It really was. Please try to make it next year!
Some of the goals of this particular portion of the conference were:
- How do you ask for money?
- How do you make up a good finance committee?
- How can you chair more profitable fund-raising events?
Personal solicitation is the best way to raise money. All politics is personal (when it comes to fund-raising).
Compile and stick to a script in your fund-raising efforts:
1. Greeting. "Hello" is a good start ;)
2. Small talk. Personalize your sales pitch to the pitchee.
3. Sales pitch. Why are you going to win? Who is going to vote for your candidate? How will the donation you seek for your cause help your cause?
4. Close the deal. Ask for the money; how much, when do you need it, etc. - its as simple as that. Personalize to the donor how their donation will help your cause. For example, if you need $4000 for yard signs, tell them that you need at least $1000 for yard signs.
Look up how much potential donors have already given to other candidates, and ask for at least that amount.