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The Smile-itsme Song

Monday, September 19, 2011

Fundraising Chair Tips For The Squeamish:

Do not panic. Fundraising is not for the light of heart or squeamish. Now is the time for action and the following plan is a good place to start.

Step 1 Set Yourself a Goal
Know your purpose and what you can be depended upon to do. What are the primary goals of your organization and how many fundraiser dollars are required to meet those goals.

Step 2 Recruit a Support System
Often times fundraising chairs don’t delegate enough of their responsibilities. Recruit a team to support you.

Step 3 Select Your Partner Company
Should you choose the wrong fundraiser company your best intentions will likely fail. No two fundraiser companies are alike, just as no two fundraisers are alike.

Step 4 Finalize The Details
Contact your fundraiser company representative and meet with your fundraising committee to review your plans.

Step 5 Promote The Event
Send a flier home to parents announcing your fundraising goal and when they can expect to receive their brochures or products. Send out email and be sure to make a post on your social network.

Step 6 The Countdown Begins
Touch base with your chosen fundraiser company, school administrators and officials to reconfirm your plans.

Step 7 Enjoy Your Event
Begin by kicking off the event and enjoying the process. If everything goes smoothly you are almost home free. Materials and brochures should now go home to each supporter.

Step 8 Product Delivery
Again, fundraising programs will vary widely. Sometimes products will go home with students and sometimes not.

Step 9 Evaluate Your Event
Did your group meet or exceed financial expectations? Are plans underway toward fulfilling the originally stated goal?

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below.

To learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability. View the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Fundraiser Videos

Evaluating Fundraiser Companies:

When interviewing fundraising companies, be prepared with a list of key questions.
You will want to know the caliber of the fundraising program they offer.

Are the products high in quality and something your organization can be proud to stand behind? Do they offer a sample to touch and feel?

Will the fundraiser program meet your goals?
How will the company's program meet the fundraising goals of your group? What time and energy saving services does the company offer and how much will these services cost?

Will the company provide you with an automated means of taking sales such as a branded website?
How will the program work? Are products paid for in advance or upon delivery? Will the company provide volunteers with easy-to-understand, comprehensive guidelines for record keeping? Is record keeping essential and to what extent?

Lots to compare, and when you do, we are certain you will choose SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers for your next event.

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below.

To learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability. View the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraiser Product Evaluation:

Evaluating products for your fundraiser should involve a few major points of decision making. First should you choose a tangible product like SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers or something less tangible such as candy bars and food items.

Are you stuck making bulk purchases and taking the risk of harboring unsold stock items or should you go with a company such as SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers, where everything is made to order, removing bulk order risk. (No Bulk Pre-Purchases)
Should you go with products that are un-branded or branded products that will display your logo with the added benefit of free advertising.

Do you really want to have your team selling door-to-door, given the security issues involved, or should you go with a company such as SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers that offers their clients a sales website to automate your orders.

Upon careful analysis, we think when you evaluate SIGnaShirt Specialties Fundraisers compared to other fundraiser programs on the market that you will choose to Spread The Power of a Smile with SIGnaShirt Specialties.

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers can increase your profits. Simply click the video link below or view their fundraiser program in action at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.
View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

How To Boost Your Booster Club Fundraiser:

With budgets tightening the first area administrators often cut is their after-school programs and many booster clubs today can only assure their existence by self-funding.
Most booster clubs, like other school groups, have come to rely on fundraising to help pay for their equipment and uniforms as well as their trips to out-of-state tournaments and competitions, often not paid for by membership fees.

Booster clubs are willing to try just about anything to raise money. But selling popular consumer items is one of the most tried-and-true methods available today. In fact, product fundraising programs help non-profit groups, such as booster clubs, raise nearly $1.7 billion each year, according to statistics.

It is often the case that it is up to the booster club president to motivate the parents, coaches, teachers, students and other supporters so rally behind your president. Make sure everyone is moving in the right direction to create a fun and successful event.

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are here to assist your booster club in reaching their goals. With Autograph Shirt Kits and other unique products. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

And you can also view the fundraiser program in action and learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraiser Teenager Tips:

Today, just as it has been for decades, thousands of American teenagers are fundraising to pay for their extra-curricular activities. Yet, getting teenagers enthusiastic about fundraising can be a daunting task for any organization. So SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers has some fundraising tips to help you to motivate the kids.

Sell but sell safely.

Fundraising should be a voluntary activity for students and promoted as such. Once they understand the personal and group rewards from active participation, most kids are willing to step up to the plate. Focus on family, friends, and familiar neighbors. It’s safer and usually yields higher sales.

In fact, most fundraising sales today are made to them, as well as their co-workers. Discourage solo selling without adult supervision. Even older teens should practice safe-selling techniques by working in groups.
Look like a professional.

