Not Understanding Lack of Orders

[Chef Bobby]

I've had a fundraiser going for about a week now to help out the cancer center where my father was being treated. They have a huge facility and 4 other clinics in neighboring towns. I was copied for the email that the person in charge of fundraising events put out to all the clinics. It looked nice to me. I can't understand why the only orders that I've gotten are from my own personal friends. I even had her say that at least 25% of the sales would go to the center. (Includes my matching commision).
Any ideas?

 

[kdangel518]

Who did the email go to? The people who work at the clinic, or supporters of the clinic?

The problem is that email only gets you so far. I think you have to make it personal- phone calls and personal contact.

 

[Chef Bobby]

The email went to both employees and supporters. I saw one name was a local politician.

 

[NooraK]

Was there a deadline for ordering on the email? I know I am very guilty of the "I'll get to it later" attitude. I'll mark it as unread, and then promptly forget about it. I also do agree that personal contact is important. Especially if the email is going out from someone who doesn't personally work with the recipients.

Also, remember that people usually say yes on the 5th time that you ask. It's United Way time at work again, and I'm fully expecting to hear something about one way or another that they're trying to raise funds almost every day for the next couple of weeks. It might be helpful to send out several emails.

 

[Chef Bobby]

Yes the email states that the fundraiser ends on the 10th. I would not feel right using their contacts to send out more emails.

 

[NooraK]

You could ask the person in charge of the fundraiser to send out more emails. Explain the benefits of doing so. The same with the phone calls. Explain the benefits of contacting people personally.

I'm sure you're familiar with the staff. How about the families of the other patients? Have you talked to them about the benefits of collecting orders? I can't remember, did you do a kickoff event?