Okay so I know what your thinking, but this post isn't about this show. This is actually about producing. Go figure right? I have plenty of friends who do shows that are benefits for different causes and I find myself going to plenty. I see some that do incredibly well and some that don't make any money at all and I've come to a very simple conclusion:
GIVING MONEY TO A GOOD CAUSE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR MARKETING
If you are planning an event and you plan to donate a portion of your proceeds to charity, the biggest mistake you can make is assuming that people's concern for the charity will market your show for you. The truth of the matter is that you are up against at least five other companies who are donating to a similar charity. So if you plan on giving a portion of your proceeds to a charity there are a few things you can do to make sure that you get a crowd big enough for both sides to benefit.
1. Find out if the charity has any web outreach and see if you can get your event posted there. Most charities will send to their mailing list for you or at least put a link to your event on their website.
2. Think about all of the charity events you've been to and make note of what you liked about them and what you hated. Make your event unique so that when you market it, it stands out. Use those good things you remember and eliminate as much of the bad as possible.
3. Get volunteers. The great thing about doing a benefit is that there are usually plenty of volunteers who are willing to help out at your event as well as help with the promotion. These people are valuable resources that are provided to you and your cause at no cost. Plus the volunteers are another group that can be spreading word of mouth about your event.
4. Set a goal. It's amazing how much work people will put in when you have a goal presented. Last year my students had a goal of raising $2,000.00 on one of our student shows and they worked incredibly hard because each day they could look at the thermometer and knew how much closer they were. If you present yourself and your event with a goal of raising a certain amount for your charity, people will naturally want to be more involved because they have something to shoot for. It's why we set goals in our own lives. It helps define what you plan to do. The more clear and specific you are, the more people get behind what you're doing.
5. Build an army. The best benefits are run by a committee of at least 8 to 10 people. Remember what I said about large casts in small houses? The same goes for benefits. Get lots of people involved and you'll be more likely to get lots of people there. Also try and get representatives from the charity there. Nothing sells your charity more than the people who created it. Proof of this is when I saw this charity do a fundraiser and I got to hear the founder speak. I was sold on the charity and I sought out the organizer right away.
So there you have it. A few tid bits about producing your next event for a charity. And I wish you all luck as you go hang out with your friends with benefits.
Excelsior!
GIVING MONEY TO A GOOD CAUSE IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR MARKETING
If you are planning an event and you plan to donate a portion of your proceeds to charity, the biggest mistake you can make is assuming that people's concern for the charity will market your show for you. The truth of the matter is that you are up against at least five other companies who are donating to a similar charity. So if you plan on giving a portion of your proceeds to a charity there are a few things you can do to make sure that you get a crowd big enough for both sides to benefit.
1. Find out if the charity has any web outreach and see if you can get your event posted there. Most charities will send to their mailing list for you or at least put a link to your event on their website.
2. Think about all of the charity events you've been to and make note of what you liked about them and what you hated. Make your event unique so that when you market it, it stands out. Use those good things you remember and eliminate as much of the bad as possible.
3. Get volunteers. The great thing about doing a benefit is that there are usually plenty of volunteers who are willing to help out at your event as well as help with the promotion. These people are valuable resources that are provided to you and your cause at no cost. Plus the volunteers are another group that can be spreading word of mouth about your event.
4. Set a goal. It's amazing how much work people will put in when you have a goal presented. Last year my students had a goal of raising $2,000.00 on one of our student shows and they worked incredibly hard because each day they could look at the thermometer and knew how much closer they were. If you present yourself and your event with a goal of raising a certain amount for your charity, people will naturally want to be more involved because they have something to shoot for. It's why we set goals in our own lives. It helps define what you plan to do. The more clear and specific you are, the more people get behind what you're doing.
5. Build an army. The best benefits are run by a committee of at least 8 to 10 people. Remember what I said about large casts in small houses? The same goes for benefits. Get lots of people involved and you'll be more likely to get lots of people there. Also try and get representatives from the charity there. Nothing sells your charity more than the people who created it. Proof of this is when I saw this charity do a fundraiser and I got to hear the founder speak. I was sold on the charity and I sought out the organizer right away.
So there you have it. A few tid bits about producing your next event for a charity. And I wish you all luck as you go hang out with your friends with benefits.
Excelsior!
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