Last week, I had way too much fun and learned quite a bit at the COABE Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. Per tradition, I nearly lost my voice singing after hours at both the House of Blues at Disney Springs and Jellyrolls at Disney Boardwalk. However, I managed to preserve my vocal chords long enough to present about Mustard Seed Books and Crowdfunding.
While the Mustard Seed Books workshop was its usual addictive fun, I was really thrilled with the level of engagement on Crowdfunding. As always, folks wanted to stay afterwards to chat, but two comments in particular stuck with me:
“Can I share your slides with other Directors?”
Yes! But…
I proposed this session because adult literacy is a critically important and underfunded industry. Utilizing crowdfunding platforms could help adult literacy providers–and other non-profit organizations–tap into the projected $90-96 billion (with a B!) crowdfunding market by 2025.
We NEED new sources of funding, and this is a promising avenue.
So please share these ideas widely, but cautiously. Crowdfunding is not as simple as slapping some text on Indiegogo and watching the money roll in. It can bring new energy and donors to your organization, but only if well planned and executed.
I know I usually just share my deck with the world, but in this case…I really need you to KNOW HOW TO DO IT RIGHT! This is too important to get wrong. There’s a high rate of failure on crowdfunding campaigns, and I don’t want to steer you in the wrong direction.
So if you were in my COABE session, go to the Conference App > My Agenda > Crowdfunding and I have posted the link to the slides.
If you were NOT in my COABE session: would you be interested in a facilitated online course? If yes, please comment below and stay posted.
“Since you like to back campaigns, will you be our first donor?”
No! But…
A big part of my talk was that 70% of unsuccessful Kickstarter campaigns receive a whopping $0. So that first dollar is really critical. First you need to convince your own close circle that your project is worthwhile. You need the support of your friends and family to really make your project a success.
However, IF you can get someone in your inner circle to fund your project, plus a few other pointers from my workshop, then…
I would happily be your SECOND donor.
After years of watching the crowdfunding industry grow, and backing many successful (and a few unsuccessful) projects, I want to help your organization reach your funding goals. I don’t have the cash on hand to provide full grants, but I can help you develop the skills to meet more of your funding needs. Your organization’s time and social capital is too important to waste.
So I really want you to take my course! But more importantly, I want you to finish it and implement the tips for a successful crowdfunding campaign. Since Wednesday, I’ve been asking myself: How can I make sure folks actually PAY ATTENTION to the tips I have to share?
Today I was intrigued by Kevin Kelly’s proposal: I’ll Pay You to Read My Book. He suggests creating software that will pay readers back who complete an eBook.
Here’s my counter-proposal: Would you complete my facilitated, online crowdfunding course if I promise I will be your second funder? Let me know!
2 responses to “I Will Pay You to Finish My Crowdfunding Course”
May I take your facilitated online crowdfunding course and finish it just because I want to know what is involved without needing to fund a project?
Sure, Deborah! Would love to have you. I am hoping to offer a few levels of payment, so basically you’ll choose what you think the course is worth. Do you have a project in mind?
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