I better my brand? If your business is facing a brand deficit, action is necessary. From a company name change to a logo redesign to the creation of employee brand ambassadors, whether you consider a brand overhaul or a simple makeover, steps taken towards stimulating your brand will have a positive effect on your bottom line. And, once you have your brand in shape, don’t waste any time getting it in front of your target audiences. Many techniques can be very cost effective. For example, a solid social media campaign providing discounts to fans or followers is a free effort, which can build an online community with immense loyalty to your brand. Additionally, Internet marketing such as enewsletters can be done at a low cost with the same effectiveness as direct mail. Furthermore, brand ambassadors (your employees) are an in-house resource that can be cultivated into a vital part of any brand.

Want to do your own brand overhaul? Give ProMoter Inc. a call at (502) 562-1969 or email us at promoter@promoterinc.com to see how we can help turn your business into a brand powerhouse! (And, not to worry, we’ll leave the hot iron stamps on the fire.)

Social Media Etiquette Part 3: Three Traits of a Social Media Expert

Everyone claims to be an expert when it comes to social media these days. However, there is more to navigating the social media space than knowledge of a few tools. If you are considering hiring a “social media expert” to help you with your Internet marketing efforts, you will be interested in Chris Nerney’s blog on Webnewser. In it he outlines the five qualities of a good social media manager. I’ve summarized the best three below for quick digestion.

1. Must understand the technology but love people – Face it, the social media world is full of applications, tools and networks with more popping up every day. And while a basic understanding of these tools is necessary, it is important to focus more on the fact that these tools are being used to communicate your brand and company’s message to your customers. Therefore, be sure you hire someone who is outgoing and can communicate effectively. Social media provides them with the platform to do just that.

2. Must possess intellectual and emotional curiosity – Your social media manager needs to know the details of your company, your products and your brand. However, they must also know how to effectively look at things from another person’s perspective – empathy. This will allow them to create better messages in which your customers can relate.

3. Must think strategically (and communicate the strategy) – If you are thinking about outsourcing your social media efforts, you obviously believe in the strategic potential of this move. Therefore, be sure to find someone who shares in your belief and knows how to communicate that strategy to your customers. This person must also be able to measure the results to determine whether your strategy is working.

Internet marketing is the fastest growing segment of the advertising industry and can produce fast results. However, be weary of self-described “gurus.” Be sure to ask for references and examples of successful campaigns they have implemented to ensure you hire someone with the right skill set.