Sales Tips For School Fundraisers by alexwhalley
As a school administrator you find yourself wearing many hats. Not only are you the Principle, but your also the bookkeeper, playground monitor, counselor, and much more. Professional educators are aware of and prepared to handle the many situations that are thrown at them on a daily basis. However, there is one hat many school administrators aren't always prepared to wear - sales manager.
School fundraisers are an essential part of running a school. But conducting a successful school fundraiser isn't always an easy task. There are a lot of crucial decisions that go into managing a successful fundraiser. There's brainstorming school fundraising ideas selecting the right fundraising partner, and organizing and distributing materials. But hosting a lucrative and rewarding fundraiser doesn't stop there. It's up to the Principle or group leader to also work with the kids and parents to get the most out of the fundraising opportunity.
As a career sales manager I've dealt with the challenges of motivating and leading my sales teams to reaching and exceeding revenue goals. Its no easy task to be certain and the top sales managers have years of experience in the psychology of getting the most out of their employees. However there are some things you can do to get your students and parents excited and engaged in your school's fundraiser.
First, don't assume all fundraisers are the same. Choosing the right fundraiser products will go a long way in determining the success of your individual fundraiser. A car wash or gift wrap will only net you so many dollars. The same can be said for the usual fundraiser sales such as wrapping paper and chocolate. Parents and neighbors are used to seeing dozens of these packets come home on a regular basis. The lack of interest from fundraisers past can stick around and lead your "sales team" to an uninspired effort. On the contrary choosing an exciting or innovative product line for your fundraiser will spark your students', and parents' curiosity and excitement. Brainstorm fundraising ideas with your staff and volunteers. Find something you all agree to be exciting and different, you'll be sure to have more success this way.
Second, share the plan. Chances are you are holding your fundraiser for a specific cause. You might be raising money for new instruments for the music department, or uniforms for the basketball team, or even working towards getting a new piece of playground equipment. Let the students know what the money you raise will go towards. Knowing how their efforts will affect the school will help to place a greater value on raising the most money possible in the minds of the students and their families.
Finally, stay engaged. Your job as fundraising director/sales manager is not complete once the order forms hit the Formica desktops. At this point you need to act as head cheerleader to the cause. Update the students and faculty daily as to the progress of the fundraiser. Let them know how close they are to reaching your goal. Acknowledge extraordinary achievements in the daily announcements. Students love praise and having their name called over the loud speaker for doing a great job, or posted on the school marquee is a great way to motivate them. Engage the community and let them know where you stand in terms of reaching your goals. Encourage teachers to discuss the fundraiser during class. By keeping everyone engaged and interested your fundraiser is bound to go further and raise more money than years past.
Principles have a difficult job. Schools are often overpopulated and under-budgeted. Administrators have to rely on fundraisers and donations to help sustain programs and buy much needed equipment and supplies. These fundraisers are a critical part of running a flourishing school. Follow these simple tips the next time your school decides to throw a fundraiser and you're sure to raise record amounts for that new playground or library collection.
School fundraisers are an essential part of running a school. But conducting a successful school fundraiser isn't always an easy task. There are a lot of crucial decisions that go into managing a successful fundraiser. There's brainstorming school fundraising ideas selecting the right fundraising partner, and organizing and distributing materials. But hosting a lucrative and rewarding fundraiser doesn't stop there. It's up to the Principle or group leader to also work with the kids and parents to get the most out of the fundraising opportunity.
As a career sales manager I've dealt with the challenges of motivating and leading my sales teams to reaching and exceeding revenue goals. Its no easy task to be certain and the top sales managers have years of experience in the psychology of getting the most out of their employees. However there are some things you can do to get your students and parents excited and engaged in your school's fundraiser.
First, don't assume all fundraisers are the same. Choosing the right fundraiser products will go a long way in determining the success of your individual fundraiser. A car wash or gift wrap will only net you so many dollars. The same can be said for the usual fundraiser sales such as wrapping paper and chocolate. Parents and neighbors are used to seeing dozens of these packets come home on a regular basis. The lack of interest from fundraisers past can stick around and lead your "sales team" to an uninspired effort. On the contrary choosing an exciting or innovative product line for your fundraiser will spark your students', and parents' curiosity and excitement. Brainstorm fundraising ideas with your staff and volunteers. Find something you all agree to be exciting and different, you'll be sure to have more success this way.
Second, share the plan. Chances are you are holding your fundraiser for a specific cause. You might be raising money for new instruments for the music department, or uniforms for the basketball team, or even working towards getting a new piece of playground equipment. Let the students know what the money you raise will go towards. Knowing how their efforts will affect the school will help to place a greater value on raising the most money possible in the minds of the students and their families.
Finally, stay engaged. Your job as fundraising director/sales manager is not complete once the order forms hit the Formica desktops. At this point you need to act as head cheerleader to the cause. Update the students and faculty daily as to the progress of the fundraiser. Let them know how close they are to reaching your goal. Acknowledge extraordinary achievements in the daily announcements. Students love praise and having their name called over the loud speaker for doing a great job, or posted on the school marquee is a great way to motivate them. Engage the community and let them know where you stand in terms of reaching your goals. Encourage teachers to discuss the fundraiser during class. By keeping everyone engaged and interested your fundraiser is bound to go further and raise more money than years past.
Principles have a difficult job. Schools are often overpopulated and under-budgeted. Administrators have to rely on fundraisers and donations to help sustain programs and buy much needed equipment and supplies. These fundraisers are a critical part of running a flourishing school. Follow these simple tips the next time your school decides to throw a fundraiser and you're sure to raise record amounts for that new playground or library collection.
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