Alicia Baraga - Podcast Details

Shows

That Sounds Like a Plan!51_How to keep event meetings on trackBRIEF SUMMARYIn this episode of That Sounds Like a Plan, we dive into three key strategies to keep your steering committee meetings on track. In this episode we explore: The value of creating and sharing an agenda.Why brainstorming sessions should be separate from steering committee meetings. The importance of summarizing and clarifying next stepsLIST OF RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLESSHOW NOTES: www.thatsoundslikeaplan.net...2024-11-0509 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!50_Nonprofit storytelling with Howard LevyStorytelling plays a vital role in the success of a nonprofit event. Organizations must be able to tell their story in a way that compels their audience to take action. In this episode I sit down with Howard Levy, founder of Red Rooster Group, to explore the vital role storytelling plays in nonprofit success. Howard shares his expertise on how nonprofits can craft compelling narratives that inspire actionAs a bonus, this episode comes with free resources designed to help you implement these storytelling techniques right away. Be sure to che...2024-09-1743 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!49_Using a street team to promote a nonprofit eventIn this very digital age, the personal touch of human interaction becomes increasingly important. Today we’re going to bring that personal touch back to event promotion. We’re talking about promoting your event with a street team. In this episode I share: - What a street team is- Why they’re effective and the benefits to using this form of promotion- Where and how to use a street team- Recruiting and training your team- How to maximize your team’s exposure.Links & Resources...2024-08-0615 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!48_Nine ways to use AI when planning a nonprofit eventWhether you're organizing a small gathering or a massive conference, AI tools can streamline your processes, enhance attendee experiences, and make your event planning smoother than ever before. In this episode I share:Nine ways to use AI that will save you time and moneyA way to use AI that is a game-changer for an auction (check out my social media pages for an example)How to get the best results when using AILIST OF RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES 2024-07-2322 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!47_Five tips for planning a compelling nonprofit event programAs the host of a nonprofit event, the program is your opportunity to educate and inspire your audience. Sadly, many event hosts get caught up in the planning of the event, how many auction items, the entertainment, the food, the decor. The program, which is arguably the most important part of the event, gets only a fraction of the attention. In this episode I share: - Why you need to start with 'why'- The importance of storytelling in your program- Why you need fewer speakers- The im...2024-07-1611 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!46_Event tech tools I can't live withoutToday we're talking tech. I'm sharing my must have event tech tools that streamline planning and ensure everything runs smoothly.Whether you're an event planning pro or just getting started, these tools are game changers.LIST OF RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLESEp 46 Show NotesSign up for more info about Plan to Plan - a guided event timeline workshop using a wall calendar and sticky notes + Asana tutorialSet up a demo of QgivPodcast website: htt...2024-06-1816 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!45_Six tips for selling event tickets“If you build it, they will come” only worked in the movie Field of Dreams. The reality is that it takes a lot of work to get people to first be aware of your event and then to buy a ticket. In this episode I share:The most common, yet frustrating, trend in ticket salesHow to use ticket bundles, FOMO and social proof to sell ticketsHow to audit your event using the 5 PsLIST OF RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLESEp 45 Show No...2024-06-1115 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!44_Eco friendly eventsThere's a lot of waste in the event industry. If you've ever cleaned up after an event, you see it firsthand. In this episode, I cover ways to make your event eco-friendlier in seven categories: 1) Event marketing and promotion 2) Registration 3) Catering. 4) Venues and AV 5) Transportation 6) Décor and 7) SWAG. LIST OF RESOURCES & SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLESEp 44 Show NotesSign up for more info about Plan to Plan - a guided event timeline workshop using a wall calendar and sticky notes + Asana tutorialSet...2024-05-2813 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!43_PPT Never stop asking questionsThis is a Planner Pep Talk or PPT episode. Planning fundraising events is not easy. These pep talks are designed to let you know you're not alone with some of the challenging aspects of planning an event. