SAPERSTEIN & ASSOCIATES

The Importance of Agreement

"What usually comes first is the contract." Ira Gershwin

The first step in accomplishing a successful and profitable business arrangement is recognizing the importance of agreement, prior to starting any service. Establishing a mutually agreed upon written contract, that includes all aspects of a working relationship, protects you as the consultant, as well as the client. Read More

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After the Survey, Now What?

When a potential client is interested in fundraising services for their small business, the first step in my overall process is to send a “Preliminary Funding Questionnaire”. I use a basic online survey program that allows me to gather initial information on the project and how the funds will be utilized, while collecting vital statistics that may be applied later for grant writing or lobbying. The method not only assists me as a fundraiser, but I believe it provides a basic, yet effective visioning tool for the business owner as well.

If surveys and questionnaires are part of your business strategy or you’re thinking about adding it to your information gathering system, below are 4 essential steps that I encourage you to follow, for small business success.

Step One: Review After receiving a completed questionnaire, review the answers, but also research topics, trends and funding opportunities related to the project, not as in much detail when an agreement is signed and you’re invoicing for hours, but a general 7 to 14 day assessment of the business, the managers, the field of interest, funding availability; the full scope of the project.

Tip: In the review process, make sure to be prepared with a computer for research, a journal or online notepad for highlighting important items, as well as current business newspapers and magazines to compare common trends.

Step Two: Analyze Once data is collected and reviewed, the next step is analysis; break down the information into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. Are there benefits available for being a minority owned LEED Certified urban developer? Is the non profit organization in good standing, have they filed a 990? Analyze survey results, through questions and examination, and organize the conclusions that have been reached.

Tip: While analyzing survey answers make a chart covering topic areas, collect, categorize and summarize data using offline tools like Excel.

Step Three: Advise It is very important to clearly explain collected data and summaries to survey participants and others through feedback, not only for personal understanding, but also to give counsel, recommendations and suggestions.  In fundraising for example, the next step may be organizational strengthening, board development or grant submission. Properly utilize the information collected and advise on the best way to move forward, after reviewing and analyzing data.

Tip: Make an appointment for a free telephone consultation with potential clients to discover further information and expand on survey results.

Step Four: Follow Up One of the most important steps in the data collection process, is follow up. Following up with a plan for your clients, newsletters to keep interested parties informed, impacts and outcomes for investors or foundations, will all lead to good customer relations and improved processes, but remember you’re not only requesting information, you’re building relationships, and in order to do that effectively, the ability to follow up is key.

Tip: Take this opportunity in receiving information and feedback through surveys and develop a Customer Relationship Management system that improves customer profiling and overall profitability.

No matter the field, from fundraising to fashion design, apply these fundamental actions to your survey program, and keep copious notes as your clientele, resources and profit grows.

Have more successful survey tips? Share them with us below.

About The Author: Sherree Saperstein is the Director of Development for Saperstein & Associates, a Global Consulting & Fundraising Firm based in the Los Angeles area. She has worked in the Non Profit, Private & Government Sectors raising funds and managing budgets of all sizes for over 15 years.

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Lunch & Learn

June 20th. 2012

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Entrepreneurs Can Change The World

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Lunch & Learn

Saturday, January 29th. 2011

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Grant Writing Basics 101: Funding

Before You Receive, You Must Believe

As I meet with potential Grant Writing Clients, there is one question that is always asked,

"Are there grants out there for my business?"

And while there are numerous grants available across many industries, if there is one thing I have learned in the Philanthropy field, it is before you receive any grants, you must first believe that it is possible. Now of course, believing alone will not award you grant funding, however it will definitely get you started.

That means, before fingers touch the keyboard, an end mindset must be set at the beginning. For those that do not know, prior to applying for funds, first there is:

• Program Development
• Alliance Building
• Research
• Project Management
• Budgeting

And then...

• Writing

If you don't believe that it is possible to receive funding for your business, would you truly go thru all the first steps efficiently, effectively and timely?

Remember, Grant Writing is a process and very competitive, so develop great projects, secure a good working team, don't be afraid to ask and/or pay for help if needed and then plan, submit, submit, submit and submit some more, and eventually you will receive that which you have been believing for.

Happy Writing!

Sherree Saperstein is a Consultant & Grant Writer for Saperstein & Associates, A Small Business Consultant Firm based in the Los Angeles area. She has worked in the Non Profit, Private and Government Sectors managing budgets of all sizes.

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Lunch & Learn

Grant Writing Basics 101

Are you seeking funding for your business, idea or project? There are grants available for business start up funds, non-profit organizations, and industry specific, as well as for individuals. However, although the money is out there, if you are in business in any capacity, you know by now that funding is not guaranteed in business and grant writing is not an easy task.

But learning simple, effective tools can start you on your way to receiving the funds needed to start, grow or keep your business.

Grant Writing Basics 101 will help you: 

1. Learn strategies and skills for successful and simple grant researching and writing
2. Determine if grants are a viable funding option for your business (for profit or non-profit)
3. Collect grant resources to better assist you in your search for possible funding
4. Network with Small Business Owners and Innovators that may lead to business alliances

Date: Saturday, March 20th. 2010     Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm 

Click Here To Register

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Identity Theft

Are You In Compliance?

The FTC has extended the enforcement of The Red Flags Rule until November 1st. 2009, in an effort to further educate small businesses about compliance and provide resources and guidance about the Rule. The Red Flags Rule requires many businesses and organizations to implement a written Identity Theft Prevention Program to detect the warning signs – or “red flags” – of identity theft in their day-to-day operations.

Does your business fall under the Red Flag Rule? The Rule applies to financial institutions and creditors, and isn’t based on the line of work you’re in, but rather on whether your activities fall within the definitions in the law. For more on the definitions of “financial institution” and “creditor,” read Fighting Fraud with the Red Flags Rule: A How-To Guide for Business, at www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule.

Does your business have an Identity Theft Program in place? Note: Having a data security plan in place for your business, which is required under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB), does not take place of the Red Flags Rule. The Red Flags Rule, picks up where data security leaves off. For more on data security, visit www.ftc.gov/infosecurity.

Is Your Business In Compliance? Do You Know?

Posted by Sherree Saperstein, Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist for www.sapersteinandassociates.info . Information Provided by The Federal Trade Commission

For Personal Identity Theft Tips, Click Here

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