The Nonprofit FAQ

What about equipment for telemarketing? Training? Etc?

How do you deal with arranging the equipment, and training and recruiting the volunteers? Ina Frank: Equipment: 1) A friendly stock or real estate brokerage firm is good. 2) Special installations by your local phone company also OK -- a bit pricey, but if they're community-minded and perceive your organization as benefitting a segment of their target market, they will often strike a deal. Maybe in exchange for good PR, mentioning them over and over for their "generous support" when you thank people in writing. And in the media. And from every podium for the next year. Training: Many consultants who provide various services to non-profits have training and experience in "training the callers" or --better yet, "training the trainers." There are special ways you can actually make the entire experience great fun for everyone. True story -- I was there: Caller's end of conversation: [names fictitious] "Hello, Mrs. Johnson -- My name is Tom Smith and I'm calling today as a volunteer on behalf of the Refugee Relief Organization. How are you this beautiful Sunday?" "Oh, I'm so sorry. When did it happen?" "Yes, I know he *was* a wonderful man and *so* supportive of our activities in the community. [Then, next sentence, without missing a beat] "Would you like to make a donation in his memory?" Brought down the house! Got the donation and years' of support. Training's done on site, only 15 - 20 minutes' worth right before each shift gets on the phones. That assumes the callers have been provided background fact sheets, paper "placemats" repeating same etc. in advance.