Need Help? Tap Into Your Circle of Influence
If you’re planning a charity event or raising money to participate in one, you’ve probably figured out by now that you can’t do it alone. You need people – either as volunteers or donors – to meet your fundraising goals.
The number of people we can approach, which is sometimes called our “circle of influence,” is almost always larger than we first surmise. Often, we think that if we talk to our significant other, our immediate family, and our closest friends, then that’s all we can really do.
It’s easy to fall into this trap. We don’t want to ask for money from people we don’t really know, and we don’t want to impose on people whose opinions matter to us. But remember, you’re not asking for money so you can buy yourself a new pair of shoes or so you can blow it on a Super Bowl party. You’re asking for money so you can make a difference in the world by contributing to a good cause. Keep this in mind, and you’ll come across as sincere and confident in your requests for help.
To tap into your circle of influence, answer the following questions:
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Where do you work? Are there co-workers at your company who would be willing to donate to your cause?
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What are your hobbies? Do you regularly meet with people who share your hobbies?
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If you have kids, where do they go to school? What parents or school personnel do you know?
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Do you have kids in daycare? Are there parents or child care workers there who could help?
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Are you a member of a health club or gym? Perhaps your weight lifting buddy or members of your aerobics class would be interested in your cause.
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Do you go to a place of worship? Would members of your worship community rally behind your cause?
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Do you participate in activities within your neighborhood or subdivision? Would your neighbors be willing to donate?
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Which grocery stores and other shops do you frequent? Are you friends with the management at any of these places? Would they let you post an announcement about your event or team?
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What are your favorite restaurants and night spots? Perhaps the people you dine and hang out with would want to help you out.
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Which teller do you go to at your bank? Which postal worker do you approach at the post office? These people know and trust you, and they may be willing to donate.
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Are you a member of a club or civic group? Be sure to mention your involvement in the charity event when you attend your group’s meetings.
What did you come up with? I’ll bet that your circle of influence is much larger than you first imagined. Now tap into it and reach your fundraising goals.
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