Call time is the central aspect of a fundraising plan, where 80% of campaign funds come from scheduled phone calls made by the candidate to prioritized contacts. The call time coordinator sits with the candidate, records notes on call sheets containing contact details, and ensures important follow-up tasks are completed like sending pledge letters and thank you's. While candidates may dislike asking for donations, positive encouragement and preparation are keys to making call time successful.

1. A Quick Guide To Call Time Presented by: Lindsey Coster @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

2. What exactly is call time? The central aspect to a fundraising plan for a campaign. 80% of funds will stem from call time. Scheduled time on a phone with a coordinator. @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

3. Keys to making call timesuccessful Preparation. Make sure you have a good list. Can you call ahead? Prioritize calls. Make sure you schedule adequate time. @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

4. What do you do when it starts? If at all possible listen to the call with the candidate. Speakerphone Headsets Phone systems Something like this is what I recommend: http://calltimeblog.com/phonesystem if you can get two headsets attached, extra bonus points. The call time coordinator sits across from the candidate and listens to everything and takes notes! @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

5. During Call Time The coordinator hands a sheet to the candidate and the candidate dials. The call sheet has all the info Name Spouse name Phone numbers Addresses Employers Past donor history ***Ask amount (to give, to raise) AND MORE @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

6. Important steps to remember Coordinator records everything in database. I like to have my candidate take notes on the call sheet too. I feel like if they interpret the convo differently than me then we will cover all our bases. Once the call has ended the sheet is put in the appropriate stack and you move on to the next call. It is vital to make as many calls in the time allotted as possible. @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

7. Your client may not like Call Time Like we have said before, it is not easy to call friends and family and ask for money. Sometimes there are a lot of no’s. Keep reminding them this is the way they get the most money. Not events. Events are fun for candidates and are an important part of a fundraising plan, but Call Time is where it is. @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

8. Encouragement! One of my first blog posts was on encouragement, because I find it essential. Clients may not like call time, but they like being there with us. Encouragement also has practical purposes. Stack the deck Be positive Know when your candidate needs a break Give real numbers Listen critically @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

9. Preparation VERY IMPORTANT Make sure you have call sheets together and ready. Prioritize calls according to ask amounts. You could also strategically place “automatic yes’s” Have the table cleared and ready. Your cell phone on silent OR your headset on mute. @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

10. Organization I like to use binders. All calls are put in specific binders in alphabetical order. Left messages Pledges Hard/Soft/Non-specific Left messages folder goes with my client when those calls are returned. Other binders go with me. @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

11. Follow-up Call time is not successful if you don’t follow up appropriately. Make sure that if you are supposed to email/fax or call someone back that it is done. All pledges are written that day signed by client and sent out. I mark on my original call sheet (as well as in database) when the pledge letter is sent. I also date on the call sheet when thank you’s are sent** @LindseyCosterLindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661

12. @LindseyCoster Lindsey@harneycoster.com 405.313.4661 Lindsey Coster