A guide to getting your students ready to sell.
Elementary students are relatively easy to please. They're usually motivated enough by the prize program. On the other hand, overcoming high school student fundraising objections are more challenging.
By this age, many students are either tired of selling, too busy with other commitments, or have convinced themselves that selling is not worth the effort.
However, the hurdles for high school students aren't impossible to overcome. To raise their expectations, you must develop and communicate a vital purpose, tell them what you expect them to do, and work to make your fundraiser intriguing.
Communicate Your Fundraising Purpose
Why are you raising money, and what thought have you put into how you will achieve your objective? Will your students understand why they'll need to participate? Every group needs money, so why should they spend their spare time selling for your organization? If you haven't thought this through, your students probably won't take your campaign seriously. On the other hand, if you've taken the time to do your homework beforehand, you'll be better prepared to make your case. A vital purpose is the foundation for every successful sale. The better prepared you are, the more convinced your students will be.
Share Your Selling Expectations
Don't assume they'll know what to do because you're dealing with older high school students. Do they understand the process? How much does each student need to sell? How do they register so they can make online sales? Students are much more likely to participate if they know what's expected of them. Therefore, you must provide a practical roadmap at your kickoff meeting.
Engage Your Students in the Cause
You compete against many other distractions and commitments in a high school student's life. What do you need to do to make your fundraiser stand out? Many sponsors provide additional incentives that help keep students interested in their sales. Periodically remind them to sell and keep working towards their goal. Some sponsors incentivize students who can verify sales by showing their order forms.
High school students need to know why your fundraiser is essential to them.
Author Bio
Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.