A nice appearance and identifying apparel with your school or camp logo adds credibility and helps kids make the sale. If possible, try to get the kids to wear a school or camp shirt with your logo on it.

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can help you with those shirts as well as your fundraiser program.

Perfect an introduction.

Coach your kids to never start with the question "Would you like to buy..?" because the standard answer is ‘NO.’ Teenagers should introduce themselves, their group and their groups goal with a major emphasis on the GOAL.

Allen Williams, president of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers says, “With our products, there are so many positive aspects, kids usually aren’t at a loss for words. From the Autograph Memento Shirt Kits to the fun Creativity Craft Kits. The advantages are easy to sell. With selling points like, this product was rated in the Top 18% for Innovation, we are sure their sales will be a breeze.”

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply visit the website at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

To learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability. View the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Keeping Fundraisers Real:

The most successful fundraisers involve those that have clear, well-defined goals. There is nothing more important to your supporters than a goal that not only makes sense to them, but one they have a real desire to promote, one they feel passionate about.

The key to your fundraisers’ success, is having realistic expectations of your profits as well as the enthusiasm of your volunteers and sales force. But, keep it real! Do not try to launch one fundraiser on the heels of the last one or neither will be of much benefit to you. You will quickly dry up the enthusiasm and earn less profit on both programs at the same time.
Allen Williams of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers says, “To keep everyone involved enthusiastic, you may need to hold a pep rally, which involves your key fundraiser players. And you may need to make a very big deal out of their performance and your appreciation of them.

More and more fundraisers fail for one of two reasons. Either they try to do too many fundraisers throughout the year or they fail to recognize their supporters in a way that makes them feel important. In fact, one of the most successful fundraiser ‘thank you’ gifts has always been the SIGnaShirt “Make Your Statement” Autograph Shirt kit, signed by the organization’s staff.”

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can make you feel important, simply click the video link below. And to view the fundraiser program in action and learn why they are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability, visit Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraiser Return Policies:

Sponsors can learn too late that the fundraising company they've contracted with has a different return policy than what they've experienced in the past. Some companies have a strict return policy, while others may be more lenient. We asked ‘SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers’ for their advice on how to avoid surprises at the end of a product sale.

I will quote Allen Williams of SIGnaShirt Specialties, “Sometimes the finer points of a contract are lost in the fervor of making the sale or the excitement of the buyer, so we attach to every contract a one-page summary of important points - including the return policy.
Typically, we accept returns in the case of material flaw conditions. When products are delivered, I tell our customers and our shipping department to make sure they count every piece, before they sign a document when shipping or accepting the delivery.”

“But, (Allen Emphasized) The best way to deal with returns is to avoid them in the first place. We have found by initiating sales through the branded website we provide for our clients… first, they are never pressured to buy excess product and second… we only print, package and ship products already ordered online. Basically we ship according to sales, so there is no excess product for our clients to deal with.”

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers can increase your profits. Simply click the video link below or view their fundraiser program in action at Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraiser Back-Orders and Substitutions:

When interviewing fundraising companies upfront, ask about their policy should an item be back-ordered. Will they let you know as soon as they know there is a problem? And what happens if an item simply isn't available?

Will they make a substitution automatically or will they offer options? What measures will they take to make the process relatively painless for you and your customers?

As a fundraising provider, SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers has formed a strategic alliance with their customers and suppliers. And feel It's critical to maintain credibility with both partners… so they communicate early and honestly with each other so that everyone benefits.

Look for signs of good communication and customer service in your next fundraiser provider. There's nothing worse than not being able to find your sales representative when you have problem. Find out who will provide that support if it's not the sales rep.

And look for companies with a plan and policy in place for trouble shooting and good record-keeping procedures to track orders. With SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers all these systems are automated, online and in place.

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers can increase your profits. Simply click the video link below or view their fundraiser program in action at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraiser Record Keeping Advice:

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers suggest good fundraiser record-keeping should include, written guidelines describing how your particular fundraising program should be conducted. As well as materials, such as order forms, collection envelopes, tally sheets, and other items to help execute your fundraising drive. After all, it is in your best interest that the fundraising chairperson is organized and successful in keeping track of your program's progress.

Each fundraising project file should also contain a permanent record of financial goals, along with the results and number of participants, with records indicating their total work-hours.
And a breakdown of areas of responsibility, support requirements, committee assignments, a list of problems encountered and your recommendations for future improvements.

Allen Williams of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers said, “The best-run fundraisers submit reports a few weeks after the event. And these reports should contain anything that involves the fundraiser, no matter how immaterial it may seem at the time. Even keeping copies of fliers that were sent to supporters and memos to volunteers, you never know when these might turn out to be important things to know or use in the future.

