The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s Post

For the last five weeks, Lydia and I have loved getting to take FREE, private swing dance lessons (east coast swing)! How did that happen? Well, every Saturday night in Summer, there is free live music and swing dancing in our downtown ( and even a free 15-minute group lesson). It was fun, but it got boring quickly because of how little I knew. You can’t learn much in 15 minutes, especially when the lesson is mostly the same week to week. So I started looking for private swing dance lessons. In the meantime, we kept going to the Saturday dancing because hey, it was free and the live music was fun. Then one day, Lydia had a conversation with one of the organizers, who also happens to run a nonprofit organization that promotes swing dancing here in the city. She mentioned that I ran a business that helps nonprofits with marketing, and he immediately lit up and wanted to talk with us. A short conversation later, I offered to help them with all the marketing advice I could – free of charge. They had organized these Saturday dances, and offered a lot of other events that were extremely cheap (i.e. $5/person!), I thought the least I could do was try to share what I know. Then I had an idea and said: “Look, I can help out the org with some marketing, and in exchange maybe you can give us some swing lessons.” He laughed and said that he would be happy to give us lessons. Five weeks later (and after trying to find other ways to give back!), we’re still getting a free lesson each week . . . . . . All because I started by trying to help. You know that this same thing can happen when you’re trying to get new corporate sponsors for your org? Instead of approaching companies asking for something, what if you went to them looking for ways to help? Unsure of what that might look like for you? We just wrote an article on how to forge the best kind of corporate-nonprofit partnerships, sharing stories on how by seeking to give to corporate partners, you can end up receiving more in return! (link below) #nonprofitmarketing #corporatepartnerships #nonprofits #corporatesponsorships

You know what one antidote to anxiety is? (It absolutely depends on the source of your anxiety, of course) . . . In my non-professional opinion: An interest to learn! Why? Well, here's a story that illustrates it - Once, after taking months of Foxtrot lessons (probably about 9 years ago), my wife and I went to a big waltz/foxtrot/etc ball. Everyone was dressed up, etc. Well, I was confident enough in what I'd learned for us to dance, but not super confident. Then some random woman asked me if I'd like to dance, and seeing no reason to decline except my own nerves and confidence, I said "yes." It was a disaster. Well, at least mentally. I didn't step on her toes or anything. But any move I tried to lead, she didn't understand. She thought I probably had never danced before. She tried to start doing her own moves, and it was so confusing, and embarrassing, and frustrating. Thoughts in my head: "Wait, what were all those lessons for, did I not learn anything?" "I thought I was getting the hang of this." "She . . . and anyone who sees us probably thinks I'm terrible." etc. Finally it ended and I could share how it felt with Lydia. So you can see why, at least in a formal setting, I'm not super keen to dance with other people. No desire to repeat the experience. It doesn't sound like fun. But I recently started getting FREE swing lessons (see the below post for the story on how that came about) . . . And based on what I've learned so far, and the confidence I've gained in myself, if I continue these lessons, I'll (eventually) have NO anxiety about dancing with others. So here's my question - I'm so curious to hear your story: What's something you felt anxious about doing, and decided to just dive in and learn more? Did you stop feeling anxious and maybe even enjoy it?

There's been a lot of unfortunate misinformation going around about festival donations, so some of the Chicago chambers of commerce got together to clear the air. So the question is, where do those donations REALLY go? Spoiler alert, it’s NOT the city! Q: Who puts on a street festival? We do! Organizations like your local chambers of commerce! Q: What is a chamber of commerce? People are surprised to learn that a chamber of commerce isn’t a government organization. We’re actually nonprofits run by small teams, our whole purpose is to support our neighborhoods, uplift our businesses, provide services for our residents, and entertainment for everyone. Q: Ok, so where does the money go?! A festival is more than just a party, it’s a fundraiser. We apply for non-profit grants, but these festivals, besides being an absolute blast, are also our biggest fundraiser. Think of it like our annual gala but with a super casual dress code and better music. All our events, neighborhood clean up, resources for business owners like masterclasses and trainings, and non-profit benefits all rely on your donations. Q: But it’s free public property right? You’re right! It is public property, and whether you donate or not, we welcome you in to enjoy the festivities, but closing down the streets and paying for entertainment is expensive! Q: It’s fine if I don’t donate though cause someone else will right? Again, we welcome you in, but as of 2023, we’ve found that less than 50% of festival attendees donate. Q: So what now? We’re not gonna lie, planning these festivals is a huge and difficult endeavor, but we can also genuinely say that we love it. Despite all the hurdles; discovering a new artisan, seeing faces light up during drag queen story times, or that first great bite of that Chicago dog makes it all worth it. Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce West Loop Community Organization Old Town Merchants & Residents Association

