Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Hi Deni418,

of the customers that gave why don't you focus on two things.

1.) Find out the reason why they gave? The reasons why they gave will lead you to understanding why people give. This answer will eventually lead you to how to approach others who may be potential givers.

2.) Ask the givers to supply you with referrals. Each giver should know at least one other potential giver. If you can get each giver to refer to you only 1 potential person who may give you, could quite possibly double your numbers overnight. Now is there anything else I ca do for you?

Your Servant, Deremiah, *CPE (Customer Passion Evangelist)

Deni,

I know that this is probably not the answer that you want to hear; however, my greatest successes resulted from door to door requests. On my personal time, I managed 2 fund raising campaigns (one for The United Way and one for a non-profit organisation I formed at one of the companies I worked for).
In 3 days of canvassing with 2 people total, we solicited over $10,000 worth of donations and had a success rate of over 75%.
I chose my canvassing team carefully - I looked for people who were personable, very presentable, someone who's not afraid to ask for something (this can be a real challenge for a lot of people), and had charm & charisma. They each had a goal & a set agenda. We often tag teamed - this seemed to work very well.
I also carefully chose the type of businesses I approached based on the type of people who were going to attend my auction. You can have amazing products to bid on, but if they don't appeal to the people bidding...

I'm curious to know what you're raising money for and when you start your fundraising. My experience with fundraising is that the later you wait in the year (i.e. September onwards) the harder it is to get donations from businesses (they've already been approached by many people).

In terms of list management...I agree with Deremiah. Talk to your advocates (those who have donated year after year) - get to know them and why they choose to donate to your auction vs the vast # of other fundraising campaigns that likely happen in your area. This info will be extremely valuable in terms of communication to new prospects and ensuring retention of these businesses. If I had a better idea of what you're raising money for, I might have more suggestions on how to grow your list with qualified prospects.

best of luck!

I'd say for the people that fall under "GAVE PREVIOUSLY BUT NOT NOW". Invite them to attend you event for free if it's a pay per person thing so they can see what they are giving into and who it effects. It's a very personal gesture and will most likely keep them and a long standing donator.
Good Luck.
Brent N.