The Secret Ingredient to Successful Support Raising

~ Jenn Fortner ~ 9 Comments

I started this website and blog in November of 2014. Since I began I have been grateful to get out some (of what I hope to be) helpful information to a growing audience. Up to this point I have focused the blog on practical information and tips for those in their season of financial partnership development. To develop the blog further I would like to add a layer of attention to the biblical basis for raising support. There is much to say on the subject, and as I grow as a partnership development coach I am finding that the majority of successful partnership development lies within one’s attitude and perspective on the subject.

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Did you know that there are 700 direct statements on the Bible having to do with wealth? There are over 100 indirect statements as well, making finances a major area of focus within the scriptures. But are we focused on what the Bible has to say? Are we studying what the scriptures say as we raise our support, or are we concerned only with what our current culture says about it? Do we wonder and seek to understand why God set up the christian worker to live off of support, or do we see it only as a necessary evil? Are we really concerned with ministering to our financial partners and including them in the Great Commission, or are we only focused on getting to 100% raised and onto our “real jobs”? Are we ruled by our fears or by scripture?

Through coaching I’m finding that the overall culture (including our potential donors, churches, American culture, etc.) and the culture of our sending agencies often dictate our attitudes on support raising much more than the Bible. Often times we find ourselves shaped unknowingly by our peers and co-workers raising their own finances. Have you ever heard another christian worker or missionary say that raising their finances is a drag? Or they wish they could just get back to the field? Have you heard someone say they just wish the season could be over? Have you ever heard them express that they’ve done all of the stuff they are “supposed to do” but just can’t understand why people won’t give? Have you heard them express negatively about pastors being hard to reach and churches having tight pockets?

I believe it’s okay to be honest and real with hardships within situations. And with raising your finances, I would be remiss in telling you that hardships won’t happen. However, I do believe that often times we haven’t been trained in biblical mindsets when it comes to itineration, and our negativity can spread like wildfire without us even noticing. Often times the christian workers I advise begin their season of itineration with little to no knowledge of scriptural examples of financial partnership. I was in the same boat as I began my own journey – so if that’s you my point is not to shame you. I’m not writing this to shame anyone. I’m writing it because I believe we need to start educating ourselves and our workers what it means to raise our support from a true biblical perspective.

Do you want some places to start?! Oh good I thought you would never ask!! Here are some scripture verses I hope over the months to expand upon, and that I believe are great starts to a journey of education on the biblical basis of financial partnership development:

Numbers 18:21-24

2 Kings 4:1-7

Nehemiah 2:1-9

Luke 8:1-3

Philippians 4:10-19

1 Corinthians 9:1-14

From my experience, those that seek out knowledge and a mindset based on biblical financial partnership development will find themselves happier, calmer, and more fulfilled by this season of ministry. They also happen to get to 100% a lot quicker…so what’s the secret ingredient to successful support raising: BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE.

Learn how to do a Successful Facebook Campaign (NEW VIDEO!)

~ Jenn Fortner ~ 6 Comments

You may have already read the previous post on this subject: “How to Create a Successful Facebook Campaign and Other Glorious Facebook Information.”  

With that post I want to give you the “Part 2” – with a new video explaining some of the ins and outs of creating a successful campaign. It was crafted by myself and the brilliant mind of our brand lead for Assemblies of God World Missions, Ericka Pasquale.  (thanks Ericka!)

(March 2015 video)

(NEW! May 2015 video)

If you are launching your own Facebook campaign, keep in mind that Facebook campaigns will primarily lead you to new financial partners who are referrals. The key to referral relationships is to develop them. Don’t take these new relationships for granted or assume they don’t want more involvement with you because you acquired their partnership via Facebook. I have this new quote that I love, and I think it fits nicely here:

“Your real goal isn’t about raising money. Your real goal is to raise up people and create solid, long-term relationships.” – Myles Wilson, author of Funding the Family Business

Here are some ways to develop relationships that come from your Facebook campaigns:

1. If they live near you, go grab coffee, lunch, or dinner together. Spend time getting to know them and cast vision about your ministry.

2. Reach out to them via Facebook messenger with electronic resources on your ministry, and add them to your ministry Facebook page.

