Ever notice that when you get exceptional service or someone goes above and beyond it sticks with you? We can all take heed to that thought process and do the extra things that make ordinary become extraordinary. This comes into play in the world of fundraising. It is very competitive with a limited group of customers to reach, contact, and hopefully sign up to work with us either now or in the future. One of the key things that are going to make you stand out from the rest is the level of EXCELLENCE you bring to the table.
Do you return phone calls, emails, and text messages promptly?
Do you follow up on requests or information needed from someone else?
Are you quick to pass it off to someone else because this “isn’t your job”?
Do you thoughtfully and intently listen?
Do you take
notes?
Do you genuinely care about helping others raise needed funds?
Is your fuse short?
Are you always right?
These are all things to consider and how you handle them will say a lot about you as a salesperson, you as a person, and your character.
Try to be timely when responding to a voicemail, email, or text message. Send a short note to let them know “you’re working on it” or “I’m checking on it”. That signals to them that you have the information and you’re on
it. No response leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation. Again, you may have to leave multiple messages or contact a lot of people to get your answer and it’s not going to be a quick process. However, by letting them know you are working on it will ease their anxiety level and feel like they are being taken care of in a timely fashion.
Follow up is key. Don’t assume that it is done just because you sent the request. Follow through to be sure it is complete.
Passing the buck isn’t a good idea. If you see the problem you can be a part of the solution or at least ideas working toward the solution.
Listen with “listening ears”. That means don’t listen while waiting for your turn to talk. Don’t interrupt. Listening intently means you are taking it all in and you are trying to learn as you go. Take notes and ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Do you care? Remember you need the customers to generate sales and move product. Search deep and find a way to be selfless and put others first. The playground addition may seem silly to you or a waste of time and money, but to that first grader, it is a HUGE deal to them.
If your fuse is short or you are always right - you need to have an internal review. Guess what? It’s not all about you. Being right and being right with an attitude are 2 different things. While you may have the answer or know the deal - how you present that information will mean the difference between alienating someone and building a relationship. Here are a couple of tips to help smooth the path along the way:
1.Take your time. Don’t always be in a hurry. Give yourself some margin.
2.Act interested. If it’s important to your customer then it also needs to be important to you.
3.Follow up. This is a big issue when it comes to seeing things through to the
end. This also sets you apart if you handle it well, too.
4.Be respectful. Think about others and what they might be going through. Walk a mile in another man’s shoes will give you some clear insight and perspective. Don’t judge.
5.Be thankful. Take the time to say Thank You. Customers can choose any product or service in the world of fundraising. Make sure
that when they think of fundraising that YOUR NAME is the one that comes to mind and in a positive light.
No one stands in line for average. Be the best and take care of you and your customers!!
SAPAYNOW
Remember that the online platforms have been combined and everything pertaining to credit card purchases AND online sales for out of town books needs to be handled through SAPayNow.com. Once your group is signed up and under contract, the group # will be assigned and the link will be readily available. The old platform still works, but it will NOT allow the chairperson to see those orders from a
reporting standpoint. So it is best to use SAPayNow.com for all online orders and any credit card transactions.
Shipping
As you have probably heard in the news or read about, shipping delays are happening across a lot of industries nationwide. Recently, it was reported that Wal-Mart, Target, and other major retailers were hiring their own cargo ships and doing everything in their power to get product delivered and in stock at the stores, for customers to purchase for the upcoming holiday season. Please plan accordingly with your shipments. Allow extra time, if possible, for shipments to get from point A to point B. Everyone has done a good job with this and also managing
expectations for your groups, but this needs to continue throughout the Fall season. Things are going to continue to get backed up as more shipments and deliveries are added to the mix and we want to deliver products on time as much as humanly possible. Questions? Please contact the Group Relations team and they can assist. grouprelations@savearound.com
1.Halloween dates back more than 2000 years.
2.Jack O’Lantern comes from the Irish legend of Stingy Jack.
3.Candy corn was originally chicken feed.
4.Jack O’Lanterns originated in Ireland and were originally carved out of turnips, beets, and potatoes.
5.Trick or Treating started in medieval times. Children went door-to-door, wearing costumes, looking for food or money in exchange for songs, poems, or other “tricks”.
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.
