It’s happened to all of us; we talk to someone about our emergency cell phone program, they get very excited and vow to donate their cell phone at the first opportunity…but the excitement wanes after they leave your presence. In the crazy, busy world we live in, how can you keep people engaged and thinking about your collection efforts when you’re not around? Here are 5 ways that have worked for others.

Get people personally involved

Most people support causes because they have a personal tie. For instance, cancer survivors are more likely to support the organization that helped them; parents will support their sons Boy Scout Troop.

The key is identifying with the person or group you are talking to. When speaking to a group determine who makes up the audience and make a personal appeal to them. For instance, if your program provides cell phones for Seniors  relate an experience where a cell phone saved a Senior, appeal to you audience with something like “that cell phone was donated by someone like you”. Follow up with something like “if this was your mother, wouldn’t you be glad someone remembered to donate their cell phone? The next time you see your mom remember donating your cell phone can make a big difference in the life of someone else’s mom”. Do you see how they can identify with your program now? You are not just asking something you’ve asked a hundred times; you are helping your audience see how they can help.

Make it easy to donate.

“Donors should not have to go out of their way to donate a cell phone” says Michelle James a brand marketing expert with The Branding Network. “Let people know how easy it is to donate the first time you meet.”

A great way to make it easy is to build a network of drop off locations. These can be at your offices, retail stores, government buildings…anywhere the public is likely to go. A well marked permanent container can be a great way to advertise your collection program and stay in front of potential donors.

Leave people a reminder.

Keep handouts, key chains, magnets, business cards, pens…anything that will remind them of you and how to donate. One recent suggestion was to print removable labels that say “Don’t forget to donate me to XYZ Charity” and ask people put them in the battery compartment of their cell phones as a reminder.

Do you have any ideas that can help others with their collection programs? Submit them to us and we’ll share your thoughts in an upcoming post.