Being able to attract resources and consistently engage your relationships requires the right mindset and the right formula for engagement. In the first two blog posts of this series I took you on a journey through the stories of some of my clients.
Now it is time to make the vision for your school or organization a reality. It's time to roll up your sleeves and get started. Follow these 10 steps and in no time you will be experiencing your own success story!
How to Get Started
Step #1 – If you don't have a professional case statement that articulates the "essence" of your organization, at least begin by developing an elevator speech that all of your staff and volunteers are comfortable using.
Step #2 – Come together as an organization and have everyone brainstorm five people that might be interested in the work your organization does. Let them know that no one will be asking them for money or taking any action without their permission. They will be involved in any strategy of reaching out to them.
Step #3 – Prioritize those relationships and together determine the best first step (i.e., inviting them for a tour, the spring concert or open house). Again, there is no asking for money going on here.
Step #4 – Strategize a "compelling" experience for them. Don't point out the obvious (i.e., here’s the cafeteria, here’s the gym). Talk about your unique approach and allow them to experience it. Are your teachers more experienced that others? Do you teach based on the latest brain research? Highlight what's special, amazing or unique about your organization.
Step #5 – After the tour, sit down with the person, ask them what they think and "be quiet" as they share their impression and perhaps something personal about themselves. Ask them how they see themselves getting involved. Ask them "Who else needs to know about what we're doing here?" If they offer names, ask them if they could be willing to make a connection.
Step #6 – Provide a packet for them to take home, ask them if you can put them on your list in order to update them with success stories or invite them to another event. Even if they are not interested, they may pass it along to someone else.
Step #7 – Send a personal hand-written thank you note.
Step #8 – If the meeting went well, follow up in one month via phone or email to share something exciting about your organization and to see if they would like to attend an event.
Step #10 – Keep track of everything in a spreadsheet. All relationships need to have a next step and due date. Each week sort the spreadsheet by due date. All of the above should be done in partnership with board members and staff people/teachers.
We Love Success Stories
If you decide to try this, let us know what happens. We love success stories!
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