3. Ask if you could connect via phone, Skype, or FaceTime with those new financial partners that live far away.

4. Send them a thank you card in the mail and/or a small gift when appropriate. Send them a e-thank you card if snail mail seems un-appropriate.

5. Start following their Facebook page. Find out what their interests are and how you can engage.

I hope these tips help you create solid, long-term partnerships with those you meet in your own Facebook campaign!

Part 2: Hard Questions with Thoughtful Answers – Q&A with Support Raising Geniuses

~ Jenn Fortner ~ 1 Comment

Q&A with Ms (8)

 

Special thanks to the ministers who participated and gave their heartfelt and practical answers. You all are my heros. Have your own tips? Post them in the comments!

Do You Want Free A Video?

~ Jenn Fortner ~ Leave a comment

Yes, you do.

Do you need a video? Yes, you do.

When you make yours, there are a lot of great videographers, friends you may have (with professional gear), vendors, and even apps that you can use to make a fabulous video that tells your story.

For the purpose of this blog though, I just want to make you aware of one particular resource that you can use free of charge and before you make your personalized professional video. Enter prayercast.com. PrayerCast is a completely-free-resource-gold-mine that exists to create free videos just for you. And they are good.

INSTRUCTIONS

Simply check out their immense library for the country/religion you are needing, watch and download, and then share as you see fit (of course – always doing so keeping your own security needs in mind).

KEEP IN MIND

Prayercast.com videos should not take the place of you creating your own personalized video for itineration purposes. However, Prayercast videos could be used in addition to your personalized video or before your video gets made (it’s good to have multiple videos!).  The same goes for Adobe Voice videos. Both are a great tools, but if you can, look into getting your story professionally told. Creating a great looking video (the kind to share in front of large congregations) takes a lot of time and expertise. Unless you or someone you know has enough experience to create a great one, hire a great videographer / vendor that can tell your missional story professionally — don’t try to create your own.

(video is from Cadre31 – one of those great vendors I was speaking about above)

Top 5 Reasons for Creating and Sharing Video (in no order):

1. Videos add dynamic to social media posts. Online videos are 100% more social engaging. They create 139% more brand impact and a 46% conversion lift.

2. Video marketing is the latest trend. People spend their time online watching videos. By 2017, 90% of all internet traffic will be video. 

3.Life is fast, so make them take the time to look at your posts. On average, a visitor will stay 2 minutes longer when they watch a video.

4. Churches and pastors love videos (because people love videos)

5. You can use videos for multiple occasions: (1) while speaking at a church (2) emailing a pastor or individual (3) a district church event, during a presentation (large or small group) (4) social media (5) table displays (6) newsletters, and more that I am not currently thinking of. Enhance any communication you are doing by visually telling your story.

Have you created a video? Share it with me by emailing me!

Create Your Own Ministry Facebook (Secret) Group

~ Jenn Fortner ~ 3 Comments

Untitled Infographic (5)

 

I hope that these 5 steps help you understand Facebook secret groups better. Here are a couple of additional thoughts while we are on the subject:

  • Creating a secret group may not be for you.
  • “Pages” are different from “groups”.
  • Choose to make a Facebook ministry “page” or create a separate Facebook account if you are not going to a sensitive population. They are preferable because they do not notify your audience every time you post. (unlike a Facebook “group” that does notify it’s group members every time a post is made.)
  • Facebook secret groups should not be a free-for-all of information just because it’s “secret”. As one person that serves a sensitive population put it “there is really nothing that is “secret” if it is on Facebook.” All sensitive locations have agreements with online services like FB and Twitter to make their content available due to security concerns.  That being said, don’t post anything you wouldn’t want someone else reading.

If you have questions, go ahead and post them in the comments section and I will be happy to get back to you. God bless you in creating your own Facebook group!

How to Create a Successful Facebook Campaign (and other glorious FB information)

~ Jenn Fortner ~ 2 Comments

This video was made for sensitive country missionaries interested in making Facebook campaigns, (sensitive country means a country where it is dangerous to tell the outside world where you are going, particularly on the internet) however, it could be used for a missionary going to any country – sensitive or not.