Once the fundraiser project has been evaluated and a report filed, it's a good idea to provide a copy to the administrator as well as SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser Company or the company with whom you’ve partnered. That way everybody is in the loop and ready to make the future fundraising activities better than before.”

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below. Or you can view the fundraiser program in action and learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraisers, Consumables or Products?

Things to consider in deciding on a fundraiser product are to first decide, if you would like to offer your supporters, consumables or consumer products. Making the choice of consumer product based fundraisers has grown exponentially, and rightfully so.

For in consumer goods, the buyer finds value that remains long after the fundraiser ends. Where with other perishable items, such as candy and fruits, magazines or wrapping paper, the gratification of ownership quickly dissolves.

Allen Williams, president of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers said, “Consumer goods is driving the fundraiser programs across the country and the leader in innovative and design is SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers. Rated in the Top 18% by the Innovation Institute, for product Innovation and Marketability.

And our products are not perishable such as refrigerated and frozen foods, so shelf-life is not a problem. But, (he went on to say) the most important gratification I get, is watching the kids faces as they paint and color on their Creativity-Craft Shirts.”

With product based fundraisers popularity rising, SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers fit the market perfectly and come branded with your logo. Along with a custom sales website provided to each of their clients to streamline sales, the safety issues of door-to-door selling is non-existent.

If it’s a Autograph Memento Shirt kit for your next reunion or graduation. Or the uniqueness of the custom branded Creativity Craft kits for your next event, SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers fit perfectly.

For all events from family and school reunions, graduations, and even retirement and birthday parties. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your event or organization, simply click the video link below.

To learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability. View the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Why A Fundraiser Agreement:

Allen Williams, President of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers says, “When making fundraising decisions, fundraising groups should think of themselves as small businesses. Particularly product sales, can bring in thousands of dollars, and written contracts are one safeguard against any misunderstandings.”

He feels it protects both parties and secures them in getting what they asked for and expect. And often-times a signed agreement is the first order of business but the final point of reference should questions arise. In fact, SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers even notes on their agreement, the purpose of the fundraiser and what the profits will be used for.

“Although it might make a school, camp, club or reunion nervous to sign anything. They should understand it benefits both parties and merely clarifies their agreement. If the group is not satisfied with the fundraiser product provider, they know they can always cancel the agreement within a given time-frame, which should give them added security,” Allen Williams said recently.

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below. To learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability.

View the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you with SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers, at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

7 Highly Effective Habits For Fundraisers:

1. Be proactive. Motivated fundraisers are successful fundraisers. Truly motivated volunteers never wait to be asked. They’re often the first to identify the fact that funds are needed for specific projects. Likewise, they’re usually the first to take action to meet those needs.

2. Begin with the end in mind. Successful fund-raising projects and the people who drive them are supremely goal-oriented. They are, from beginning to end, focused on the reason why the group is fund-raising and take every opportunity to remind volunteers of why they are fund-raising.

3. Put first things first. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to set priorities without losing track of the details, is one of the most common traits found in successful fund-raising chairpersons. Good math skills and comfort in handling money also are important.

4. Think win-win. Successful fund-raising programs have at their core a trusting relationship between the volunteer at the helm of the fund-raising drive and the fundraiser provider representative with whom they are working. It’s what Covey describes as the “you help me, I help you” concept. If the fund-raising sponsor and the professional they’ve hired both believe in this concept, the non-profit group or organization will benefit.

5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. When problems arise (and they always do), it’s great if the person at the helm is unflappable with good people skills. Effective fundraising chairs are good listeners, therefore, excellent communicators and problem solvers.

6. Synergize. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts; therefore, successful fund-raising coordinators are good at team-building and understand the importance of a diverse committee. Work to make sure that each member’s strengths offset the weaknesses of others, with a good mix of new and experienced volunteers.

7. Sharpen the saw. Exhausted volunteers are commonplace. To stay fresh, keep a good balance between the professional, family and volunteer parts of your life. Heading up a fund-raising drive can be time consuming. Prepare for it. And always have a backup — someone in training ready to take over when your job is done.

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can assist you in a trouble-free fundraiser event. Simply click the video link below or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com to view an example fundraiser website they provide their customers, and learn of all the advantages they have in store for you.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraiser Dos & Don’ts at The Workplace:

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers has some ideas for tasteful workplace fundraising to pass on to your parent volunteers. Target Your Sales.

There are three kinds of fundraising customers: Those who have shown an interest in your products, those who have purchased from you before, and those from whom you've purchased items.

