Fundraise Smarter, Not Harder

Another year has come and gone, and the gap between the highest and lowest earning groups on our site gets wider and wider. The top few groups are killing it, earning more and more every year. But, many of the groups continue to make a few bucks, but nothing to write home about.

So, I set out to discover why these top performing groups do so well using 2click. On the surface, they are lucky to have found a big time shopper in their support group. But, looking deeper, they did some smart, simple things to be in a position to be lucky.

“You won’t catch a fish if your pole’s not in the water.” – Anonymous.

Here are some examples of simple things they did. One of which, landed a big fish.

1. Orientation for Key Players … Key players will have a different meaning for each group. That can be leadership positions, such as Principal, Coach, or President, or others that simply interact with a lot of people. Sitting down in front of a computer, pulling up 2clickfundraising.com, clicking on your group, and then Amazon takes about a minute. But, it’s a powerful minute as they see first-hand how easy this process is. If the Principal can add a line to their emails during high shopping seasons, the Coach can explain it at a parents meeting, or the President could add a mention to the agenda of each meeting, that would go a long way. Our best group sat down with the Office Personnel and walked through the process. Front Office personnel know just about everyone in the school, if they use and understand 2clickfundraising.com, they’re bound to help spread the word.

2. Timing/Placement of Handouts … Flyers help explain and remind people, so they should be part of your strategy (ask me for a flyer). But, put some thought into the location or timing of when they’re handed out. The longer they hold on to it, or the more often they see it, the better. One group has a stack of 2click handouts right next to the sign in sheet in the office. Every time someone drops off or picks up their kid, they see the handouts (making the Office Personnel above even more important).

3. Key Info Business Cards. This was one of the best ideas I heard from the feedback. At the beginning of the school year, they printed up business cards (I can help with the design and finding pricing for you) with phone numbers and important dates, and lined both sides with 2clickfundraising.com reminders. Families put the card in their wallet, on the fridge, or near their computer, and see 2click on a regular basis.

4. Pick a Specific Goal. I don’t think a specific dollar amount is as important as what you’ll do with the money. If you can point to one item, that the 2click money will go to, they are more likely to identify with the cause, remember to use it, and ask others to use it, too. Remind them often, “We’re half way to a new drinking fountain!”

5. Repeat the Message. I have yet to meet someone that doesn’t think the 2 clicks are worth it. It’s all in remembering to use it, and asking others to remember to use it. If your group is on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram, share our posts, post something yourself. When you use 2click to shop at Amazon, they have that very simple last page where you can share in on Facebook, “Thanks, 2clickfundraising.com” is all you have to type, and you’re reminding all of your friends. Newsletters, other flyers, calendars, all of that should have 2clickfundraising.com reminders. Don’t know what to send out? Ask me!

Take a few minutes to think about your group, and how you can start the ball rolling. I’d love to hear your ideas. If I can help at all, with flyers, planning a strategy, or just answering questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out … jeff@2clickfundraising.com.

Thanks for using 2click!
Jeff.

Making 2clickfundraising.com a Success

I have been running 2clickfundraising.com for over 5 years now, and each year I get a better and better handle on what it takes to be successful using this program. There’s no selling, which people like, but you can’t just sit back and wait for a check either. But, follow these simple steps, and I can’t imagine you not being very happy with your results.

1. Even BEFORE you sign up … ask people if they like shopping online, or have family and friends that do. It is really hard to change people’s shopping habits, if no one really likes online shopping, don’t waste your time. If you get some yeses, signing up is a no brainer. But, write down those names of people that said they shop online. A couple friendly follow ups, could be all you need to get the ball rolling. “Joan, just following up, it sounded like you shopped at Amazon, have you been using 2clickfundraising.com? Is it easy enough?”

2. Show a Youtube Video at a meeting. The last 2 videos, “6 People that would love to help you fundraise” and “2click Success stories – getting more bang for your Clicks” are definitely helping. They’re simple 6 minute videos that help show how successful this program can be, with a few smart phone calls to the right people. Any fundraiser needs help from people outside the main members (if not, just pass around a hat), but no one is going to call their 200 closest friends and tell them all about our great website. But, the videos will trigger a few people that everyone knows, that could make you hundreds of dollars a year.

3. Passing out 2click flyers. We make flyers and personalize them. And, the more you pass them out, the more it will be on their minds. Every time you send something out, email or snail mail, you should have a 2click flyer in there. Ask me to personalize one for you. Or, even make one specifically for you.

4. Put 2click in the minutes. If you need suggestions, email me. But, whether you’re sharing last months results, telling everyone about a purchase that someone made through 2click recently, or highlighting a current deal you saw on the site, the simple reminders are key. Around the holidays, strategize about how you can reach the most online shoppers possible.

5. Cross Promotion. If you are having a Car Wash, pass out 2click flyers. Big football game? Pass out flyers. Do you have a website? Get a link on there. Selling wrapping paper for the Holidays? Leave those supporters with a flyer when you drop off the wrapping paper. (they obviously support the group, they don’t want that wrapping paper!)

6. Use it! This is obvious, but using the site yourself will help a ton. There are tons of every day products you can buy on Amazon that will save you money and raise money for your group. When people hear how you are shopping through 2click and Amazon to buy batteries, coffee K Cups, razors, printer ink, and hundreds of other everyday products, they are sure to follow suit.

Finally, take advantage of my help. I can make flyers, do a video for you, if you’re near Chicago, I can come speak at a meeting, whatever I can help with, I’m right here … jeff@2clickfundraising.com.

Best of luck! Jeff.