The world of fundraising has changed significantly over the past several years. Being able to adapt and overcome changes and challenges has been critical to the success of fundraising companies. There is a void in the market of fundraising sales people so now is prime time to be in sales in this industry. Concurrently, the industry changes helped all of us “figure it out”, too. Amidst a global pandemic in the middle of all of it not to mention the term “shutdown” is an understatement. Literally, it has become “survival of the fittest”. Mandates, masks, vaccines - all of these factors to consider while trying to pay the rent.
Fast forward, nearly 20 months later. Schools have reopened and fundraising seems stronger than ever. Online fundraising is “easy” and normal. Traditional sales are definitely preferred, but with options. You are an expert of doing things differently more than ever before.
It is always a good exercise to look at how far you’ve come and where you are headed. Consider the path you traveled and obstacles you overcame along the way. Give yourself a pat on the back or raise your glass and toast yourself to a job well done. Nope, we weren’t perfect and we had a few snags, but overall it was challenging AND a learning experience all at the same time. Reps grew and stretched themselves like never before. Groups figured out how to raise “some” funds with zero students in the classroom for months.
Remember that it is never busy on the extra mile. As you reflect - look not only at what is out there ahead of you, but also what is looking directly back at you. Give yourself a little grace and recognize that you MADE it while overcoming and figuring it out in uncharted territory.
Hats off to the entire team - the independent fundraising consultants on the front lines to the office staff who helped support and encourage along the way. To the delivery drivers who got products there - somehow some way - and don’t forget the teachers who were learning to teach via Zoom and figuring it out minute by minute.
Remember there was not a playbook or a handbook for any of this. How to Effectively Navigate a Pandemic or Fundraising with your Hair on Fire didn’t make it print (so far).
But you did it! In spite of EVERYTHING and all the challenges that you faced - you did it!
Groups are fundraising like gang-busters. Books can’t be printed fast enough to fulfill the orders that continuously come in. You are still standing and hopefully with a smile on your face. We salute you for your valiant efforts and commend you for all that you have done and will continue to do in the face of adversity. Remember that you ARE making a difference.
Just a quick reminder to send paperwork, contracts, questions, etc. to the Team Mailboxes instead of individual staff members. Team boxes are generally covered by more than one person and will expedite your requests.
Group Related Items ~ Grouprelations@savearound.com (i.e. contracts, shipments, tracking, invoices and closeouts)
We have updated how we are shipping small book orders (1 and 2 books). These are now being shipped with a USPS Bulk Service that does not provide a tracking number. We are working to update the messaging on the SAPayNow Receipts and on the Group Shipment Notifications, but this is not yet complete. This should only be a FEW groups as we are working to limit shipments to TWO per group. One initial order and one final order. Regular group shipments are continuing with the same shipping service. If you have any questions regarding shipments please contact grouprelations@savearound.com
1.Most common problem after exposure to severe cold is frostbite.
2.Bismarck, North Dakota holds the ecord for most snow angels at one time - February 17, 2017 - 8962 snow angels were created. 3.Eggnog was first introduced in the United Kingdom.
4.Most snow recorded in 24 hours was 76 inches in 1921 at Silver Lake, Colorado.
5.Ancient African harvest festival from December 26th - January 1st celebrates “first fruits” Kwanzaa.
IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS, OR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEWSLETTER?
Do you have an idea or topic that you would like to see covered in the Community Conversation newsletter? If so, please send it to sales@savearound.com and we’ll get right on it. Remember if it is something that you would like to know more about or learn about then chances are someone else needs to know it, too.