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes. There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to nonprofit events. Just because you’ve planned one event doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same for the next one. In this episode I encourage you to not let ego or imposter syn...2024-05-2103 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!42_Measuring event successBRIEF SUMMARYWe often talk about the need to have a successful fundraising event. But what does that mean? Just because your event made money doesn’t necessarily mean it was a success, financial or otherwise. In today’s episode we’re going to talk about the different ways you can measure event success. In this episode I share:The most common goals for nonprofit eventsTwo formulas to measure financial successWhy it’s important to track and monitor your goals as you plan your...2024-05-1411 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!41_Are you ready to host your first fundraising event?BRIEF SUMMARYIf you are a relatively new nonprofit, or new to events, you might be wondering when it’s a good time to host your first fundraising event. In this episode we’ll talk about what you need organizationally and personally to be ready to host your first fundraising eventIn this episode I share:The most important thing your organization needsWhy you need board support organizationally and personallyThe skills you need to be able lead an event 2024-05-0709 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!40_Seven systems for nonprofit event successBRIEF SUMMARYWithout systems, planning an event can easily become chaotic and overwhelming. Systems enable you to delegate tasks and create consistency. In this episode I share:The difference between a system and a processThe seven core systems you need for nonprofit successFour tips for creating systems & proceduresLISTENER ACTION ITEMRank the systems from 1-7. Number one is the most important, urgent or needs the most work. Seven needs the least. Block time in your...2024-04-0817 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!39_Seven ways to refresh your eventBRIEF SUMMARYHaving a successful event year after year is a great thing! There are times, though, when you need to change things up slightly to refresh an event to keep it from getting a little stale. In this episode I share:The difference between the Flywheel Effect and the Doom LoopSeven ways to refresh or breathe a little fresh air into your eventLISTENER ACTION ITEMPick one of the seven ways to refresh y...2024-03-1912 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!38_Eleven questions to ask when looking at venuesBRIEF SUMMARYHalf the battle when researching venues for your nonprofit event is knowing the right questions to ask. In this episode I share:Eleven questions to ask when looking at venuesLISTENER ACTION ITEMDownload the list of 11 questions. If you’re looking at several venues and want to make an apples-to-apples comparison, create a spreadsheet with the venue criteria that matters most to you so you can see at a glance what each venue has to off...2024-02-2913 min

Charity Therapy106: Down With the Golf TournamentYou're about to dive into a podcast episode that's gonna change the game for your nonprofit's events. On this episode of Charity Therapy, Alicia Baraga joins Jess, and she's the superstar behind Ripple Event Marketing. We're unpacking all the tips and tricks to create fundraising events that are as unique as your mission – and it's not just about throwing another boring gala. Jess and Alicia kick things off by chatting about the wildest events they’ve seen, from a beanbag tournament on a baseball field to a dueling piano showdown in an airplane hangar (yep, you h...2024-02-2222 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!37_How to get and use event feedbackBRIEF SUMMARYGathering event feedback helps you determine what your audience liked about the event and identify areas for improvement. In this episode I share:Why feedback is importantThe best ways to capture feedbackThe types of questions to askHow to use that feedback once you have itTips for how NOT to take negative feedback personally. LISTENER ACTION ITEMDownload the survey template. Edit it as necessary for your event. 2024-02-1414 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!36_Should I have a live auction?Live auctions serve a purpose other than just raising more money for your organization. In this episode I share:The purpose of a live auctionThe types of events that work best for live auctionsHow to find live auction itemsWhy it’s important to work with an auctioneerLISTENER ACTION ITEMDetermine if a live auction is right for your organization and your event. Talk to your board about the types of unique, one of a ki...2024-01-1827 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!35_Seven Post-Auction DutiesThe silent auction has ended, guests have checked out and you’re done. Well, almost. There are seven things you need to do to wrap up your auction. In this episode I share:The first thing you should do. It might surprise youThe things you need to document for the organizationThe things you should document for yourself or the future auction chairLISTENER ACTION ITEMGo through each of the seven post-auction duties in order. 2023-12-1915 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!34_Day of Auction DetailsThere are a number of things you must do in the month or two leading up to and on the day of the auction to make everything run smoothly. In this episode I share:When to open & close your auctionDetermining your layout at the venue Creating a seamless process for check outCommon Volunteer RolesMerchandising items What to do if someone doesn’t pick up their item at the end of the nightPacking up and heading out...2023-11-2749 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!33_Online Auction BasicsOnline, mobile, or virtual auction. No matter the name, they all mean the same thing; an auction conducted over the Internet where people can bid through a website or mobile device. Not paper sheet bidding. In this episode I share:The benefits of an online auctionWhat to look for in a platformHow to structure your planning timeline for an online auctionSuggestions for dividing the work amongst your auction teamTips for adding items to your auction siteLIS...2023-09-1324 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!32_Preparing To Host An AuctionSilent auctions are a popular fundraising