The example used in the video is Dylan, a passionate missionary who raised her goal of $500 monthly support in 10 days. Dylan used interesting and passionate videos, well thought out content posts, and give-away incentives to reach a completely new audience with her ministry and need for monthly support — all within the context of safety on Facebook.

If you are interested in launching your own Facebook campaign, follow the information on the video and include the following:

1. Correct Timing: One thing we didn’t mention in the video is when to launch your Facebook campaign. The best time to launch is when you have raised approximately 75-85% of your budget. Facebook is a great tool, however it should not replace the face-to-face appointment as the number one way to raise up your financial partnership team. Nothing can take the place of being eyeball-to-eyeball / face-to-face when raising your finances. A Facebook campaign should be used to expand your contact list and/or used as more of a “last push” tool.

2. Make sure you have time in your schedule during your Facebook campaign. This should be a no-brainer, but just in case… If you have 15 people posting on their Facebook walls for 10 days, and you are supposed to be providing all of the content, videos, give-aways, etc for those 15 people – you will be busy. You will be busy not only keeping up with your 15 friends posting for you, but you will be busy keeping up with all of the people who like or comment on your friends’ posts. Thus make sure the 10 days you pick are good in your personal schedule. Do not fall behind during this time. Remain on top of the posts and give your 15 the information they need every single day to make your Facebook campaign successful.

Below are a couple of more thoughts and tips on Facebook, provided by social-media / branding genius for AGWM Mobilization – Ericka Pasquale. (also the creator and brain behind the video above!)

10 Tips for using FB as a Missionary

1. Connect, like, share, and continuously be active.

2. When connecting with pastors, consider private messaging them. Do so for introductions or even to scheduling meetings.

3. Post pictures, not just text.

4. Tag and engage your audience in your posts.

5. Promote services or engagements in order to invite others to attend in and around the area.

6. Post prayer requests.

7. Comment on financial team’s personal pages to let them know you are thinking about them. Private message your financial partners as well to find out how they are doing.

8. Post videos (short and quick update videos).

9. Encourage other missionaries to share your posts. Follow other missionaries and ministries and share their posts. Be engaged.

10. Create a conversation on posts utilizing the tag feature.  Generate a dialogue

5 Reasons Why Facebook is Effective in Maintaining and Building Your Financial Partnership Team.

1. It’s the Largest Free Country in the World. Facebook was founded in 2004, and just over 10 years later it is now the largest country in the world. With more people on Facebook then the entire population of China it is the most used free resource for communication. Anyone with internet access and email address can sign up for a Facebook account.

2. Engaged Users. According to Zephoria Internet Marketing Solutions: 890 million people login to their Facebook accounts every single day, and currently Facebook is growing at a rapid rate. 5 new profiles are created every single second. With over 300 million photos uploaded every day this show us that users are engaged. Why not engage with you and do something productive for the kingdom of God? This statistic also shows us that there are a lot of photos competing for users’ attention. So you when using Facebook, you need to target your posts strategically.

3. It is Global. In Europe alone there are over 230 million Facebook users. Facebook is a world wide phenomenon. And as I think upon my role as a marketing and brand lead for Assemblies of God World Missions, I am truly believe there are people in those 890 million daily users who would love to be apart of what God is doing around the world… they just might not have had the opportunity yet. Facebook could be that opportunity.

4. It helps Maintain Soild Relationships.  If I give a missionary a one time donation because I saw that missionary at my church, and then we become Facebook “friends” – then I have the opportunity to easily follow all the amazing things they are doing in ministry. When that missionary chooses to launch a fundraiser on Facebook, it is likely that I will be willing to switch from a one-time-gift to a monthly committed financial supporter. Why? Because that missionary and I are connected. Because I have been following what they are doing and where they are going. And here’s the main point: As a potential financial supporter I am going to invest in what I know, and Facebook makes it very easy to get to know someone.

5. Pastors Like Interacting On Facebook. Recent studies we have done at Assemblies of God World Missions have found that our itinerating missionaries have the most success with initial contact to a pastor by merely by sending a private Facebook message. Pastors are 8 times more likely to respond to a Facebook private message then they are to return a phone call….8 times.   – Ericka

In closing, good luck and God bless you in your own Facebook Campaign. And please, let me (Jenn) know how they go for you by sending me an email or commenting here.