Be selective about who you approach and focus proactive efforts on these three potential customers. Make sure these in-person appeals to co-workers are only made during work breaks and lunch hours. And be aware that the higher you are on the corporate ladder, the harder it is to prevent people who work for you from feeling pressured to buy something.
Display Creatively.

Try displaying your fundraising items in a festive basket or alongside themed props. For example, put candy bars in a festive basket with a baseball and glove alongside a photo of your child in the team uniform with a sign that says, “Buy this candy to support little Billy’s dream to “play sports.”

And remember to thank your supporters. By boosting your sales in a fun and positive way, you might want to include a personalized ‘thank you’ card with each sale made, possibly signed by ‘Billy’.

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below.

To learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability. View the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraiser Goal-Setting Tips:

Like any successful business enterprise, a successful fundraiser BEGINS with a clearly defined goal. Having a good product at a fair price will help but, to motivate volunteers and secure community support, a fundraising drive needs a purpose — something to rally behind.
A worthwhile fundraiser goal might read: One hundred percent of the fundraising proceeds from the bake sale will benefit the new “Eco-Garden” planned for Spring to help your group’s hands-on environment learning experience.

And your organization expects to raise $16,000 by October 31, through the team sale by parents, members and students of custom branded Autograph-Memento and Creativity-Craft Kits to be delivered by SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers.

Notice that this goal is two-fold in that it relates to how the money will be spent, which answers the question of why hold a product fundraiser in the first place. Secondly it relates the who, what, when and how as much as it pertains to achieving the goal. The most successful fundraiser programs, set a goal that is important to everyone who participates.

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can assist you in meeting your fundraiser goals. Simply click the video link below or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com to view a fundraiser example website, which describes how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit you.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Fundraising Philosophy, More Isn’t Better:

“Some fundraisers are implemented to hire more teachers and reduce class size. Others to raise money for supplies for the school or camp. Not that this isn’t a needed use of the funds, but to stir kids’ passion, this might be detrimental to the profit margin of your fundraiser. The worthier the cause, the more support you will find for that cause”.

With so many working families today, there is only so much time and money to go around. There are only so many fundraisers parents and supporters are willing to be involved with throughout the year, so focus on less events and do those events to the best of your ability.

A common misperception is that more fundraising will make more money. And some organizations make the mistake of running a smaller program that returns very little profit, prior to kicking off a larger campaign. This type of back-to-back fundraising can shortchange both programs. It can backfire with an unprofitable result on the small program and, further, taint participation for the “big” fundraiser that can “show you the money.”

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit you, simply click the video link below. And you can also visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com to view a fundraiser example website, which describes SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers in action. And learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you and why their products are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Measuring Fundraiser Goals:

The most obvious barometer of fundraiser success, is whether you met your financial goal. If you expected to raise $20,000 from a fundraising program’s success and you didn’t, it’s important to figure out why. Maybe the goal was set too high. Or perhaps it was based on “possible” rather than “probable” profits.

Often times a fundraiser product sales rep, might over-inflate the revenue you should expect as a profit from your fundraiser, all in their efforts to make the sale. Well, that’s not your fault and shouldn’t happen, if you are working with a reputable company.

Allen Williams of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers said, “we do our best to under-estimate when dealing with our clients, as our motto is under-promise and over-deliver. We aren’t in business for just one fundraiser program but many repeat fundraising opportunities”.

A sales rep may claim that you can make $50,000 on their product and you end up setting that as your goal, but maybe that’s not realistic. A realistic goal needs to be based on the number of sales volunteers and members you have in your group.

And you also need to look at the motivation of volunteers and administrators. Even, the nature of the economy and very inclement weather or a natural disaster may affect your proceeds.
SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below and learn why they are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability.

Or you can also view the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

Reaching Fundraiser Goals in Weak Economy:

Most people would say the slumping U.S. economy is a topic better suited for CNN than PTO. But the slumping economy is certainly having an impact on schools, camps and other non-profit budgets. It will influence how much money your group needs to raise and how it is spent.

Because discretionary spending has declined among most American households, it’s more important than ever to get the most “bang for your buck” by running efficient and profitable fundraisers.

Reduce Fundraising Clutter

Regardless of the economic situation, parent groups always try a lot of different approaches to raising money. Everything from collecting box tops and soup labels, to school carnivals, product sales, raffles, walk-a-thons, and car washes. Unfortunately, these activities all generate fundraising clutter – and the more fundraising your group does, the more clutter it accumulates.

In today’s economic climate, it’s vital that your group reduce its fundraising clutter. Supporters are already apprehensive about spending or contributing more money. If they develop apathy, then it becomes even tougher to meet your fundraising goals.

When evaluating your fundraising options, consider that a recent survey shows 8 out of 10 parent groups sell popular consumer items to raise money which is called ‘product fundraising’.
6 out of 10 say it’s the most profitable method for raising money with each year schools earning nearly $2 billion through product sales and SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers fit the current economy perfectly in every respect.