activity for nonprofits and their supporters. Sometimes auctions are viewed as easy money. If you’ve ever organized an auction, you know it’s anything but easy. They are a lot of work! When you put processes in place, it makes everything go more smoothly and makes you look more professional. BEFORE you ask for a single donation, you need to prepare to host an auction. Find out what you need to do and how to do it, step by step. In this episode I share:Why it’s important...2023-07-2828 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!31_Putting Together Your Planning TeamPlanning a nonprofit fundraising or awareness-building event takes a team! This group of individuals can have a huge impact on your event. In this episode I share:The typical structure of the planning teamWhen you should or shouldn’t have co-chairsWhich roles should be held by organization staff, when possibleThe importance of matching the person to the roleWhat not to do with your planning team volunteersLISTENER ACTION ITEMDownload my free guide to walk you through a step by step process to intentionally and strategically recruit your planning team. The g...2023-05-1532 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!30_When does sponsorship become advertising? Special Guest: Jess BirkenEvent sponsorship is arguably one of the most challenging and stressful aspects of planning a fundraising event. Part of that stress is driven by the fact that there are IRS rules about what you can and cannot do and there’s a fine line where sponsorship can unintentionally drift from sponsorship to advertising. I talk about this and more with my special guest Jess Birken of Birken Law, a Minneapolis law firm that specializes in Nonprofit Law.In this interview Jess and I discuss:When does sponsorship become advertising? ...2023-04-0728 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!29_Sponsor ActivationsFor nonprofits, sponsorship packages all tend to look the same; logos on websites and printed materials, tables at the event, social media mentions, etc. So how does a nonprofit stand out from the competition and create long term relationships with their sponsors? The answer…Sponsor Activations. In this episode I share:What is a sponsor activation? Why a hybrid model of the tiered package + activations is preferred.A step by step process for coming up with activation ideas and pitching them to sponsor prospects. LISTENER ACTION ITEMAfter listening to the epi...2023-03-0228 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!28_7 Steps to Get Ready for Sponsorship SalesSponsorship sales is one of the most important, yet most daunting, tasks for your fundraising event. It’s not just something you can dive into. There’s a lot of prep work that needs to happen behind the scenes before you can begin. I break it the prep work down into 7 steps. In this episode I share:Why you should have a clear definition of your target audienceHow to break down creating a budget and set your sponsorship goals into easy steps. The importance of having realistic and measurable sponsor goals and benefitsThe best place to start whe...2023-02-0125 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!27_PPT Taking Time Off to RechargeThis is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT. Planning fundraising events is not easy. These pep talks are designed to let you know you're not alone with some of the challenging aspects of planning an event. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes. Working hard is important but so is taking time off to recharge. When you don't allow yourself time off, both mentally and physically, from work you risk burning out. It may seem counterintuitive but you also reduce your effectiveness when you don't take time...2022-12-2805 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!26_6 Ways to Prep for Next Year's EventsAre you heading into the new year excited and ready to take on your first event? Or are you feeling overwhelmed and anxious? If it’s the latter, it may mean you simply need to do some year-end tasks that will set you up for success for next year’s events. In this episode I share:Why you need a recap for all eventsWhy you should start recruiting your planning team nowThe importance of organizing your digital files and event “stuff”How to crea...2022-12-2114 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!25_PPT A sprint to the finish lineThis is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT. Planning fundraising events is not easy. These pep talks are designed to let you know you're not alone with some of the frustrating aspects of planning an event. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes. The last couple of weeks leading up to your event is one of the most stressful periods of event planning. There are lots of last-minute changes and details to take care of. If you're tired and stressed, you're not alone. FACEBOOK COMMUNITY: https://www.fa...2022-11-1506 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!24_Why you need an event scriptWhat is an event script? Why would you need one for a small nonprofit event? I answer these questions and more in this week’s episode. In this episode I share:Why you need an event script, no matter how small your event or programWhat should be the maximum length of your programThe format and content of your scriptHead to the show notes and download three script freebies! You will get a sample script, a list of AV terminology and definitions and the 7 biggest script mistakes. Sign up for my email newsletter s...2022-10-2513 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!23_Keeping your cool on event dayBeing nervous on event day is understandable. Your mind is filled with all kinds of scenarios of what could go wrong. In this episode I share:The three ways to minimize issuesThe five areas where problems tend to ariseHow to keep your cool on event dayEp. 