6. Include important information on your gift certificate.

Make sure that you include your company name, logo, and contact information at a minimum, on front of certificate. Include a statement that certificate is “Not Redeemable for Cash.” Finally, make sure to add an expiration date. Most organizations expect that you will have an expiration date at least one year from date of fundraising event. You may also choose to include other identifying information like your name, website, and telephone number.

7. Create an information package to accompany gift certificate.

Create two information packages. One package is for organization to keep for their records. They need this information, along with your signed contract, for tax and recordkeeping purposes. The other package is for them to give to gift certificate recipient. You may want to enclose this in a sealed envelope. Each package should include your business card, some information about coaching, as well as how to redeem gift certificate.

8. Maintain a log and detailed records of your donations.

Keep good records. For each donation that you make, record name of organization, contact person, event date, how service will be used (silent auction, raffle, door prize), and expiration date recorded on gift certificate. You might want to create a separate file folder for each organization so you can maintain copies of any email correspondence, thank you letters, a copy of contract, as well as a copy of what you sent to organization. Later on when gift certificate recipient contacts you, you can use this file as a “client file”.

9. Wait patiently for recipient to contact you.

Not everyone who bids on or receives your package will follow up on it. Sometimes people bid on things with best of intentions, but they get busy or forget about it. Don’t be discouraged; instead, be happy that you contributed to something that your believe in and that organization benefited in some way.

10. A client is a client is a client.

Once gift certificate recipient contacts you, make sure that you treat them exactly as you would any paying client. Not only are you representing yourself and your business, but you are also, indirectly, representing organization to which you made donation. Enjoy experience, have fun, and most of all know that you, recipient, and organization are benefiting from this donation.

Copyright 2004 by Tara Kachaturoff

6. This is life, but this is a rehearsal.

Practice and practice some more. Ask a friend or associate to make up interview questions (or use ones you’ve written in advance) so that you can practice responding. Wear clothes that you think you might wear to actual taping and practice using hand and facial gestures as well. If you can, videotape yourself so that you can have an idea as to how you might appear to others. It will also allow you to check on any nervous habits or distracting gestures.

7. Logistics.

Once you know date and time of taping, plan on arriving forty-five minutes to one hour in advance. This will allow you to calm any nervousness and to review any last minute notes – even if you are just sitting in your car. If possible, don’t plan any activities before taping. Keep your mind calm and quiet. Don’t answer cell phone or call office checking for messages. Concentrate on task at hand. Also, it you need to eat before taping, either eat at home wearing something other than clothes you will wear on television, be very careful, or have an extra change of clothes on hand just in case you need to do a quick wardrobe change. Also, make sure you teeth are brushed and free of food particles.

8. Present your best you.

When it’s “go time” make sure that you are wearing clothing appropriate for audience and congruent with nature of program. Don’t wear bright white, red or other bright colors, or any clothing with a “heavy” design which will detract from your face. Navy suits or pants and cream-colored blouses or shirts are appropriate. Don’t wear jewelry that clangs or makes distracting noises. Have your nails manicured, even though no one will see them. It will make you feel more confident. Cut your hair at least a week in advance so that you can practice styling it way that you want. This is not time to experiment with new hair styles or hair colors. For women, if you’re not comfortable doing your own makeup, you can have it professionally done at any upscale department store cosmetic counter. If you are at a large studio, there may be someone available to help you with both your hair and makeup. Also, a week or so before, purchase a teeth whitening kit (whitening strips are very effective), and start using them. There’s nothing better than a great smile showing nice, white teeth.

9. I’ve been duped!

If allowed, make sure you ask studio to make you a copy of program, either on digital or tape media. You can always have tape duplicated and use it to give away as part of your press or media package. You must obtain a written release from studio or station to have a copy of program and to have it duplicated. Also, because you don’t have rights to taped product, you will not be able to sell it or make a profit from it. Companies that specialize in legitimate tape duplication will require a written release, from studio, before making any copies for you.

10. There’s a pressing matter at hand.

When you appear on television, you immediately become viewed as an expert. Take advantage of this opportunity by going to www.prweb.com to send out a free press release announcing your upcoming television appearance. This information might be picked up by local and national media, leading to potential radio, television, and print opportunities.

Copyright 2004 by Tara Kachaturoff.