Identify the Finish Line

Set a specific beginning and ending date for primary fundraising activities and stick to it. Without a clear target date, your fundraiser will drag on, often without direction.

Keep Energy Levels High

Communicate before, during and after the program and remind parents, students, teachers and other volunteers of your fundraiser goals and deadlines by providing regular status reports and updates.

Remember To Say “Thanks!”

Don’t forget to thank all your supporters and let them know when the fundraiser goal was met and how the profits were spent. After all, it wouldn’t have been possible without their support.

Have fun!

With the right approach, fundraising itself can bring ownership and pride to everyone involved!
For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers boost profits while creating a ‘Fun Event’ at the same time, simply click the video link below or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com to view a fundraiser example website, provided to clients of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

A Pitch-Proof Fundraiser Secret:

There is a secret to a Pitch-Proof Fundraiser, but first you have to rehearse the sales pitch, make sense? Well, we’ll explain, but first have everyone practice your group's sales pitch at home, making sure the goal is stated. Fine tune your two-sentence value proposition and make sure that every seller uses it.

Allen Williams of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers said, “Concerning sales pitches. I don’t like to refer to it as a ‘pitch’ because for me, it’s only drawing attention to the benefits of the product and the term ‘pitch’ just seems to have a different connotation.

With our products, I have found to simply state the benefits without the pitch works quite well, but you have to have the right product. Consider our Promotional Fundraiser product line. First they are custom printed with the organization’s logo which provides free advertising. Then they are completely unique, rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability. By the time we get to the fun aspect, they easily envision the kids painting, coloring or signing our shirts and they’re sold on the spot.

So the pitch are the product benefits to me, nothing more, but you have to have the right product. And making your products easy to order, is also the secret to a successful fundraiser. At SIGnaShirt Fundraisers, we custom brand a sales website for our clients which only displays the products they wish to promote in their fundraiser.

What we found was by allowing today’s technology to work for us. We have eliminated the safety issues with door-to-door sales completely and removed that from the equation. But we also experience the sales and profits go up, because the purchasing process is just so easy.”
SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below.

To learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability. View the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

View All 30 Free Fundraising Tips Videos

One Big Fundraiser Don’t Do:

If your group presents a quality product like the Autograph-Memento or Creativity-Craft Kits to the community, to which the buyers respond favorably, your profit will stay consistent and grow through the years.

Parents, friends and relatives will actually look forward to your annual sale, increasing their order from year to year, telling their friends how good the products are. Often-times a school, camp, club or team may change their fundraising companies annually, thinking that another company or program might work better.

However, if the quality of products is inconsistent or service provided is inferior, community trust is broken. The buyer or fundraiser supporter will lose confidence in the products you are providing and, therefore, the credibility of your organization will suffer greatly.

People are less likely to support your follow-up fundraiser due to the fact that they felt dissatisfied which is a difficult task for any fundraising organization to recover from. It takes years to build community loyalty and support! If something works for you, stay with it!
Your focus should be on what will cause the kids to get the products out of their backpacks and out of their football or cheerleading gear bags. The chance for something to happen is great if they get the product flyer out of their bags and into the hands of mom or dad.

Once in the right hands, your fundraiser program has to cover a wide variety of interests, appealing to singles, moms, dads, older adults, teenagers, adolescents, and children. Then the program has to cover categories of interest that have real value, like apparel and mementos.
More variety means more selling tools on the front line with four Autograph-Memento and Creativity-Craft kits to choose from. But it still all comes back to motivating the kids to take the brochure out of the backpack. Strong incentives and a good product mix work well to create a successful fundraiser.

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers boost profits and promote your organization at the same time, simply click the video link below or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com to view a fundraiser example website, which describes how SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers work.

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Seven Steps When Fundraiser Ends:

The ending of your fundraiser can be almost as exciting as the event, if you follow some simple steps and pay lots of attention to those that made it happen.

Be sure to reward all your volunteers who participated and supported you in your event, even if it can only be with acknowledgment. Make it known and make it important so everyone feels their participation really mattered.

Parent volunteers can sometimes feel left off the appreciation loop so don’t let this happen. Make sure to send a personal note of your appreciation for their support.
You might even express your gratitude in a tangible way, with a pair of complimentary passes to the next ticketed event, or an Autograph Shirt from SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers with your organization’s logo on it.

Say it loud and state it clearly in your newsletters, in your email announcements, as well as online through your social networks. Make sure everyone who assisted in your event is acknowledged and appreciated.