21_Two ways to stay on track on event dayRIpple Event FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/RippleEventMktgRipple Event Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rippleeventmktg/Podcast Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thatsoundslikeaplanText me with a comme...2022-09-0718 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!22_Creating an internal event recapThere are many lessons learned each time you and your team plan a nonprofit fundraising or awareness building event. An internal recap document is how you capture those lessons and use what you've learned to build on and improve your event for the next time around. In this episode I share:What an internal recap is and why you need oneThe input you need for a thorough recap The structure + dos and don’ts for your recapLISTENER ACTION ITEMHead to the show notes and download the recap template. Adapt it...2022-08-2910 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!21_Two ways to stay on track on event dayThe weeks leading up to an event can be chaotic. There’s a lot happening and there will be lots of questions about what’s happening and when. The easiest way to ensure everyone is on the same page and minimize questions is to create two documents that will keep you on track on event day; a Show Flow or Run of Show and a packing checklist. In this episode I share:What a Show Flow or Run of Show isHow it’s different from a timeline and why you need one. How to create an event pack...2022-08-1711 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!20_Event Volunteer BasicsVolunteers are the lifeblood of a nonprofit. They provide staffing and labor in areas where nonprofits typically can’t afford to hire staff. This is especially true when it comes to events. In this episode I share:The types of event volunteers you needThe structure of your planning teamHow to create a volunteer grid for the day of the eventWhy and how you should plan for continuity when changing volunteersLISTENER ACTION ITEMSHead to the show notes and download the Roles & Responsibilities document. Use the R&R example as a startin...2022-08-1014 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!19_To theme or not to theme?A theme can turn a ho-hum event into a memorable experience. When done well, a theme can seamlessly tie your mission to something fun and interactive. In this episode I share:The purpose of event themesThe best type of theme for a nonprofit eventA brainwriting process for coming up with a theme The Listener Action Item for today's episode has the exact steps for hosting a brain writing session to come up with an event theme. Click the link to the Show Notes to get the steps. SHOW NOTES: https://www.th...2022-08-0313 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!18_Lessons Learned from Event BurnoutAfter a year of producing a large number of events, I hit a wall. I experienced event burnout. In this episode I share:The ways in which event burnout manifested in my lifeHow I’m doing things differently to avoid burning out againI don’t ever want anyone to go through what I did. While this isn’t a foolproof method for avoiding burnout, it’s a cautionary tale. **I am not a therapist or a mental health professional, so if you are feeling there’s something more than just event burnout happening in y...2022-07-2010 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!17_PPT The struggle with perfectionismThis is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT. Planning fundraising events is not easy. These pep talks are designed to let you know you're not alone with some of the frustrating aspects of planning an event. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes. Perfectionists have a lot of good qualities and make great event planners. But perfectionism has its downsides. It can impact your relationships, self-esteem and lead to burn out. It can also cause you to procrastinate. If you struggle with perfectionism, I want you to know y...2022-07-1304 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!16_Why HOPE shouldn't be part of your eventThere’s nothing wrong with hope. Giving someone hope can change their life. I am arguing that HOPE (the word hope) shouldn’t be part of your event. In today’s episode I’m going to tell you WHY I feel this way. I may not change your mind but hopefully I’ve made you think about a few things. In this episode I share:The 3 reasons why HOPE shouldn’t be part of your eventThe #1 reason donors stop giving, or choose not to give in the first placeWhat to do if you have HOPE in your event name, them...2022-07-0607 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!15_Planning an outdoor eventPlanning an outdoor event comes with its own set of unique challenges and tasks on your to-do list. In this episode I share:How to create an inclement weatherThe seven most common logistical factors to considerHow to plan for your event programHere’s a glance at what I cover: [1:50] Find out what should go into your inclement weather plan[4:46] Learn what the seven most common logistical factors are when planning an outdoor event and how to handle them[7:35] Discover the list of things you need to consider when serv...2022-06-2817 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!14_The importance an external event recap with Jen GilhoiJen Gilhoi is an event strategist and founder of Sparktrack where she sparks conversations and tracks results for brands. She helps nonprofits view and approach their relationship building and events on more of a continuum, versus siloed points like an annual gala.Jen and I talk about the external event recaps she creates for nonprofits and