I know it can be hard for some people to talk to others about donations, asking for money from people, or soliciting sponsors. But, there are a few things you need to remember. Write these down and tape them next to your computer screen for inspiration! * “If you don’t hear NO once in a while, you’re not asking enough!” (as quoted by me!)  Basically, you will hear NO from time to time when you ask for money. Some people are abrupt, some just ignore you, but at the essence of all things, a NO response is not a personal attack on you. No one hates you. Sales consultants are told that NO really means Not Now, or I just don’t have enough information about your product/ program to give you a Yes! And, as some fundraising gurus mention, the more NO responses you hear, the closer you are to getting to that Yes answer you want! Don’t be discouraged, just imagine that you are now one step closer to your YES!
 
* You’re NOT asking for money for yourself so you can get a new car or satellite TV! You are giving the animals a voice so THEY can ask for help through you! The money isn’t going to help your wallet, it’s going to the animals’ care, feeding, health needs and bills so the animals can have a new life. So, there should be NO shame attached to asking for a donation, no personal pride issues for asking for something your group needs to do the work for these animals. Those innocent little eyes need you to do this one thing for them… I’m sure you can muster the faith in yourself to get it done!
 
* Too shy to talk, or stumbling on your words with people? Not a problem! Here’s my best tip… have a prop! That prop could be an animal, a photo scrapbook (not many horse rescues take their horses to Walmart tabling events!), have some awesome information or handouts, put some candy out with slogans on them! Have a prop/ hook that gives you a reason to say something to people. Selling tickets is an obvious prop because you already have the tickets in your hand, and people will be looking at your raffled item, the flier and tickets, not just at you. Holding a dog/ cat/ other gives you the chance to look at the animal and talk about it (one of our favorite things to do!!!), and not just stare at the person. If you need a bit more help, use one of my scripts to get you started!
 
* Don’t forget that with fundraising, we are making friends for our group! People want to be associated with a winning team, so you need to show the amazing work that you’re doing, your successes, and how you just need a few more like-minded people to help and make your team grow! Ever been to a sales meeting for a party consultant, or other sales consultant? Wow, they have a good time! They show the highlights of the program, the amazing stories and successes of the people involved, the getting started kit… does this sound like our tabling events? Yes! We show people our great adoption program, our success stories (Happy Tails) of adopted animals, and our volunteer brochure/ sign-up sheet and how they can get involved with our winning team and make a real difference in the lives of animals in our community!
 
You CAN do this!