And don’t forget to remind everyone who much fun your event was. If you created a contest with a SIGnaShirt Fundraiser Creativity-Craft Shirt Kit. Let everyone know who the winner was that created the most unique shirt. And ask everyone involved how future events can be improved upon.

To learn how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers puts the Fun back in Fundraisers, simply click the video link below or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. And find out why their products are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability.

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How To Find Fundraiser Volunteers:

Your volunteers can be found at your drop off or pickup area, at the neighborhood function or monthly social gathering. And you might want to display a large poster signup sheet in the hallway, listing your areas of need.

During the initial meeting, line up a healthy reserve of volunteers who rotate throughout the year. But remember, individuals should not be called on for more than one or two fundraisers a year, so that they don’t get burned out.

Busy parents don’t always have your organization’s calendar on their mind. Make folders describing your mission, the people on the team and their contact information. And include a snapshot of the year’s calendar of activities.

Parents who may not warm up to a fundraiser may find it easier to get involved in raising funds for their child’s specific grade level or troop if you target your audience.
And praise goes a long way. Some ideas on how you might acknowledge your volunteers, might be, a prime parking spot with a big sign that says “Reserved for Volunteer of the Week”. Or you might feature a story, complete with pictures of your volunteers, on your website, or in your newsletters and blogs.

Another way to express your gratitude might be an Autograph Shirt Day with one of the SIGnaShirt Fundraiser autograph mementos, with personal messages of appreciation written on the shirts.

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can assist in creating memories of appreciation, simply click the video link below or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

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How To Prevent Fundraiser Burnout:

When it come to fundraisers, do less and do those better. Don't make constant pleas just for the sake of fundraising. Communicate early on your goals and fundraising plans for the year. Your supporters are more willing to support you, if they understand and support a few tangible goals, not a dozen throughout the year.

The vast majority of Americans still support fundraisers that they find are for a good cause. Statistics of 2005 to 2006 state that 8 out of 10 Americans, and 9 out of 10 parents, purchased a consumer item to support a fundraiser. This is pretty good news we thought, so we asked Allen Williams of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers his opinion.

Allen said, “The flip side to statistics is over half of the supporters of fundraisers only purchased products two times or less throughout the year. And I think this is the obstacle facing organizations that they need to overcome. Most just do too many fundraisers throughout the year and burnout their audience. My suggestion is that they not only do fewer fundraisers but they choose their products as well as their events more carefully. I have seen many fundraiser events that were not very exciting if I can be polite. While on the other-hand I have also witnessed our custom Autograph Shirts used at conventions, reunions and graduations that were a huge success, not only as far as excitement and enjoyment but also as a huge revenue builder for the organization.”

SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are perfect for family and school reunions, graduations, and events of all kinds. For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below. To learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability. View the SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraiser program in action at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

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Fundraiser Success And Hidden Fees:

To ensure Fundraiser Success, your initial focus is to establish a clear financial goal. By knowing how much money you need to raise, it will help you choose the right fundraiser company.
Don't let your organization's profits be eaten away by "hidden" costs, and ask questions ahead of time so you can make the necessary decisions concerning your fundraiser’s budget.

Allen Williams of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers said, “Hidden fees are something he personally can’t stand. He said he purchases items online all the time and knows how maddening hidden fees can be. At SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers, they have removed the hidden fee surprises and consider it just good business.”

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers surprise you with innovation instead of hidden fees, simply click the video link below. And you can also view the fundraiser program in action and learn why they are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

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How to Select The Best Fundraiser Product:

Product fundraising has been around for over a century. It typically involves the purchase and re-sale of a popular consumer product or products by a group whereupon, the group sponsoring the sale keeps a portion of the gross sales.

Products can be purchased in bulk and paid for in advance by the organization, then re-sold to supporters. The problem with bulk buying is the potential risk involved with getting stuck with inventory that didn’t sell.

One of the basic questions an organization or group must answer is, "What are we going to sell?" There are virtually thousands of products available for fundraising programs. These can range from items such as candy, cookies and other edibles, to wrapping paper, magazines and a wide range of gifts and novelties. When narrowing down the product choices, insist on high-quality merchandise and services.

Allen Williams, president of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers said, “Concerning quality, our printing and packaging involves a two-step process. The quality is checked at the printing stage and then re-checked again upon packaging so our returns are very low. And concerning the comparison of our product with refrigerated and frozen foods, well there is no comparison.
Our products are not perishable and nothing compares to the fun activity of kids painting or coloring shirts and creating wearable art like our Creativity-Craft Kits. And by imprinting our clients logo directly on each shirt, we found we also create a promotional item, offering our clients the added bonus of free advertising.

Or take our Autograph Shirt Kits for example. Kids and adults, can autograph the shirts, to keep as a memento. And they are safe products, sold through a branded website which removes the worry of door-to-door safety issues.”

