All about the $$$

Especially with my new found knowledge about coaching, I can say that the similarities between recruiting and fundraising are plentiful! Particularly at a private school, I feel like I am constantly fundraising. Because the school is tuition driven, the only way to keep the money coming in is to raise enrollment or at least keep it constant. This is actually not even similar--this is fundraising. However, for the sake of the article, there are a few other similarities. The most prevalent similarities that I see are in collecting "recruits" and "selling the program". In both instances, it is important to go after the right demographic. If fundraising to save an endangered species, do not go ask a poacher! Similarly, I do not try to recruit students who are looking to go into the medical field. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! The way that I have found the most success with recruiting can be expanded to fundraising and almost anything dealing with humans for that matter: I am genuine. The reason that athletes respond to my recruiting is that I am not trying to sell them. Those who I think are making a mistake going elsewhere, I will tell them. However, I have told young ladies before that Tiffin may not be the right place for them and they should look elsewhere. Some people may have me try to sell them at all costs but this genuine care for the cause is what sells people. When fundraising, if it is all about money, people will sense that. You must have a real commitment to the cause and people will sense that as well. That passion will come through and that passion is what will cause you to go the extra mile and ultimately sign the recruit or get the donation.