2011 Wreath Fundraiser Survey Results - Mickman Brothers

We received nearly 600 responses to the eSurvey we sent out in January. Here are some of the results in which you may be interested:

• 98% of the respondents reported they are happy with our products AND the service provided by our Customer Service Reps. 
• 77% of our customers like the change in light sets from plug-in to battery operated LED lights. We are pleased to report that these lights will include a ‘controller’ which will automatically allow for 6 hours of illumination per day – increasing the battery life to about one week! These lights will be available on the Victorian Holiday Gift Wreath and for ‘extra light sets’, not for the Living Tree.
•  79% of the customers that sell 48” and 60” Wreaths prefer the new ribbon with white edges.
•  98% of our customers were happy with our Sales Aids. However, there were a number of comments with some excellent ideas that we will use to make the Sales Aids even better this Fall.
•  69% of the customers were in favor of changing the Holiday Gift Product Order Form from a 3 part form to a 1 piece form – as long as their customers could still get a receipt. As a result, this year we will be changing to the new form. If you prefer the original version of the form, you will be able to request it from your CSR.
•  97% of our customers would recommend our Holiday Fundraiser to one of their friends or family members. We really appreciate this as most of our new customers come from referrals!
•  48% responded that they would like to see an iPhone App from which to sell wreaths. This would look very similar to the iPad App we have had for the past 2 Seasons. Based upon this response, we are currently developing an iPhone App which will be ready for your members to use this Fall!
•  63% of our customers felt that our Natures Holiday Gifts Program assisted their members in selling more products. This is very encouraging. With the plantings we have funded over the past 5 years, over 250,000 trees have been planted in 19 States! See: www.NaturesHolidayGifts.com 

 Thank you for choosing Mickman Brothers for you Holiday Fundraiser last Fall. We sincerely appreciate your support!

John S Mickman
President

www.holidayfundraiser.com
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Fundraising Hints: Organizing your Fundraiser - Mickman Brother Christmas Wreath Fundraiser

As the Fundraising Chaiperson, everyone will be looking to you to come up with an organized, well-thought out fundraiser that will run as smooth as possible.  And with a little planning and effort, this is completely the case!

First, set your fundraising goal.  What kind of funds do you need and what are the funds being used for?  Are your boy scouts trying to save up to attend the next National Scout Jamboree?  Does your Swim Team or Hockey Team need extra funds for gear, traveling, or practice time?  Maybe your Church Youth Group really wants to plan a Missions Trip?  Set your goal.  Stick to your goal.  And let your group know what they're working toward.  The reward is all the motivation they need!

Second, sell to meet your goal.  Sounds simple.  It is simple!  How many items does each organization member need to sell for everyone to reach that goal you have set?  Let your group members know what their individual goal is, and most importantly, make it achievable.  Maybe you need to have more than one fundraiser to meet your goal.  That works too!  Just make your efforts attainable or your group members may get discouraged.  Fundraising should be FUN!

Third, set your timeline.  Get your members excited about their goal, let them know how to attain their goal and keep them all enthusiastic for a two to three week window of time.  Short and simple!  The excitement can fade pretty fast, so keep your fundraiser going, get it done and celebrate when your group reaches their goal!

Congratulations!  Your (boy scout, hockey player, church group, etc.) has the means to do a little something extra special this year!  What an achievement!

If you'd like more information about Mickman Brothers Christmas Wreath Fundraiser, please visit our website at your conveneince,
http://www.mickman.com/fundraising

Contributed by Sara Laning

Fundraising Hints: Finding Volunteers - Mickman Brothers Wreath Fundraiser

You've volunteered to be your Fundraising Chairperson.  You may have even chosen the Fundraiser your Organization wants to do.  Can you handle the entire fundraiser by yourself?  Will anyone be able to help you?  What's the best way to get other parents or organization members to help out? 

Let all volunteers know that they can job-share.  One person can do a good job, but two people can do a fantastic job!  This can encourage those volunteers with a limited time schedule to sign up.  Knowing they can share their responsibilities with another individual will ease their concerns.  However, be sure to keep both volunteers on task and make sure they're communicating amongst each other to keep your timeline running smoothly. 

Organized Fundraisers can draw more volunteers as well.  Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly update emails and/or meetings are crucial to keep all volunteers up to date on important deadlines and more importantly, lets them know how the fundraiser is progressing.  Are your organization members reaching the fundraising goal?  Do you need a meeting to motivate your boy scouts, church members, or other organizational members?  Keeping everyone up to date on how your Fundraiser is progressing keeps them on task and makes it easier for your volunteers to know what's expected of them.

Personally ask volunteer candidates if they can help.  This sounds simple and straight-forward, but it's often overlooked because the Chairperson doesn't want to 'bother' anyone.  When you can speak face-to-face with boy scout or marching band parents, church members, coaching staff or other volunteer candidates, you can answer their questions and show them what this Organization is all about!  Enthusiasm is contagious!

Now you've gathered up your volunteers.  What next?  How do you get your fundraiser organized?  What kind of goals do you set?  Is there a timeline you need to follow?  Right now is the perfect time to gather information and choose your Fall Fundraiser.  It's never too early to get your scouts, cheerleaders, hockey players, youth groups and any other Organization ready to go!

If you'd like more information about Mickman Brothers Holiday Fundraiser, please visit our website at your convenience, http://www.holidayfundraiser.com/

Contributed by Sara Laning