![](http://www.afriversity.org/images/avatar/thumb_54a309c1423793bf1a7de525.jpg "Lynton Klassen::OK. I know it's been a while... I even got a call from "management" for not being active! We've been busy getting M-Pesa outlets activated, and lauched a few promotions, too. Look out for these, as I will post some of our acyivities here, too. It's getting REALLY active now with outlets as far as Upington and Springbok.<br/><hr noshade=\"noshade\" height=\"1\"/><img style=\"vertical-align:middle;padding: 0px 4px;\" src=\"http://www.afriversity.org/components/com_community/assets/status_offline.png\" />Offline | <img style=\"vertical-align:middle;padding: 0px 4px;\" src=\"http://www.afriversity.org/components/com_community/assets/default-favicon.png\" />19 friends"){kind=small}
![](http://www.afriversity.org/images/avatar/thumb_597160f158a8d475f0420812.jpg "Ellen Renman::Let's celebrate! We are now 100 members :) And according to Wikipedia it can only get better... "Multi-level marketing. Exponential increases are promised to appear in each new level of a starting member's downline as each subsequent member recruits more people."<br/><hr noshade=\"noshade\" height=\"1\"/><img style=\"vertical-align:middle;padding: 0px 4px;\" src=\"http://www.afriversity.org/components/com_community/assets/status_offline.png\" />Offline | <img style=\"vertical-align:middle;padding: 0px 4px;\" src=\"http://www.afriversity.org/components/com_community/assets/default-favicon.png\" />19 friends"){kind=small}
Hi!
These are some hints and tips for making a successful pitch if you have a project where you are looking for "Donations"
First off, you need to go to http://crowdfunding.civilisedmoney.co.uk/pg/get-investment-for-your-business-3
to create the out line for your pitch and have it approved by Civilised Money.
The next step is for you to complete your Pitch Summary. This is the page that will be displayed to potential funders so its important that you make it as attractive and compelling as possible. This is your chance for you to sell yourself and your project to other CivilisedMoney members who are looking for fun and interesting projects to get involved in.
Here are seven steps to a successful civilisedmoney crowdfunding pitch
1. Create a compelling story
People are more likely to fund a project that they are already passionate about or a story that is too compelling to
ignore. Your crowdfunding pitch should be one, or both, of these things. What makes your project unique? And how will
you take advantage of this opportunity?
It is important that your story is clear and easy to understand. Don’t overcomplicate what you are trying to achieve,
be articulate and professional. Wherever possible you should look to build trust in your pitch. Use images, references
and cite your own track record and past successes. Creating a video pitch is a great way to build trust and credibility.
Remember to be honest and polite and check for spelling and grammar before you publish your pitch.
2. Who is on your team?
It may seem obvious but the more people you have working to promote your pitch the greater the likelihood of success. Do
you know of any individuals or communities who are already passionate about your cause? Friends, family and colleagues
are all likely to be big advocates of what you are trying to achieve. Encourage these people to join your team and teach
them how to spread the word effectively.
3. Making a video pitch
You don’t need to have a video to publish a pitch on civilisedmoney but it can make the difference between success and
failure. A promotional video is a powerful tool for you to communicate what you are trying to do in a succinct and
memorable manor. It will help bring your pitch to life, show that you are serious and add credibility to your pitch.
This is your opportunity to show potential funders that you are articulate, passionate and worthy of their contribution
to your project – don’t waste the opportunity.
You don’t need to be Steven Spielberg to make a short video nowadays and by doing one you will certainly increase your
chances of success. A video should be no longer than a couple of minutes maximum.
4. Where the money goes
People work hard for their money and they will definitely want to know how you are planning to spend it before funding
your project. You need to tell people exactly what your need the money for and how you will spend it once you reach your
target.
5. Reward people for their generosity
Projects with rewards are likely to be more successful than those without. By adding good value rewards to your project
you’ll attract different types of people. Rewards will allow funders to get something back from their pledge. It is
amazing the power behind giving away something unique or getting access to the next must have product before it hits the
shelves. Have a good think about what people are likely to find compelling and tier your rewards to entice people to
contribute more to your project.
6. Be prepared to spread the word
Once your project has launched, you and your team need to actively promote it and spread the word. It is important that
you have a burst of activity for launch but that you also plan ahead to try and maintain a steady flow of activity as
well. You need to manage your campaign so that you maximise every opportunity.
Email is still a very effective tool for telling your personal and professional contacts about what you are doing.
Ensure that your email contacts are up-to-date. Also, civilisedmoney offers social media tools on your pitch page to
help you tell people about what you are doing. This is a really good way to virally spread your message on the web.
It is crucial for you to target key influencers – bloggers, journalists, brand advocates to name but a few - as part
of your campaign. These people will be key when helping you to get your message out there and encourage people to
support your project.
7. Updating funders on progress
Make sure that you keep you followers up-to-date with progress. We recommend updating you followers at least once a week
to help maintain the momentum behind your campaign. Remember that these people already believe in you and want you to
be successful; they are therefore a good source of help when spreading the word. Keep them updated and they will spread
the word for you.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT YOUR PITCH:
- you have 30, 45, 60, or 90 days to raise your Target, depending on which option you chose;
- you cannot change the amount of money you are asking for - the Funding Target - once you have published your Pitch
- its within your power to make your project a success - the more effort and time you spend in creating and promoting
your project the more likely you are to achieve your goal and raise your target
Good Luck!
The Afriversity Team & The Civilised Money Team
