The NAPRP Blog

Jan 22

Written by: NAPRP Admin
1/22/2010 9:17 AM

In any business, it's easy to focus on what's not working. Many people have an almost instinctive need to try and "fix" everything. Of course, you don't want problems to get out of hand, but I'd like to also suggest that you carefully look at what is working.

For example, the other day I was talking to a rescuer who said, "oh I can get the newspaper to write about me any time I want." It was no big deal to him. But being able to get great PR is an enormous advantage. Don't discount the power of the media. With just articles, you could:

• Recruit volunteers to help create or update a Web site.
• Solicit help for legal, financial, grant-writing, or other professional services.
• Offer education on pet care, the importance of spaying and neutering, or other causes you want brought to light.

In much the same way, many organizations have a Web site, but they aren't really leveraging it. They take the site for granted because it was created years ago. But with a Web site, you could:

• Add a simple "Donate Now" button. I'm amazed how many rescue Web sites don't give people a way to donate online.
• Create an Online Press Room for your site. If members of the press can easily get information about you, it's more likely they'll write about you.
• Add a "wish list" of the items you need and the volunteers you'd love to have in your organization. Need help setting up a Facebook page? Use your Web site to ask for volunteers!

These are just two examples of how you can take advantage of what's going right. The next time you are looking for creative ideas, think about how the things you already do well can be leveraged in other ways.

Interesting Resources

This week two people sent me things you might be interested in:

1. Susan Taney sent me a link to this blog entry: Improving Customer Service Imperative to Increasing Adoptions. She says, "watch the video!" Definitely food for thought.

2. Melissa McDaniel is doing a book promotion with a contest that benefits shelters and rescues. The "Pre-Order Challenge" contest started on 1/19 and when you sign up, you get 30% of the book sale. The top sellers receive additional cash bonuses too.

 

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