Moving forward with Joy!

I’m excited about a couple of upcoming events. I am producing the Merkaz Ha’Torah Kollel banquet on January 6, 2010, and the premier L.A. introduction of Ma’aleh Film School of Jerusalem.

First, I’m in the final stages of producing a video for the Kollel event. Sunday is our final day of shooting. I hope to capture the extraordinary excitement and energy generated by profound Torah study.

Next, I’m working with the principles of Ma’aleh Film School of Jerusalem to introduce this unique institution to Los Angeles. They are dedicated to debating 21st century issues of Jewish and Israeli identity on screen. This premier fund-raising event will take place on February 11, 2010. Please contact me for more information regarding either event. 

Brainstorming

A client came to me and said he had a theme for an event, but no honoree. A theme is flat. For example, “An Evening of Inspiration and Innovation”. What do you do with that? How do make that exciting? How do you spin that to make it compelling? You begin brainstorming.

There is an important concept regarding brainstorming that I picked up in my advertising days: no idea is off the table. There could be a gem hidden in an off-handed comment that might seems totally unrelated, but don’t discount it.

So, my client thought he had very clear idea about what he wanted to accomplish before our brainstorming session. However, after our exchange of ideas, he realized that his ideas would not accomplish his goals.

Look at what is going on in the world in general and what is happening in your specific community. How does it relate to your cause? That’s how your find your message.

I’m back!

I had a wonderful experience at the Aish Partners Conference.  It was inspirational and a lot of fun.  I loved being surrounded by those who are motivated to take responsibility for the world and want to make a difference for the Jewish people.  No matter who you are or where you live, you were able to gain from the wisdom and experience of the presenters.   The theme of the conference was “Light unto the Nations: Fulfilling Our Mission.”  Each one of us taking personal responsibility for our own corners of the world and being a Kiddush Hashem.

I felt very good about my small contribution to the conference.  My session “Taking your (fund-raising) events from OK to Awesome” was very well received and seemed to empower and inspire those who attended.

Press arrow to play an mp3 from my session

Here are a few of my photos:

Getting prepared for the Partner's Conference - next step

So, now you know your audience and you've created a new paradigm for your event.  Imagine you are sitting in your audience and you are being introduced to your cause (insert cause here!).  You have approximately 45 seconds to capture everyone's attention and get your message across.  Look at these 45 seconds as a teaser, a movie trailer with "Coming Attractions," that gets your audience excited about what's coming next.

STEP THREE - Capture your Audience

How do you capture an audience?  What do you do with them once you've caught them?

Take them on a journey.  Give them a reason to care. Give them a reason to connect to your message or your cause. This is what will translate into increased financial support.

Want help with your journey?  Contact me and we'll explore together.

Getting prepared for the Partner's Conference

Now you that you know who your audience is, let's think about how to WOW them. How many times have you felt like a captive at an event vs. being captivated?  What makes the difference? Simply, it's paradigm shift.

STEP TWO - Creating a Paradigm Shift
How do you create a new paradigm?

It means giving yourself a new model, a new methodology to present your product. You must develop a message from a new perspective.   How do you do that?  Where do you start?  Contact me and we'll get you out of your rut!

Log on next week for step three!

Welcome from Sarah Weintraub

Welcome to my blog! I hope you find it interesting and useful. Please share it with friends and colleagues.

This coming November 19th I will be speaking at the Aish Partner’s Conference in Stamford, CT. While there, I will be conducting a seminar on creating successful and meaningful events. The seminar is entitled, “Taking your (fund-raising) event from OK to Awesome!” If anyone reading this plans to attend the Partner's Conference, please join me for what will be an informative session.

In real estate, the common phrase used is "Location, location, location." When it comes to creating an exciting and meaningful event, I like to chant, "Know your audience, know your audience, know your audience!"

STEP ONE - Know your audience

Do you know your audience?

If you don't, CONTACT ME and let's discuss who you want to reach and how to do it.

Log on next week for step two!