Fundraising is FUN!

Fundraising is defined as the process of gathering voluntary contributions of money or other resources, by requesting donations from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies.

I have ALWAYS loved Fundraisers! Maybe that is why I loved grant writing so much.  Now, it is one of the favorite parts of my business!

I’ve been doing fundraisers since I started with Thirty One almost 6 years ago.  I had lots of practice getting the glitches out so I can make it fun for you and your organization.  There are lots of ways to do fundraisers to help you, your organization or cause raise the money they need this year.  What better time then during the holiday season when everyone is shopping anyway, right?

What if you aren’t a group or bold enough to ask online for help from family and friends?  What if you are the average family struggling to pay for unexpected expenses?  Or maybe your child (children) want to play on a sports team but you don’t have the money for uniforms or equipment?  What if you have overwhelming medical bills and an extra $100 or $200 would help eliminate the stress?  What if you are expecting a new addition to the family BUT the cost of new furniture, diapers (have you seen how expensive they are?) and formula is already stressing you out?

MY TOP 7 ways to fund raise!

Pick one or combine a few of them.  Whatever works for YOU!  Combining a few ensures success when it comes to hosting a fundraiser!

#1 Online Party

Easy Peezy!  We list your fundraiser on my website and then everyone can follow the link to order. 25% of all orders are donated to your organization.

#2 Home Show/ Open House

You host a home show and invite all your friends and family to see the product and order there!

#3 Facebook Event

Is everyone you know on Facebook?  This is a GREAT way to highlight product, HOW they could enjoy Thirty-One while donating to a great cause. I set it up and you invite your friends. Everything is done online.

#4 Bingo Night

OMG!  This is my favorite one!  Everyone LOVES to play Bingo.  They win prizes, and order to donate to a great cause!

#5 Fashion Show

We pick a collection of products or bundles.  Have organization members model them while we share tips for alternate uses.  Everyone has that hidden desire to be an “actress”.  We can have lots of fun while getting everyone involved.

#6 A Favorites Collection

We put together a collection of 5 to 6 products. I make a flier, and your group sells just those products.

#7 Registration Party

Everyone shows up on team registration night.  This is a great opportunity to get ALL the parents even those you don’t see all of the time. I would be happy to set up a table of products and collect orders.  We can also hand out packets so others can help collect orders.

Easier and different then the traditional candy bar or wrapping paper fundraiser. Everyone LOVES Thirty One.  The products are fun, functional, fashionable and affordable.  There is something in everyone’s price range.

Interested in knowing more about fundraising opportunities, fill out the contact form below:

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October Party Themes

October is almost here and I love sharing new party ideas. Themed home parties are so much fun.  It is easy for the hostess and I am able to help her keep things simple.

Here are some theme parties for the month of October (or anytime):

How about a Football Wives party?

I am football fanatic but what a great way to pass the time for those who are not into football (or hockey).  I told my hubby just the other day, he got me hooked on football and now I am the one yelling at the TV during football games.  We have some NEW Fall prints which will give you a chance to shop for the men in your life so they can sport their favorite team’s colors.

Chocolate Lovers Party – Serve chocolate goodies. Guests bring their favorite chocolate bar.  We play a chocolate game and the winner takes home ALL of the chocolate bars.  I mean who doesn’t love chocolate…

Fundraiser Party – October is Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Why not support your favorite cause at the same time guests are doing their shopping? I will donate 25% of all sales to your organization or cause.  Encourage guests to bring their gently used bags to be donated to a local shelter and I will give them a discount on their new purchase. A win-win for everyone.Halloween Party – Do you like Halloween? Challenge your guests to come in costume and earn a gift.  Trick or Treat bags from me.  Serve apple cider,pumpkin pie or candy apples.

Brunch – Nights too busy?  Busy moms would love a moment in between dropping the kids off and the next errand to grab a bagel or donuts, and a fresh cup of coffee or tea. This is can be done as an Open House but for a shorter period of time. It solves so many concerns – no time, what to serve & keep things short and sweet. A great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning or that week day morning when the kids are at school.

Men’s Only Party – Invite the men for an afternoon of football, pizza, soda (or beer) and Thirty-One.  Set up a display and let them shop for Christmas presents during halftime, tell them that when they place a $35 (or whatever) order, I’ll wrap the gift for them.  I will help you gather a wish list from your friends (their wives/girlfriends) to make the shopping easy.

What are some of YOUR favorite October party themes? Share them with us.  Better yet, when you have one, take a picture and post it here so we can all see the fun!

Have a Thirty One-derful day!

The Summer Scoop

WOW!  Can you believe it, summer vacation is almost here.  The kids will be out of school.  No time for you or your business, right?  Did you know that what you do now sets the tone for your business for 90 days from now?  Crazy, right?  Maybe you were thinking about being a Vacation Veronica.  I mean it is only a few weeks or maybe even a month, right?

I have already heard the rumblings of “the summer is hard” from my team.  They have already planted the seed that this will be a typical “J’ month (January, June & July).  In direct sales, we all know that traditionally they have been bad months BUT I am here to tell you that you can change that.

The biggest problem is that when we take the summer off or start thinking we can’t BEFORE we even try – we set ourselves up for failure. The summer is a GREAT time to have parties.  If you live at the shore, don’t you have a ton of people wanting to crash at your house for the summer to go to the beach?  So does everyone else.  Cash in on it with a theme party.  Don’t you wish you had more money to do more things in the summer?  Or that you didn’t have to miss time with the kids, hubby or friends because of work.  Why not check into the benefits of your own business with Thirty One.

Your summer parties may look a little different – more outdoor parties, more open house formats, more kids – the key is to just have fun. Get creative. Remember, the summer parties will set you up for a successful Fall so keep your business on track with some of these ideas:

1. Set goals for the Fall. I know it may be crazy to plan this far in advance but with a good plan, you and your team will know what they are working towards. Do they need money for holiday gifts? Do they want to take a holiday vacation? Whatever the goal, break it down to how many parties you need and your personal sales volume.

2. Give them incentives they really want. Who doesn’t LOVE an extra gift or two right?  Now I am not saying give away TONS of stuff.  Think about it, don’t parties increase when there is an incentive? For Hostesses, why not an additional gift for having outside orders BEFORE the party or having 10 people at the party.  Get creative.  If you are looking to encourage your team – what would be an incentive for them, ask them? Do a Facebook Survey on your team page. Do a Google survey so that they can give you more information. CELEBRATE – ENCOURAGE – REWARD your hostesses, customers and team.

3. Get creative on how to work your business during the summer months. Host a trunk party. Do an open house party with a hostess who has a pool – kids swim, parents shop. Lots of sporting events where you can take your product & catalogs to share with other families. Do a Facebook party. How about a “twisted fundraiser“? Do a theme party. The ideas are endless. The key is to not give up – go for 100 No’s and you will end up with some Yes’s.

Don’t let the summer months set the tone for the Fall and the biggest selling season of the year.  Whose ready to party?  Share your ideas with us…

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!