Special thanks to Ericka Pasquale’s brain for this post.

The Insider’s Guide to Having An Effective Display Table

~ Jenn Fortner ~ 3 Comments

Having a display table set up for speaking engagements can be an effective tool for communicating with people about your ministry.

For the sake of absolute clarity, here’s the type of scenario I’m describing:

(1) Missionary speaks for 5 minutes at a church service. (2) Missionary has a table or area set up in the foyer of the church. (3) After the service (sometimes before too) missionary uses the table / area to connect with members of the congregation.

As many of you know from observation display tables can be very effective to opening up conversations. They can also fall very, very flat if done incorrectly.

So what are some practical things you can do to make your table the best ever? Or at the very least – a more interesting place to start a conversation? Is it worth it to invest time and finances into a great display table? Below are some of my thoughts:

Thought #1: Is it worth it to invest resources into a display table?

Yes, it is worth it, but it should have the following components to make it worth it:

(1) You must have created a reason to stop by your table. At the very least, you should mention during your time that you have a table in the back. Convey that you would love to meet the congregation and connect more.

(2) Your table is not sloppy. Make your table inviting, not boring. Create a space that people want to stop by. Have some astectic appeal. No excuses — you can find someone to help you if you aren’t good at this.

(3) Make your table visible. People have to be able to find you to connect with you. Don’t put yourself in a corner. Don’t put yourself right at the entrance to the bathroom either. Your table must be in a place that isn’t awkward for people to stop and chat at.

Thought #2: Get Creative! Have something interactive on your table to spark conversation. Here are a couple of great ideas from successful missionaries:

“We put the alphabet of the country we were going to on the tabl, then asked guests to try and spell their names out in the foreign alphabet. It broke the ice. Once we did this we saw a huge difference in table interaction!”

“We made up a coloring page for kids with crayons to pass out. It was fun for our girls to give to the kids, and the kids liked it. I saw another missionary do it and thought it was a cute idea. Tables are a great way to engage in conversation with someone who otherwise may be too shy to just strike up a conversation. We try to keep our costs low by using Walmart posters and homemade stuff!” 

“When I first went out I actually had a double paned “10/40″ window with a net and fishing lures between the two pieces of glass. I used it to talk about fishing the 10/40 window. I equated the 10/40 window to a store front window, in which one can see in but can’t get to the things inside easily. I also equated it to ice fishing and how in the 10/40 window countries the fish are there, yet you have to drill holes in the ice (over time/prayer). Also one can’t use nets like other places in the world.”

“I sold coffee at my table from Eurasia Cafe and it sparked a lot of great conversation!” 

“We created a “progress map” that represented how far along we were with raising our support. Every time our support grew, we moved a toy plane closer to Georgia from the US. A little cheesy, but it was a big conversation piece and helped people visualize us at 100%.” 10953955_10204211576868236_1918223454239609490_n

Thought #3: Have a video playing. Does your ministry have a high quality video? If so, use it! If you don’t know if your ministry has a video, simply ask your mentor to find out. If they don’t, why not make your own? Adobe Voice is an app for iPads and is great place to start. There are also a lot of great companies or freelancers that make affordable videos. Find out if your ministry has a vendor list to see if they know of anyone able to help you create a video. Throw the video on a tablet and play it continuously at your table.

Thought #4: Put together all of your printed resources. You probably know this one, but just in case you don’t, make sure you have printed resources on your table. Add to them by creating a resume/packet type binder or book that combines statistics from your ministry, facts about you, your area, etc.

Thought #5: If you are going overseas, put out a map of the world so that your visitors can find the country you are going to.

Thought #6: Always smile. 

Thought #7: The most important thing you could have on your display table is a sign-in sheet. People want to get continuos information about your ministry. If you provide those that stopped by only with printed resources, you may never hear from them again.  Ask everyone you connect with to fill out your sign-in sheet. Doing this allows you to get their contact information, so that you can take the responsibility of following up with them. Here’s an example of some good sign-up sheet fields (make yours fancier):

sign up sheet

Keep in mind, you will absolutely want the permission of the host/pastor to put this sign-in sheet out.

If you do get permission, everyone you connect with signs this sheet! Tell them you would like to remember them and keep them updated on your ministry.

