Conference Roundup: AFP New Orleans

• When considering sponsorship levels, add a “dream” level. Inspire potential donors to think big. “They want us to inspire them to think big.”
• What gifts can you add on to the sponsor packages that have perceived value but cost you nothing or next to it? Can you work out a deal for free parking for sponsors? Or a free hotel room?
• Create a timeline and budget. Having it planned out in advance and handy whenever a question or problem arises keeps you from being the bad guy. “Your budget is neutral — like Switzerland. It’s an impartial measurement tool,” so you can refer to it when someone is pushing to do something that is too expensive or not worth the time or effort.
• “A timeline empowers your committee to do a better job for you.” Don’t be afraid to create accountability. “I usually e-mail each member’s ‘homework’ within 24 hours of a meeting. Then we start each meeting checking homework to make sure everyone has done what they said they would do.”
• “The greatest disservice you can do to your volunteers and to your event when you are pulling together a committee is to take a volunteer who says yes when they mean no.”
• The more time you spend with volunteers on the front end, the easier they will make your life. “Don’t let anyone sit at your committee table and breathe good air” if they aren’t going to be an asset to the committee.
• When looking for a committee chair, “go for the big fish. If they’re passionate about your mission they will surprise you.”
• “When it comes to events, fundraising success depends on what you did six to 12 months ago.”

From the session “Inform, Entertain and Activate!” presented by James Anderson and Alice Ferris of GoalBusters Consulting:

• Social-media myths: Social media is inexpensive. Social media is fast. Social media is “viral.” Social-media results can’t be measured. Social media is hard. Social media is “just for kids.” Social media is optional.
• Goals of social media should be to inform, entertain and provide an opportunity for interaction; remove barriers to participation; make supporters a part of the story; and create a “virtual porch” where supporters can congregate.
• Social-media audiences consist of these groups:

1. Loyalists: They automatically like and retweet anything you post. They are always there.
2. Transactionals: They are there to get specific information that is of specific, individual benefit to them.
3. Stalkers and lurkers: They’re always there and paying attention, but they don’t engage you until you say something that touches them. And it’s often the strangest things that touch them.
4. Test drivers: Their friends suggest that they like your page. “If you don’t turn them off, they won’t leave you. But if you don’t turn them on, they won’t love you either.”