Recently I was set the challenge to be hoisted 100ft up a mast at Cowes Week and try to raise as much money for UKSA as I possibly could in the short time I was up there. But while I was up there I didn’t just survey the view or cling on for dear life, I also had a bit of time to think about what the challenge has taught me about fundraising.
To fundraise, people need to know that you are doing something big. My challenge was very visible - being 100ft up in the air in front of a crowd of thousands gathered for Cowes Week will do that for you - but if yours isn't you can gain awareness of your challenge through emails, social media and networking.
Just remember to include a link to your fundraising website.
As well as being very active on Twitter, I knew that if I could take potential sponsors along with me on the challenge, I would raise more money.
Enter Periscope, a live video-streaming app that allows you to "explore the world through someone else's eyes". Many viewers joined me from all over the globe, with many more dipping in and out over time. Periscope has the potential to be a powerful tool for marketers that use it in the right way.
As well as live streaming on Periscope, I ventured up the mast with a GoPro camera strapped to my head to capture all the action. Check out the video below:
Several people took part in Boss up a Mast over the duration of Cowes Week, but the ones who were most memorable and raised the most money did something different. Take this 'boss' who went up in a bikini which Rob Da Bank spotted and posted on his Instagram to his 6807 followers.
Before ascending, I wasn’t too apprehensive about climbing up the mast - but once I was in the harness and being hoisted up, everything got a lot scarier. As I was live broadcasting not only could my supporters and audience see how high actually was, they could also sense the fear in my voice, which spurred them to donate more.
In payback for nominating me to go up the mast, we devised a plan that saw all of the team at Carswell Gould tweeting and sharing my challenge and fundraising efforts. Enlist as many people as you can to help spread the word of your challenge and turn everyone you meet into a supporter.
Boss Up A Mast was brought to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2015 thanks to UKSA, the regatta’s official charity.
Get in touch with Carswell Gould today to make a success of your fundraising efforts and get your message out there.
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