[Rainbow D. Clown]

Ok, a few notes on volunteering. Fitz is absolutely correct. There are very few events that are organized without a budget, and the organizers themselves rarely do it without some sort of pay off. Now in this particular event, where there would be some considerable amount of travel and supplies used to meet the demands, there are deffinitely some negotiating tactics that I would suggest.

If the event falls in your heart to absorb all costs, then by all means do so, and you will be rewarded for it. However, if it is not an event that you are connected to, then out of pocket expenses should certainly be reimbursed minimally. Another option I use is for every paid hour (or whatever incriment you'd like to use), I'll donate an hour.

But, I word it "I would love to help out an evet like this! Here's what I can do for you. For every hour your budget can support, I'll gladly donate my time and services for such a worthy cause. I hate to charge anything, but, unfortunately, I have a limited purchasing budget myself and need to financially secure the items and means needed to be able help you and all your hard efforts in this event."

If you need to charge your full amount, then a few possibilities that I've used in the past is, "I don't mind to help your event, but in doing so, I'll have to turn down other events that I depend on to financially secure my bottom line. I'm sure you can appreciate that, but I would love to help you out as I feel I could be an asset to your event. My fees are....and I can start as early as 9am. Would you like for me to be there at 9 or would you like me to wait until 10 when a few more guests have arrived?"

Another is..."I'm so sorry I wish I could help out in that way, but, I've already donated my maximum amount of time to Non-Profit organizations this month. But my fees are so affordable...I start as low as..... And sometimes you can find a sponsor to cover your professional entertainment fees. All you have to do is book us, and in your fundraising, let your potential sponsor know exactly what their donation is going toward. I'd be happy to assist you in sending a Thank you note to them. So, I'm available as early as 9 am..."

The key is to present yourself as a professional business who's time and supplies are valuable. They are approaching you in a business like manner, so respond in the same manner and they will see you as an equal, not just someone who's time isn't worth anything.

Now, you will probably be approached with some promise for larger events of the media coverage and advertising opportunity that you will recieve. If this is your motive, make sure you follow up on it. To be told the TV Station is going to be there isn't enough. You should speak with the organizer to make sure you are strategically placed, you have some positive words you'd like to contribute when they arrive, or that the crew be directed to your location upon arrival.

I work for "free" when I'm accepting tips and being allowed to hand out my cards or advertising stickers. If you work locally, this is a no brainer in limited capacities. Follow up with the organizer afterwords and tell them how much you enjoyed being a part of it, and next year when you are called, you will be hired.

The last large event I worked for free was from my heart in 2004 in Killeen, TX near Ft. Hood. I worked for the City of Killeen for their Make a difference day celebration. We had a large fun event for the families of deployed soldiers. I worked very quickly in a few hours time and made little more than swords, hearts and bears, something I hate to do because it shows no potential additional talent to intice someone to hire me, but my goal was to get a balloon in to hundreds of children's hands. As it turned out, Make a Difference Day is actually a competition in which entities are awarded on their volunteer efforts. The city of Killeen was awarded $10,000 for that event and I had my name published and I was quoted in the USA Today Weekender as a result of it. It is now a part of my marketing packet. (Look it up if you want it was Oct 2004 I think, the article should still be online). So, like I said if your heart is in it, you will be rewarded for it....Think about it!

(Ok sorry folks, anyone tired of my novels yet?)