Wanted: Evangelists (Celebrity Optional)

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Seth Godin pre-launched his new book, LINCHPIN – in style. In the process he helped raise $100,000 for the ACUMEN fund.

I’m working on my 2010 budget for the Dr.Mani Children Heart Foundation. We are likely to spend $45,000 to sponsor more heart operations (between 80 and 110).

Viewing these two facts together brought something into sharp focus. I’ve hit my “glass ceiling” in terms of scaling the CHD project… but can try something new which just might work!

The Foundation gets funds from 2 primary sources – a share of my business profits, and from donations. To scale either of these will mean an extra investment of my time and effort into my business and/or fundraising activities – and there’s a finite limit on those resources… especially when carrying out the operations will itself take up an increasing proportion of them.

But what if I had ‘evangelists’ helping out?

Seth Godin didn’t raise money for Acumen from just one casual mention on his blog or email list. No. His tribe has heard him talk about it for YEARS.

And so when Seth asks us to support Acumen, thousands of people willingly shell out $25 or more – because we know how that will help entrepreneurs around the world!

That’s the impact that comes from a story-teller constantly sharing a compelling tale – with an attentive audience.

So, the answer to that question leads to another…

Should I also seek celebrity evangelists?

Until now, my efforts to spread awareness about congenital heart defects have been assisted by thousands of people. And some of them have helped consistently over a long time.

One thing is clear. The impact over time from an evangelist (with even a small audience) is greater than a casual mention or introduction from an incidental supporter with celebrity status.

Of course, a really passionate and involved celebrity helping raise funds would be fantastic… and that’s where YOU come in.

Because YOU are a celebrity!

Ok, maybe not a MEGA-celeb, but most certainly a MINI-celebrity – or even a MICRO version of one.

You have connections and a network. You have access to tools (online and off) to share a story with them. You have the potential to set off a ripple that can grow and spread far and wide.

The only question is whether you are a passionate, interested supporter who wants to make a difference in a child’s life? If yes, I want to hear from you – and work together with you in 2010 and beyond.

And even if you are not, there’s a way you can help – if you have a few moments to spare and will give the problem some thought.

• Tell me what you think I should be doing next?
• What steps can (should?) I take to keep momentum building?
• Who can I contact pro-actively about helping with this?
• How should I approach them – and why?

I’ll keep quiet now. And listen to what YOU have to say.

I’ll consider every suggestion. Your voice, view and opinion matters. And it just might end up saving a child’s life.

Please use the comments box below. Thank you.

Tagged as: celebrities, celebrity, Congenital Heart Defects, evangelists, passion, promotion, support