Daily Biz Solutions

Are you looking for employees to work for your nonprofit organization? Whether you are an executive director, board member or highly-involved volunteer, it’s likely that you are aware just how challenging it can be to find qualified candidates who not only have the skills that you need, but who are also dedicated to nonprofit careers.

That means that it’s probably in your best interest to look beyond general recruiting sources to specialized options specific to the not-for-profit sector of the market. When you place a help wanted advertisement for nonprofit jobs, it’s important to make sure that you use an advertising resource that is targeted specifically to the nonprofit sector of the job market instead of limiting your employment advertising efforts to local newspapers and very general online job boards.

That way, you can be certain that the people who are searching the site for employment are individuals who are interested in careers nonprofit employment opportunities. This can benefit you in your hiring efforts, as those searching for non profit jobs are likely already aware of what expectations and salary ranges are like in the not-for-profit arena. You won’t waste time identifying and interviewing candidates who have the skills you need but who aren’t likely to commit to working in the nonprofit sector once they find out what it’s like.

Thanks to Melanie at www.LifeTips.com for this great tip!

What is W-I-I-F-M? It’s not a radio station. This simply is “What’s In It . . For . . Me!??!” Wouldn’t you agree that people are rarely if ever moved to do anything unless they see some type of WIIFM? Even if it is helping out a great cause out of the goodness of their heart they still get a WIIFM, or an intangible great feeling of doing things for others or giving back.

Knowing about, identifying and speaking to a WIIFM will take you a long ways in recruiting volunteers, donators, sponsors, etc.!

In an article on About.com’s small business section, the author defines cause-related marketing –a contingent of WIIFM — as follows:

“Embracing a cause makes good business sense. Nothing builds brand loyalty among today’s increasingly hard-to-please consumers like a company’s proven commitment to a worthy cause. Other things being equal, many consumers would rather do business with a company that stands for something beyond profits. Cause-related marketing can positively differentiate your company from your competitors and provide an edge that delivers other tangible benefits, including improved visibility and positive media coverage” 

Consider Subway’s “Eat Fresh” campaign. Did you know the fast food chain also sponsors the American Heart Association’s Annual Heart Walk? Cause-Related Marketing!

Depending on the fundraiser you are coordinating, and the cause it’s related too, make a specific list of businesses or industries who should be very interested in partnering with you because of the cause-related marketing benefits. These are good place to go cold calling!

Thanks to Melanie at www.LifeTips.com for this insightful tip! 

If you’re tired of the networking scene in your town, give it a twist: try volunteering. You get to work with others for a cause, and in the meantime, build relationships that could turn into business down the road.

Networking is all about selling. But with volunteering, you don’t have a specific agenda to sell, which makes the relationships you create more sincere. People who trust you will trust your business if and when they need your type of service or products.

What Can I Do? Not only will you build relationships that can translate into customers, you will build your portfolio of good-doing. If you have a strong set of business development skills, volunteer your time for fund raising. If you’re a strong writer and PR person, help out with press releases and media management. You are essentially putting your good skills to work, resulting in experience to build on.

How Will Volunteering Bring Sales? Think about the people you have met at church, at your children’s school, in the community. You probably know where they work, and if anyone mentions needing services or products, you immediately think of the people you know can provide them. It works the same with volunteering. People get to know you, and they know what you do for your day job. When the time comes for them to purchase the kind of item or service you sell, you are the person at the top of their list!

Where Can I Volunteer? There are hundreds of nonprofit and volunteer organizations that need help across the country. Find a group that works for a cause you want to help with, such as the American Cancer Society or Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Tip Source: Entrepreneur.LifeTips.com