Lately, I have seen major
differences in both Positive and Negative Thinking, especially when it comes to
charity fundraising.
When I initially begin
consulting or speaking to a charity about assisting them plan and host a
fundraising event, the very first thing I look for is NEGATIVITY. If there is any negativity either with the
person or people I am talking to and not shear positivity and motivation, it
sends us a huge “Red Flag” of Disaster.
Negativity can and will
infest a fundraising committee like roaches, soon taking over the entire
thought process of everyone involved.
There is no point to negativity when it comes to fundraising, in fact,
negative thinking is what separates the large, more profitable charities from
the small unsuccessful non profits.
Case in Point – We are going
to use a “Real Life” Scenerio of three (3) Fundraising Committees (this is
real):
Committee A – Committee “A”
is actually comprised of two (2) women only.
Committee “A” is 100% positive and more importantly, is hosting their
very first charity fundraising event. Their
cause is based on local government.
Committee B – Committee “B” Is
a very well established, large group of people.
These people meet on a regular basis and their group is based around a
well-established “Lifestyle.” They have
held many fundraising events, however, those events were not as successful as
they should have been.
Committee C – Committee “C”
started out as three (3) 70 yr. old women.
They wanted to host a “Benefit” fundraiser with no background, no experience
in Charity Fundraising and were a little hesitant at first but wanted to follow
successful direction.
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Committee “A” & “C” are
and were 100% positive with “ZERO” negativity.
However, Committee “B” is quite honestly, infested with Negativity.
Committee “A’s” event is
scheduled for Feb of 2016 – they already have over 400 tickets sold and an enormous
amount of donations. “Negative” thinkers
would say “Oh it’s because of the cause” or find some other reason why they are
successful – the cause ladies and gentlemen is constantly attacked in the
Press.
Committee “C” event already
occurred. There were well over 600
people in attendance and raised more money than even they dreamt of. Their event was an overwhelming success.
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Committee “B’s” event has not
occurred and the fundraising committee has not even engaged yet. Their large committee is racked with
negativity around every turn. Their
event is before Committee “A’s” but to date, they have barely sold tickets.
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Why is this the case? Committee “A” & “C” were and are 100%
positive and filled with motivation to be successful. Committee “A” & “C” listened and did
exactly what they were instructed. Their
positive demeanor and the ability to follow direction is what is making them as
successful as they truly deserve to be.
Even more importantly,
Committee “C” started out small but followed direction and built a large positive
thinking committee simply by asking others to help them and furthermore, not
allowing negative thinking to take over their committee.
The moral to the story – When
a committee focuses on the negative possibilities, negative results are what
they will find. Negative thinking,
especially at the start of the planning stages will absolutely ruin your
chances to be successful – I’ve seen it time and time again.
Negative thinkers will always point out reasons why others are successful and they are not. They will point out the "What If's" and put fear in the hearts and minds of others involved. They will focus on the minimum expectations and not have a "Shoot for the Stars" mentality. Negative thinkers will pull others into them to support their negative rationale.
Build a committee of
positive, motivated thinkers. Squash
negative thinking by focusing solely on the positives. Remember the old saying “One Bad Apple Spoils
the whole Bunch.” Seek out fun loving,
helpful people who love to get involved no matter what the cause. Build a committee that supports each other
instead of tearing you and your success down.
BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising Leader in a “One Stop Shop”
convenient setting. BWU assists
charities by guiding committee’s around the myriad of negatives and pitfalls
toward hosting a highly successful fundraising event. To learn more, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.
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