Action Gets Results

One of the biggest challenges for non-profit organizations is the summer down time for volunteers. FRP holds its annual cookbook training, Cookbook University each spring because that is when new volunteer chairs take over. Unfortunately, they then go home to “on vacation” committee members.

In spite of that, the better and more committed Cookbook Chairs take the time to make sure various actions are ongoing during this time and are actively laying plans for the fall when the volunteer starts back up.

Here are a few examples:

The Junior League of Tampa—Denise Schultz and Aspen Kohl are brand new cookbook chairs from a League who has a 50 year history of successful cookbook sales efforts. They have two new ideas to implement—one for now and another new effort when the League year kicks off.

• Hosting a brunch for past Cookbook Chairs to promote the books, especially since the highest percentage of people who buy books are baby boomers (Sustainers) and they want them as our advocates. They also plan to do a quick brainstorm session titled, “what worked while they were chairs and what didn't”.
• The Iron Leaguer competition before every meeting to create buzz around the cookbook table. Have a competition prior to the General Membership Meetings between two League members using the same ingredients they but can choose any recipe out of one of the Junior League of Tampa books. The members vote on which one is better and who wins. The point is to get people out to the cookbook table to buy books! They plan on announcing the competitors on their Cookbook Facebook page with a picture of each person and stats, etc. like boxers. Make it fun!

The Junior League of Tallahassee—Sarah Collins and Emily Howard are also brand new chairs and their book is going into its second year. They share the following:

• Emily and I are so excited to announce our first task as the incoming Cookbook Chairs is the launch of our blog! We will be taking the League year to cook our way through A Thyme to Celebrate! We are working hard on promotions for the blog and are already receiving a great response!”

The Junior League of Pensacola—Mandi Edwards is a Past President of this League but decided to take this placement rather than go sustainer. That is real dedication. Although the League is small they have a steady cookbook business with two titles (Some Like it South and By Invitation Only). Mandi has done some good planning and is ready to start the year with some strong goals.

• Quarterly press releases to Pensacola and surrounding area media outlets
• Add 10 more retail stores to our list
• Combine swaps from FL Leagues into a 3-4 book package at a discount
• Work with Wines for Humanity to hold 3 combined (cookbook and wine tasting) events this year
• Create a media kit for both books

While each of these groups is a Junior League the same principles apply to any self-publishing group. Using a cookbook as a fund raiser means you are setting up a business which requires a business plan, marketing strategy and product movement to generate profits. What are you doing to create a demand for your book?