(Newswire.net — March 29, 2019) — When participating in a fundraiser, there are many things to learn. There is the brand to support and a mission to accomplish. Although, it takes a lot of skills to run and cooperate in a fundraising event, there can be so many skills gained from fundraising as well.
Skills Gained From Fundraising
Proper Grooming
Most fundraising events, you are expected to look clean and be in the appropriate attire for the dress code. When networking with donors and sponsors during the event, you don’t want to be in sneakers and blue jeans. You want to present yourself in business or formal attire, that shows the guests that you want to represent this brand in a respectful and collected manner. Nothing too extreme or anything that may be discourteous to the donors or the brand.
Etiquette
Speaking of manners, if you don’t already have good manners to begin with, you will surely gain some through this experience. There is a lot of formal etiquette to most fundraisers. It is important to know when it is appropriate to start eating, who to stand and clap for, when to hold the door etc. To some this all may seem to be common sense, however, more intricate manners are necessary during a fundraiser.
Having good manners is a form of respect, it can help tremendously when speaking to someone (especially a sponsor) who is upset or dissatisfied. Knowing how to compliment and ease the guests or others who are participating in running the event can save you a lot of face and possibly run up the numbers in raising money and awareness.
The greatest gesture of good manners is showing up on time. Nothing is more disrespectful than being late, especially for someone you are hoping to either gain or continue business with. Always be on time . . . period.
Social Skills
Small talk can be seemingly easy, however, can become fairly awkward if not built up into bigger conversation or ended politely. After going through these event, small talk between strangers will become effortless. Having this social skill can benefit you in more than just the fundraising setting. It can help you move up in business, make new friends and improve the quality of your dating life.
With the many different types of people who attend fundraisers, you’ll start to learn the body languages and the various meanings for how people stand and present themselves. Having a good understanding of this will allow you to become likeable towards people because you understand their boundaries and needs without much said.
Leadership and Teamwork
It takes a lot of diligence and time for a fundraiser to run smoothly and successfully. Whether you are the one delegating work to others or not, it is important to show gratitude and respect to everyone who has been involved in the production of all the details.
Networking and Professional Relationships
In order to maintain a rapport with donors and sponsors is having integrity with your actions and promises. This is an all around good skill to have for general life outside of business, as it is important to always have honesty with your commitments, no matter who they’re with. You will most likely be seeing these same people as your mission or brand keeps growing. With that being said, it is important to stay on their good side so that they’ll not only continue to support you, they will surely recruit others to do the same, increasing awareness.
With much practice and participation, you will be able to withhold all of these skills gained from fundraising and so much more. Every single one of these is important for the growth of your brand, professional bond with sponsors and donors as well as improve your social life outside of fundraising.