[act-ma] 3/25 Networking & Fundraising: a human-centered approach (full day skill-building event)

[Robbie Samuels]

Networking and fundraising, let’s be honest, the words send chills down
many of our backs. Yet, forming and cultivating relationships is at the
heart of any successful venture, fundraising campaign, volunteer drive, or
committee effort.

You are invited to attend a one-day skill-building event, hosted by
Catalyst and presented by Robbie Samuels, that reframes networking and
fundraising in relational ways.

*Saturday, March 25 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (registration at 9:30 AM)*
at Harvard Epworth UMC in Harvard Square
*REGISTER:* http://catalyst17.eventbrite.com

These sessions will benefit anyone that wants to sharpen their in-person
networking and fundraising skills: entrepreneurs, community members,
seasoned fundraising professionals, board members, senior management,
grassroots organizers and anyone that wants to create welcoming community
spaces.

NOTE: The event includes two sessions. While we encourage you to attend
both, you do not need to attend one session to understand or benefit from
the other.


Networking: Art of the Schmooze (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Do you feel awkward at networking events and uncomfortable making new
connections? Do you miss opportunities to connect with new donors,
community members and colleagues because you don’t know the best way to
approach them at events? Do you have trouble ending conversations so you
can keep circulating? We will cover the basics of how to work a room, from
having the right tools to knowing the best approach to engage prospective
donors and collaborators while cultivating community support. You will
leave knowing how to effectively and inclusively build your network.

You will leave with very practical tips on:

   - What to do in the first 15 minutes of a networking event
   - How you can say little and leave them thinking you are fascinating
   - Inclusive body language and questions to avoid asking
   - How to wrap up a conversation gracefully



*Networking Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)*

Included in admission to the first session and the All-Day pass, the
networking lunch will give you a place to practice the skills with other
participants and Robbie.


*Fundraising: Getting Past the Fear of Asking (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)*

This engaging coaching session will benefit anyone who wants to become a
more effective fundraiser. In a supportive environment, move past personal
roadblocks and recognize some common mistakes. Practice specific language
for how to make a strong ask, based on the relationship-building tips
shared earlier in the day at Art of the Schmooze, and review ten tips that
will make your next fundraising plan a success. Work in small groups to
begin to build a strong prospect list based on an individual’s capacity,
connection, and commitment. “If you are afraid to ask for money, kick
yourself out of the way and let the cause talk.”

You will leave with very practical tips on:

   - How to reframe fundraising so it doesn’t feel like begging
   - An understanding of what makes donors donate
   - Specific strategies for identifying a donor’s capacity to give
   - An easy to use framework for identifying prospective donors



*About Robbie Samuels*

Robbie Samuels has been recognized as a networking expert by *Inc. *and
*Lifehacker*, and profiled in "Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough
Idea and Build a Following Around It." Since 2009, his engaging and fun
presentations have helped a wide array of audiences increase their
networking and fundraising confidence. From 2005-2015, Robbie was Senior
Manager of Events and Donor Engagement at GLAD and coordinated up to 25
fundraisers and donor cultivation events a year. These fundraisers raised
nearly one million dollars annually (25% of GLAD's budget). In 2006, he
founded Socializing for Justice (SoJust.org) to build a cross-cultural,
cross-issue progressive community and network in Boston. In recognition of
his social justice work, Boston City Council named his birthday "Robbie
Samuels Day" in 2011. Learn about Robbie and his work at
www.RobbieSamuels.com. Listen to his weekly podcast on leadership and
networking at www.OntheSchmooze.com. Download his "Ten Tips for Convention
Connections" at www.RobbieSamuels.com/ten-tips.