There's been a lot of unfortunate misinformation going around about festival donations, so some of the Chicago chambers of commerce got together to clear the air. So the question is, where do those donations REALLY go? Spoiler alert, it’s NOT the city! Q: Who puts on a street festival? We do! Organizations like your local chambers of commerce! Q: What is a chamber of commerce? People are surprised to learn that a chamber of commerce isn’t a government organization. We’re actually nonprofits run by small teams, our whole purpose is to support our neighborhoods, uplift our businesses, provide services for our residents, and entertainment for everyone. Q: Ok, so where does the money go?! A festival is more than just a party, it’s a fundraiser. We apply for non-profit grants, but these festivals, besides being an absolute blast, are also our biggest fundraiser. Think of it like our annual gala but with a super casual dress code and better music. All our events, neighborhood clean up, resources for business owners like masterclasses and trainings, and non-profit benefits all rely on your donations. Q: But it’s free public property right? You’re right! It is public property, and whether you donate or not, we welcome you in to enjoy the festivities, but closing down the streets and paying for entertainment is expensive! Q: It’s fine if I don’t donate though cause someone else will right? Again, we welcome you in, but as of 2023, we’ve found that less than 50% of festival attendees donate. Q: So what now? We’re not gonna lie, planning these festivals is a huge and difficult endeavor, but we can also genuinely say that we love it. Despite all the hurdles; discovering a new artisan, seeing faces light up during drag queen story times, or that first great bite of that Chicago dog makes it all worth it.

Events management courses introduce students to planning and managing events, with events delivered as experiential learning opportunities during courses. Here is an example from our member, University of Chester Business School, where funds were also raised for charity. #events #management #education #students #experience #experientiallearning

Results are in! We asked the community, "Is your nonprofit planning to host an auction this spring or summer?" A total of 57% responded, "Yes, as part of a larger event," while 29% answered, "Yes, as the main event." Set your organization up for success with our latest auction guide, Spring Into Action: Planning a Successful Nonprofit Auction Event. https://bit.ly/4adrBoC #nonprofitfundraising #nonprofitauction #nonprofittech #makeanimpact #giveffect

#APTipTuesday – Integrating music into your gala program adds fun, energy and entertainment value to the guest experience, and can also help inspire generosity. Here are three ideas for enhancing and elevating your program with music: 1. Use live music to help connect your guests with your mission. An inspiring song right before your fund-a-need can provide the right emotion to set the stage for generous giving. 2. Work with your AV partner to identify upbeat “walk-on” music to play as your speakers are entering the stage. 3. Identify a song that ties in with the theme of each of your live auction items. Playing a snippet of a song as each item is described is a great way to add playfulness and a little drama to your auction.     #AnnPlans #TipTuesday #NonprofitEvent #FundraisingEvent #CommunityEngagement #Philanthropy #EventPlanning 