After the event, make a phone call to those that signed in (also make sure this is okay with the pastor/host). When you call, share the following:

(1) Ask if they are interested in joining some aspect of your partnership team – whether by prayer or finances.

(2) Thank them for connecting with you and tell them you appreciate their church/group and interest.

(3) Ask them if they have any questions.

(4) If appropriate ask if they would like to meet face-to-face. Tell them you would like to find out more about them, build relationship, and find out if joining some aspect of your team is a good fit for them.

(5) Tell them you are adding them to your newsletter list.

I hope these thoughts help you develop great display tables and communication with the people you meet as you travel. Do you have any thoughts to add?

(plane photo cred goes to the missionaries that created the “progress map” thank you! // check out http://www.faithhousedesigngroup.org/ for really great graphic design resources)

Become a Better Public Speaker

~ Jenn Fortner ~ Leave a comment

Untitled Infographic (5)

I used to be terrified to speak in public. Knotty stomach, raised pulse, sweating, and no sleeping the night before. Growing up I avoided any classes that had me speaking in front of the class. I cannot count how many times I ran in the opposite direction if there was even a hint of me having to be in front of a group.

Now, surprisingly, I’m mostly over it. Why the dramatic change? Practice. A lot of practice. I have been blessed with leadership over the years that encouraged me as well as provided no-way-out situations speaking to groups. (I hated them for it then, love them for it now) As for my personal skill level, I cannot say I have arrived exactly where I want to be; but I have come a long way and am proud of where I am today.

A lot of missionaries and those in ministry are plagued by fear of public speaking. Many missionaries are not afraid of public speaking, but have a long way to go to refine the art of giving a impactful message or 5 Minute Window at a church service. Whether you are starting off with cold sweats just thinking about public speaking, a boarder-line professional, or somewhere in between – I hope this simple info-graphic helps. Here are a couple of additional notes for some of the steps above:

STEP 4 VISUALS: If you are having a hard time describing where you are you are going overseas, a job you are doing, etc. use something visual to illustrate it! Also, if you are a missionary or traveling minister speaking at a church, set up a table in the back but don’t let it be boring. Create ways for people to comfortably interact with you after the service.

Some examples: (1) Create a alphabet in the language of the country you are going to so those stopping by your table can spell their names (and children’s names) in your country’s alphabet. (2) Have a video about your ministry continuously playing on a laptop or tablet. (3) Have something small available that represents your ministry.

STEP 9 THE ATTENTION GRABBER: After providing a brief introduction of yourself (and your family if you have one), you need an attention grabber. Use one of the following to grab people’s attention from the very beginning:

  • Share a short personal story. “I’d like to begin by telling you a story about Anna, a 5 year old girl I befriended in Spain.” 
  • Ask a group question or do a quick group survey. “Raise your hand if you have any idea where Qatar is on a map?” (then show the map later on the slide). “What do you think of when you hear the word “poor”? You shouldn’t be receiving actual answers, only developing a story / idea and involving the congregation.
  • A thought-provoking statement. Impressive to everyone (not just you). “Did you know that in Africa 1 out of every 10 people are _______” This of course needs to relate to what you are doing and why you are speaking with the group.

STEP 10 ESTABLISH A NEED: After you have their undivided attention, you must establish need. You can do this in multiple ways. Here are two suggestions that you can effectively establish need:

1. Share statistics and data. Appeal to the congregations logic and reasoning. Don’t overdo the stats — it’s easy to do.

2. Share stories, pictures, or videos. Appeal to the listener’s emotions with these. (If you shared a story for your attention grabber; a good idea is to come back to some aspect of the story, develop it more, and thread it throughout your presentation.)

One last word on public speaking: you will get better at it! Practice makes perfect, and the more you speak in front of groups the better you will become.

Are there any tips you have? Add them in the comments!

Want more information on public speaking, including an effective outline?  Read the Financial Partnership Development Workbook.

22 Expert Tips on Fundraising Straight From Missionary Geniuses

~ Jenn Fortner ~ 4 Comments

22 Expert Tips (4)

I pray you find these tips insightful and helpful. Do you have a favorite? Mention it in the comment section. Don’t agree with something? Mention it in the comment section.

Read here for more practical tips on fundraising.