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.
This is a four-part series with a few reminders on how to make the homestretch count while enjoying a fabulous fall at the same time.
F - Friendly The general definition for the word “fair” is “in accordance with rules and standards.” However, in pleasing customers the rules and standards might be questioned along the way. Make sure when you are conducting business that is “fair” that is it “fair” for ALL parties concerned. Do you look at things from your customer’s perspective (or their boss’s perspective)? What about from the viewpoint of the company? How does this decision affect you personally? When making decisions be sure to come at things from ALL perspectives and make sure that the outcome is truly beneficial to all involved. A - Attentative Who doesn’t love attention? Last time I checked, pretty much everyone likes to be thought of and likes (loves) attention. When dealing with your customers are you prompt? Are you timely in your responses via email or phone? Keep in mind that your customers have choices when it comes to fundraising options and WHO they choose to work with to accomplish their goals. If they are made to feel important, respected, and valuable then chances are they will continue to work with you year after year. Remember that when you are communicating with them.
L - Level-headed Over the past several months, there have been a lot of challenges and things to overcome in order to conduct fundraising business. This is outside the normal obstacles or issues that are regularly encountered. Among those things it includes a global pandemic, potential economic shutdown, and supply chain delays. All the while the team should conduct “business as usual” in the meantime. So while dealing with all of these things it is important to remain level-headed, maintain your composure and remain cool and calm. No one wants a shipping delay, but it does happen. Work the problem - find a solution. Yelling or screaming about it only makes it worse. Shooting the messenger doesn’t create an answer. Try to remain level-headed as much as possible, anticipate challenges, and help be a part of the solution.
L - Leader Each person has the role of a “leader” whether you are a business professional, a parent, a coach, a co-worker, etc. Every single individual possesses leadership qualities and when used correctly can be extremely helpful. When you determine what type of leader you are, think about these questions:
Do you try to help solve the issue or throw as many people under the bus as possible?
Do you point fingers or try to come up with plan B?
How do you respond in a crisis situation?
Do you walk the talk? Or is it just a bunch of hot air??
One of the main things to remember as a leader is to lead by example. Don’t just give a bunch of lip - service. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Be a person whose word matters and really does mean something. Are you dependable? Are you one who can be counted on? Leadership isn’t just about being the “boss” or the “one in charge”. It’s about being accountable and doing little things that matter when no one else sees.
For those of you who have embraced digital group communication - great job! you are ahead of the curve! For those of you who are still adamant about printing PAPER parent letters.... ut oh... this is becoming more challenging. Paper is really running low from several distributors and we are being told two things will happen ~ prices are skyrocketing and limited supply is a definite. We anticipated this fact and have tried our best to maintain inventory and options for advanced digital communication. Please continue working with your group leaders on all aspects of digital communication. Text messages, emails, social media, etc.
SAVE THE TREES!
Make sure that you send an email to grouprelations@savearound.com once the group has entered the final closeout numbers in the calculator. This is a CRITICAL step that must happen before we can ship needed books, send invoices, send return labels, and update the system to match the closeout information that has been entered.
Popcorn
If your group has already run the coupon book sale and needs to run a secondary one - popcorn might be your answer. SaveAround partners with Poppin’ Popcorn based in Michigan and they have several unique flavor options. Visit the IFC website for more details or to view the current 2022 brochure.
SHIPPING UPDATE
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.Pilgrims came from England to worship as they pleased and to find work.
2.The name of the ship was the Mayflower which had 102 passengers on board.
3.Over half of the colonists died from disease at the end of the first winter.
4.The first Indian to befriend the pilgrims was Squanto.
5.Food served at the first Thanksgiving was venison, turkey, seafood, and vegetables including onions, carrots, beans, spinach, lettuce, and other greens.
6.Chief Massasoit led the Wampanoag tribesmen.
7.Governor William Bradford led the colonists.
8.About 50 colonists were joined by 90 tribesmen at the first Thanksgiving feast.
9.Plymouth colony was founded in 1620.
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.