I glanced outside at my backyard and noticed that one of our largest trees has begun to shed its leaves. This tells me a few things: 1. I’m about to be tortured with horrible mental health due to both my fantasy football team and being a Viking fan for the next 5 months. 2. Using every available excuse to make chili or other soups. 3. It’s almost Nonprofit Gala Fundraising Season. Ah, Gala season. Where the random letters from organizations of all shapes and sizes show up in my mailbox asking me for silent auction items, sponsorships and tickets. Will there be a Wall of Wine where I have the chance to spend $20 to perhaps get a bottle of “Berringer Rose Specialty Blend Top Shelf Exclusive Founders Stash” to try and wrestle home in the car after the event? Will there be a pair of handmade mittens from Aunt Barb valued at “priceless” on the Silent Auction table that Aunt Barb, who totally volunteered for the event specifically to creepily stare at all the guests who are bidding up the Whiskey Wagon in lieu of raising their bids up exponentially for these high-quality hand warmers made with love, passion…and probably whiskey? Will there be a handful of empty tables at the gala, probably right up front, from that bank sponsor who totally forgot about the fact they sent in a check for it and no amount of “hey, we have extra tickets for this event thingy tonight at that one hotel” emails from mid-management who signed off on the payment so they just ended up ghosting the gala because no one built a relationship with the business to connect with like-minded and valued employees who might be interested in the message and mission, so now you have to stare at 2 dozen plates of food that you are paying for with no one to eat them? Will there be a part of the program where a speaker declined to send over written remarks and decided to “wing it” for what feels like 47 minutes and loses all the momentum in the room because he decided to tell that one story that your board was afraid he’d tell, but no one had the guts to suggest he NOT tell it because he is a big donor and you didn’t want to offend him and now he’s offended half your attendees with his lack of brevity and possible offensive jokes? Any of that cause Gala PTSD like it did me?   Well, instead of dwelling on what MIGHT occur (and let’s be honest, totally will occur) let's concentrate on what our friends at Fladeboe Advancement have to say about some REALLY interesting data to share about auctions, events and general vibe of attendees through the first half of 2024.... Link to the Rest of the Blog in the Comments!!

Want to know How to Make Money Beyond Registrations? Check out this blog for examples on how to make money through sponsorships, donations, and shirt sales. https://lnkd.in/dcFWXh8T #Sponsorships #RaceRevenue #Donations #SponsorValue #MakeMoney

I didn't take my kids to work at Stories Incorporated last week... but they took me to theirs this weekend! 🍋 This was the second year they sold lemonade during our neighborhood music festival, Porchfest... and like last year, I couldn't help jumping in with entrepreneurial takeaways. Hopefully someday they'll appreciate it :). There were so many important lessons they learned! 🍋 Power through when facing forces outside your control It was rainy and chilly... not great conditions for drinking lemonade. It wasn't busy (or fun) at first. Will they pivot? No, they stayed the course. Eventually, customers came as the festival progressed. 🍋 How to handle unexpected competition They were the only lemonade game in town last year. But, this year a few neighborhood friends were also selling lemonade down the street...for less than half the price...in a better location right by the band. They leaned into what made them different: they were selling two colors of lemonade, and half of their proceeds went to a charitable organization. It didn't matter that their lemonade was more expensive and further away. And... my kids had a great attitude about their competitor friends. They did not care. They were secure in the value of their product. And, the market supported two vendors on the same street selling lemonade because the demand was there eventually. :) 🍋 Keeping expenses low Last year they underestimated the size of the crowd. The lemonade pitchers didn't hold that much and we made it as we sold it. But, the cost of new supplies comes out of their profits. So, this year they used The Buy Nothing Project to borrow two large canisters. They only had to scramble inside to make more towards the end, when the last band ended their set and would unleash a thirsty crowd. 🍋 Small tweaks can make a big difference My 11 year old realized they'd get more customers if she announced constantly that lemonade was for sale, benefitting the Petworth Farmers Market, and that we accepted Venmo. It became her mantra for over two hours. My 7 year old realized she should change the angle of their big sign as the direction of foot traffic changed (bands would start and stop all the time at different ends of the street). 🍋 Make it easy for customers to buy Yes, they had change, and yes, you can Venmo! 🍋 The Value of Hard Work! These kids hustled even when their parents were ready to close it up. They didn't stop until the music did and the lemonade ran out. 🍋 Failing. OK, I did not let them fail. It was hard to remember that this wasn't my lemonade stand. Even writing this post I had to change all my "we"s and "our"s to "their"s and "them"s! If their parents saw a problem (a line of customers, low lemonade or ice), we stepped in. I know failure is the best way to learn (as kids and as entrepreneurs)! So, this is my adjustment for next time :). #entrepreneurship #lemonadestand #takeyourchildtoworkday