corporations, helping the event host capture the excitement and vibe of the event to share with the audience, speakers and sponsors to keep the energy going. TSLAP SHOW NOTES: https://www.thatsoundslikeaplan.net/episodes/14...2022-06-2123 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!13_This ONE thing will make your life easierHave you ever gone into a small coffee shop and it takes seemingly forever to get a latte? By contrast, you can sometimes go into a Starbucks or a Dunkin and they’re calling your name to let you know your half-calf, oat milk, extra hot latte with a double shot of espresso drink order is done before you’ve put your wallet away. This is not a criticism of small coffee shops nor is it an exaltation of chains. I merely want to point out that this ONE thing is the key difference between a business that str...2022-06-1416 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!12_The 7 Skills or Traits Event Leaders NeedAre you the leader of a nonprofit and are looking for someone to chair your next event? Maybe you’ve been asked to lead an event or are thinking about stepping into the event leadership role, Before you start recruiting or before you say ‘yes’, learn the 7 skills or traits event leaders need. Leading or chairing an event is NOT for everyone. I had a client say to me, “I’m the kind of person who throws a dinner party and forgets the forks”. This was her funny way of saying she was a big-picture thinker. Being h...2022-06-0712 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!11_The Importance of DeadlinesThere are three key areas where you should have firm deadlines when planning a fundraising event; sponsor deliverables, auction donations and event registration. When you don't have deadlines, or worse yet, when you don't stick to your deadlines, you're adding extra work and stress for yourself and the planning team. Find out why these deadlines are important, why I often get pushback on them and how to kindly but gently stick to your guns on them. Text me with a comment, question or topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode.2022-05-3119 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!10_PPT Dealing with difficult peopleThis is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT. Planning fundraising events is not easy. These pep talks are designed to let you know you're not alone with some of the frustrating aspects of planning an event. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes. Dealing with difficult people is one of the most challenging aspects of planning events. Sometimes it’s not even difficult people, necessarily, but times when people can be difficult. Unless you want to run the event by yourself, you’re going to have to l...2022-05-2405 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!9_Building an annual giving plan around events with Jennifer DieterYou pulled off a successful event. Now what? What do you do with your list of donors and supporters? Jennifer Dieter has spent most of her fundraising career as a small shop generalist with a love/hate relationship with events. As a fundraising consultant, Jennifer wants to help fundraising professionals develop sustainable solutions that generate the highest return on investment. In this interview you'll hear Jennifer and I discuss:The pain she felt and why when hearing, "We need to raise more money. Let's have another event!" Th...2022-05-1712 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!8_Finding the best date for your eventMany planning teams get stuck on finding THE perfect date. They either overthink it or just don’t know where to start. It doesn’t have to be that complicated. There are 6 factors you need to take into account in order to narrow it down to find the best date options for your event. After listening to this episode you’ll understand what those six factors are and how they affect your date options. LISTENER ACTION ITEMGo to thatsoundslikeaplan.net/episodes/8 for a free downloadab...2022-05-1010 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!7_Promoting your event with PR with Kari LoganAre you looking to get more people to register or attend your event and think that PR is the best way to do that. PR is a great way to tell your story and build awareness for your organization. Every nonprofit wants PR around their event. But what's the best way to do that?Kari Logan spent her career in the media and is now focused on helping small senior services organizations to tell their stories. For over 25 years, Kari has helped her nonprofit clients reveal words and images to educate, promote, inspire, and call their target mark...2022-04-2727 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!6_PPT Dealing with DoubtThis is an episode called a Planner Pep Talk or PPT. Planning fundraising events is not easy. These pep talks are designed to build your confidence and let you know you're not alone. Whenever you need a little encouragement, check out any of the PPT episodes. Today's PPT topic is about doubt and not letting others make you feel "less than". Text me with a comment, question or topic you'd like me to cover in a future episode.2022-04-1303 min

That Sounds Like a Plan!5_Q&A_Utilizing Board MembersToday's question comes from Steve from Anoka, Minnesota. Steve asks, "How do we utilize board members most effectively at events? How can we train them to know they need to be our best ambassadors instead of guests at the event?"This is a question I know many nonprofit leaders struggle with so I'm thankful Steve brought it up. In this episode you'll learnThe three ways in which board members can support your eventHow to ensure your board members know what's expected of themWhy you should keep expectations realistic How to set your board mem...2022-04-0613 min