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can benefit your organization, simply click the video link below. And you can also view the fundraiser program in action and learn why SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

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How to Find a Fundraising Company:

Selecting the right fundraising company is a critical step toward your program's success. In some areas, dozens of companies offer a myriad of fundraising products and services. This creates difficulty sometimes in choosing the right fundraising company that will fit your organization. One that will offer you special advantages.

While service is a critical consideration when evaluating a fundraising company, there are also many other factors to consider. Such as, do they offer something new and unique that has not been over-sold in the past? Do they provide you with a means to sell the products, which is safe and does not involve door-to-door sales? Do they offer a product that is fun, one that creates an exciting event? And finally, are their products perishable or non-perishable?
We believe SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers meets all these requirements and more, while building self-esteem, creativity, and providing free advertising. Rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability, there is actually nothing like them on the market today and they come branded with your logo!

Allen Williams, President of SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers said, “refrigerated and frozen foods - from pizza and cheesecakes to cookie dough have been very popular products for fundraisers, yet nothing compares to the fun activity of our Creativity-Craft Shirt Kits. And by imprinting our clients logo directly on each shirt we found we also create a unique promotional item. Or take for example, our Autograph Shirt Kits that kids can sign and keep as a memento. And they are safe products, unlike perishable, digestible food products where one has the worry of door-to-door safety issues and tampering. With SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers the ‘perishable items’ problem is no longer a concern because our products are not perishable. And our quality? Well, that consists of a double-check system.

And our products are unique, one-of-a-kind, but we don’t stop there… we also provide our clients with an automated sales webpage to streamline their sales.”

For additional information on how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can streamline your sales, simply click the video link below. And you can also visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com to view a fundraiser website in action. Learn of all the advantages that’s in store for you at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

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Why Promote Product Fundraising:

Product fundraising usually involves a professional fundraising company, such as SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers and often a sales representative, who serves as liaison between the company and volunteers.

Your chosen fundraiser company should provide advice, trouble-shooting, support, guidance, and unique and custom products. As well as other valuable services that can reduce volunteer time and energy and maximize sales.

Schools, camps, clubs, and other large organizations raise nearly $2 billion each year through sales of new and unique products. The money helps pay for facility upgrades and services that educate and enrich young people’s lives. Important things, which are not always covered by shrinking budgets.

Millions of parents and young people participate in product fundraising programs each year. Research has found 75 percent of Americans - and 8 out of 10 parents - purchase fundraising products. And the vast majority of fundraising sales are made to family and friends.
Successful fundraising drives do not rely on children knocking on doors, but rather children and their parents asking for support from family, neighbors and friends.
Or possibly ordering your products online, at a branded fundraiser website, just one of the many advantages with SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers.

A well-run fundraising drive should be an experience that builds self-esteem and promotes your organization, while creating team spirit. By creating an Autograph Shirt Day for your graduates or during the year, is one way to create a fun event while promoting your organization at the same time.

While there are hundreds of potential fundraising products that maximize your financial return, some are better than others. For example, SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers provide you with an automated and branded sales website to streamline your sales. This not only increases your sales and profits but also provides a means of initiating orders that is safe and doesn’t involve door-to-door sales.

To find out how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers simplifies your sales, simply click the video link below. Or learn of all their advantages and why their products are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability by visiting their interactive fundraiser website, at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com.

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Setting Your Fundraiser Financial Goals:

Identifying specific needs and setting financial goals are vital first steps in conducting a successful fundraising campaign. With a clear understanding of how much money is needed and how it will be used, volunteers will be motivated and focused.

Clearly stated financial goals also will give the fundraising program a benchmark for success. Too often, fundraising coordinators equate financial success with the percentage of gross sales that their group will keep. While the percent of sales is important, there are many other factors that should be considered at the same time.

For example, one company may offer the fundraising organization 50 percent of gross sales, compared to another offering only 20 percent. The "20% company" may be providing valuable services (e.g., incentive programs, consulting, sales WebPages, timely delivery of merchandise, custom packing for individual orders) that save volunteer time or increase sales. And the 20% company may also have a higher retail price product to offer which leaves you with a higher net profit.

The company offering the lower percentage may also have a product so superior in quality and enjoyment, that the increased sales volume will net more money for the group. It may benefit you to choose a program that offers a smaller percentage if the added value of the overall program (including services) will more effectively achieve your group's goals.

Remember: percentage does not translate into profit. If a company is offering a smaller percentage of the sales, on a higher sale price product, your net sales dollars increases.
Among the services available to organizations eager to reach their financial goals, is the option to include a reward or "incentive" program. Although the organization's goal can be incentive enough for some volunteers, often prize and reward programs can be a valuable addition to the fundraising program. The best incentives will increase participation and, therefore, profits for the organization. They add fun and excitement and will get more volunteers involved.

