Q: We have a Chili Fest fundraising event, and I'm wondering how to integrate this event into the Benevon Model. This would not be a time-limited event like a Point of Entry^®; it may run for four hours and will include entertainment. Is there a way to add in a mission-focused element from the Benevon Model into this event?

Dave in Wisconsin

A: The event you are describing sounds like a great opportunity for what we classify in our model as a Point of Entry Conversion Event. You simply need to insert a ten-minute sit-down element into the event's program. You should try to determine when the most people are likely to be there, and insert the program then. Perhaps this will be at the point in the evening when you announce the winners of the chili cook-off.

At the beginning of your ten-minute Point of Entry element, have the emcee or board chair say:

"We here at (organization) wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't take advantage of having you all gathered here today to tell you a little more about the work we do."

Then introduce the program elements, which should be:

• Visionary Leader^™ Talk or Seven-Minute Video
• Three-minute Testimonial Speaker

You will need to find a system for Capturing the Names of your guests with permission, and to wrap up the ten-minute program, your host should let guests know that you would like to follow up with people who want more information. Perhaps there could be cards in the middle of the tables, and guests can be invited to fill in the cards if they want to learn more. The host should also invite them all to a regular Point of Entry Event at your organization.

Finally, you will need a tight system for the Follow-Up. Remember that Follow-Up Calls should be made only to people who gave their permission to have you follow up with them after the event.

Terry