Flexible Working

January 25, 2011 Leave a comment

Not one to blow my own trumpet but sometimes you have to – particularly if you want to win work – there’s a feature about me and how I got started as a freelance fundraiser on Family Friendly Working today (25th January).

Starting out in August 2008, there were two main motivations behind my decision – one was entirely personal and driven by my family circumstances and the desire to stop the long commute and make a few more events in the lives of my children.  The second motivation was that I wanted to use the skills and experience I’d gained over years fundraising for a range of organisations to work with smaller charities – particularly those who are either keen to start fundraising; want to make their fundraising more effective; or are trying to refocus or build their fundraising programme.

It’s been an interesting couple of years – smack bang in the middle of a recession has made it a bit nerve wracking to say the least – but I wouldn’t change my decision or go back to the day job.  I’ve met fascinating people; worked on projects as diverse as employability initiatives to children’s arts organisations; photography galleries to tourist attractions; and I’ve learned a huge amount along the way.

In fact, if you’re considering going freelance or setting up your own consultancy, and you love a challenge and meeting new people – go for it!

Filed under freelance fundraiser Tagged with , , , , ,

Businessmums Blog

November 22, 2010 Leave a comment

As someone new to the world of blogging, tweeting and social media in general, I recently took part in a blog carnival.  The idea is (I think) that one person hosts the carnival on their blog while others submit links to posts on their blogs that are relevant to the overall subject.  I took part in the Business Mums Blog Carnival on 15th November and, despite not really knowing what was going on, I really enjoyed it. 

It was a good opportunity for me to think about what a different audience might be interested in reading about and it was fascinating to read about the experiences of those taking part – from going freelance in the first place, why they work for themselves, what they enjoy, and how there isn’t any time to shave your legs!

I’d definitely take part again and would recommend others new to the world of blogging to roll up their sleeves and get writing.  You never know who might read your article and, more importantly, what you might find out from reading new posts that you don’t already follow.  I’ve signed up to host the carnival taking place next May (which I know from experience seems like a long way in the future but will be here before we know it!).

So, why not put the kettle on when you get a spare five minutes and read through this month’s Business Mums Blog Carnival.  Or, put blog carnival into the search engine and see if there are any that you could take part in that might be relevant to your business.

Filed under freelance fundraiser Tagged with , , , , , ,

Starting Out

October 2, 2010 Leave a comment

So why give up a secure, highly paid job to go it alone?  Well, one of the main reasons for starting Activate Fundraising was to have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients whose work I support and have an affinity with.  I knew it would be hard work – and it has been – but it has also been hugely rewarding working with clients both large and small on a range of campaigns and for projects as diverse as enhanced employability for young people to the restoration of key artworks by a leading Scottish artist.  As well as hands-on fundraising, I’ve also run focus groups and developed feasibility studies, helping clients to establish what they need; why they need it and how they can attract donors to support it.  There’s something incredibly motivational about starting work every day knowing that you’ll be speaking with different people, learning about new projects and helping organisations to raise the funds they need to realise their vision.  So while it might have been a bit scary, working for myself has been the best decision I’ve made.

Filed under fundraising consultancy Tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,