Sales Opportunity: Hawk Your Goods to Those Who Deserve Them Most
Well, I've been there and done that. I've unloaded magazine subscriptions on our neighbors and family for school trips. I've sold our friends raffle tickets, gift wrap, candy, fruit, and a plethora of ridiculously priced items to support sports teams, band, yearbooks, beauty pageants, the cheerleading squad, and 4-H.
But truth be told, I hate fund-raising and everything it represents. Sticking your hand out and expecting others to pay for your pet projects goes against everything I believe in. I'm from the old school that teaches there's much value in working for your money, and I hate asking others to pay for something my kids want to do. To me, it seems fund-raisers send our kids a mixed message. We say "work not welfare," yet it's all right to ask for money if you're going to sports camp or Mission Mexico.
Now, I did argue this point with the higher-ups (the school superintendent--aka: God), but to no avail. I was forced to peddle my goods while I simultaneously bought everything hawked by the other parents and their kids. In case you're a newbie to this whole process, you should know that gratefulness has a price and it's expensive. Once someone buys something from your kid you're bound to an invisible, yet unbreakable contract that states you will buy products you don't want from their kids (and the kids of their kids) until you die. Actually, death is really more of a contractual "gray area," so don't count on it for an out.
However, I've decided enough is enough; it's time to step out of the box and look at this problem from a bigger picture. If you're sick of harassing friends and family with fund-raising projects--or more to the point, you're sick of getting harassed--I'm here to tell you that I've discovered a whole untapped seller's market out there juicy-ripe for the picking. But the real beauty of it is that these people willingly come to your home without any effort on your part.
Who are these gracious, eager souls? Why, they're the telemarketers who call the second your entire family sits down to dinner. And as wide as that market is, there are many deserving others begging for your wares as well: politicians, religious representatives, carpet cleaners, window and siding reps (who just happen to be in your area anyway), and the fish and fruit guys.
You can turn unwanted solicitors into buyers and here's how: Next time a telemarketer calls, agree to look at their product if they agree to buy several cases of those Girl Scout cookies from you. As for the friendly folks passing out brochures and pamphlets, make sure you return the favor by handing them an order form for some of those obscenely expensive cashews. And whatever you do, don't let those political campaigners out of your door without a box or two of relaxation-scented candles. Lastly, include raffle tickets supporting your kid's team with every completed mail survey. Ask that the tickets, along with their check, be filled out and returned in a timely fashion, then be sure to thank them in advance for their help.
Copyright Mary M. Bauer. You are free to use this article in part or full provided you include the bio.
Related Tags: market, sports, sales, school, camp, buyer, seller, anthrax, fund-raiser, telemarketer, harass
Mary M. Bauer is the author of five books, including The Truth About You: Things You Don't Know You Know (VanderWyk & Burnham, 2006). Visit http://marymbauer.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Humor Articles - What Me A Redneck?
Every few years I get to wondering why making fun of Southerners is such an enduring and successful - Newsflash - Volcano Causes Cow Flatulence-Part 1
A source tells me that the Icelandic volcano eruption that has been spewing ash and inconvenience al - How To Buy And Receive Doctor's Excuse Notes
Getting doctor's excuse notes for your needs is very easy to do. You can get notes to work for you i - Editing Fake Doctor Slips Can Be Easy To Do
Not just any type of fake doctors note will do when it comes to getting something submitted to someo - Common Reasons Why A Fake Doctors Note Could Be Used
Sometimes life can be too difficult for anyone to handle. After all, there is only so much time in o - Current Affairs Articles - 2012 World End - Skeptic Has a Change Of Heart
It sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie: On a certain day in a certain year at a certain t - Dr. Facilier From the Princess and the Frog Answers: How Spells Are Made
Yet another day, I drift off again thinking about the movie that I have fallen in love with - Disney - Fitness Articles - Beauty salon Weston
Moda Hair Design and Spa located in Davie, FL, USA - Salon and Spa, specialize in Hair Color, Highli - Family & Parenting Articles - Several Funny Ways To Save Money
The following funny ways to save money are meant to be just that: funny. They are collected from blo - Twelve Days of Trying to Christmas Shop
On the first try at Christmas shopping, my true love said to me, "Let's go shopping at the mall."On
Most viewed articles in this category:
- In Your Office, How Many Bosses are Too Many?
So, once I was asked to design stationary for a company that had the misfortune of hiring a smart as - The Hidden Diary of Bin Laden and God
Bin Laden died, and God stood in front of him, he said,"Allah, the most High," and Bin said, "Sir, i - Do Dead People Really Talk?
I was talking to my dear Mother the other day and she was telling me how grand the famed psychic, co - Trivia Questions And Answers From A Trivia Break
Questions: 1. What is the primary language of most residents of Montreal? A. English B. French C. C - Black Friday
Another Thanksgiving meal devoured and here I sit with a back that is thrown out. I would love to b - Google Salutes Chick-fil-A Cows
The Search Engine Giant, known for decorating its Google moniker with appropriately festive gear on - U. S. May Become Nonaligned Nation; Cites Worldwide Ingratitude
In case you haven't heard, there is a brash new movement afoot to make America a nonaligned nation. - Extensive New Study Fits Americans Like A Tee
Remember when your mother always reminded you to put on a clean pair of underwear just in case?Resea - Everything I Know I Learned From Magazines
Hello friends. Do you ever wonder why there is never enough time or money to do the things you know - Trivia Questions And Answers By A Trivia Break
1. What was the name of the first computer game? A. Pong B. Tennis for Two C. Pacman D. Donkey K