Rewards can be based on actual sales by individuals, families, classrooms, teams, or the reward may be as simple as a "thank you" gift for helping you to assist your goals, such as a custom SIGnaShirt Specialties Autograph-Memento or Creativity-Craft Kit with your name or logo on it.
To learn more about our SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers, simply click the video link below or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com for an interactive instructional website, which further describes the sales webpage SIGnaShirt Specialties provides you to increase your sales.

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Putting The Fun in Fundraiser Ideas:

Raising your fundraiser sales and boosting volunteer involvement are two of your primary tasks when conducting a fundraiser. While product sales have been proven to be among the most efficient and profitable of fundraising methods. A never-ending parade of fundraisers throughout the year could easily result in supporter and volunteer burnout.

Don’t Burn’em Out

Most supporters are dedicated to contributing to your activities and many more will participate if you make your fundraiser a fun event. Maybe by holding an awards dinner banquet each year or holding a family night at the local pizzeria, where you can acknowledge the volunteers and the events they sponsored.

By continually inventing new fun events, you will keep the energy and morale high. Maybe an idea of how to show gratitude to your hard-working volunteers while also boosting the fun factor, is to have a Creativity Craft Shirt Day. All the participants can color or paint the SIGnaShirt Fundraiser Creativity-Craft Kit shirts embellished with your logo. You may even want to give out a prize for the most original shirt made.

Or have an Autograph Shirt Day to commemorate your fundraiser, organization and volunteers, and let everyone “make their statements’ on the shirts bearing your organization’s logo. This will not only create a fun event for your organization, but will also create a one-of-a-kind item for each parent and volunteer.

To learn how SIGnaShirt Promotional Fundraisers can help you in creating a fun event, simply click the video link below. Or to find out why SIGnaShirt Fundraisers are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability visit their interactive fundraiser website, at http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com

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Build Fundraiser Support Through Technology:

Technology today is not what it used to be. No longer are fundraiser organizations left sending flyers and letters in the kids backpacks to take home to their parents. Today we have social media and it has changed everything as far as how we get our message out to the world.
Through social media networks, blogs, forums and RSS feeds we can generate interest in fundraiser needs, goals and send thanks to participants. By utilizing these technologies any organization can affordably build a fundraising campaign and update members at the click of a button. Communication and collaboration is effective with people across the globe.

According to statistics, nearly two thirds of online Americans use social media. In addition, a new national survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, found that internet users are more likely to participate in volunteer groups and organizations and reach out to other members than non-users.

Survey results showed that 80 percent of internet users – including 82 percent of social network users and 85 percent of Twitter users – say they participate in a voluntary group or organization, compared with 75 percent of all U.S. adults.

If you’re fundraiser involves SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraiser products, keep updating your Facebook status, so it pops with you news feeds and quickly raises awareness. People will contact you that don’t even have children and your audience will grow.

To learn how SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers use technology to follow-up with clients, fulfill orders, or increase your sales through your own branded website, simply click the video link below. Or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com to view an example fundraiser website they provide their clients. And find out why their products are rated in the Top 18% for Innovation and Marketability.

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Fundraiser Support Ideas:

If you are looking to build support for your fundraiser, gifts go a long way.

At the end of the year, set aside a few dollars from each fundraiser to pay for a banquet or barbecue family day for all of the hard-working volunteers.

Send out a copy of your calendar of events with complimentary tickets to community events like carnivals, spaghetti dinners, auctions, family nights and other support building programs.
You may also want to consider using the SIGnaShirt Specialties Fundraiser Autograph Mementos Shirt Kits to commemorate your volunteers hard work. All the volunteers and staff can sign their shirts with their statements of appreciation and enjoyment of the event they shared.
Another idea is to purchase some space in your local newspaper to run a thank you ad. Be sure it mentions how the fundraising dollars will be spent, plus the names of the volunteers. This has the added bonus of building self-esteem and goodwill at the same time.

Show the fundraiser volunteers what they’ve accomplished by taking a photograph of fundraising dollars “at work,” such as a group of students or members in the new community garden or playground, or athletes practicing on an enhanced field and include it in the next newsletter.
You can also send home a fundraising “Report Card”.

On the last day of school or camp you can send a letter home with students and members, listing the enrichment programs, school or camp activities and purchases funded by your supporters. Be sure it includes a personal thank you from the president, principal or organizer.

SIGnaShirt Specialties wishes you success and enjoyment with your future fundraisers. To learn of all the advantages in store for you with the SIGnaShirt Specialties Promotional Fundraisers, simply click the video link below or visit http://www.Fundraiser.Deco-Craft.com for an interactive website view.

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