Whether you’re growing with us for the first time or you’re a seasoned, salty veteran of M4K, the same rules apply: To be a successful cultivator of both the hairs and the dollhairs (you know… money), you need to be PUBLIC and somewhat SHAMELESS about your appeals.

This doesn’t mean that you have to be annoying, but it DOES mean you need to take a risk and do a few simple things you may not normally be accustomed to doing, all in the name of getting folks to support you. Below are a few actions successful grower-fundraisers have taken in past growing seasons.

1. CHANGE YOUR PROFILE PICTURE REGULARLY
Most of you have Facebook accounts. A really simple, subtle and amazingly effective thing to do is change your profile picture every day or every other day for the duration of the competition. Not only is fun (think of the evolution of outfits you could wear from photo to photo) but it’s the easiest way for far-flung family members and friends to see that you’re taking the contest seriously and that you’re obviously up to something. It will inspire curiosity, and as any Venture Capitalist will tell you where curiosity leads, dollars usually follow. We challenge you to take a picture with your computer camera every other day and post. Make it weird. Make it funny. Make it memorable or thoughtful. You will be amazed by the messages of support and wonder you’ll receive.

2. MAKE USE OF YOUR EMAIL SIGNATURE
Another really simple thing you can do is include a signature in your emails that says you’re growing a mustache for kids this holiday season. Just go to your preferences in whatever email programs you have activated (don’t be shy about using your work account email, too… your colleagues need to know you love the kids, too!). In your preferences just make sure you “add signature” to your emails. Then include something simple as far as a message goes, and don’t forget to include a URL to your growing page on DonorsChoose.org. This will lead folks immediately to your projects and may turn a casual acquaintance of yours into a big-time donor.

SAMPLE SIGNATURE:

Yours,
Jon Wolanske
Copywriter – Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
415.555.1111

One more thing! This holiday season I’m growing a mustache for kids. No, really. Help me support low income schools by visiting my giving page at the URL below. Thank you. (And the kids say thanks, too).
MY GIVING PAGE: http://tinyurl.com/36jk8w5

3. TURN ON YOUR FACEBOOK CONNECT
Your Facebook profile should be automatically lined to your growing page on donorschoose.org. A cool thing to do? Turn on Facebook Connect. If you do so, any time someone gives to one of your projects that news will appear in Facebook’s news feed and will be visible to all your other friends. Which is a nice little shout out to that generous giver, and a little nudge the rest of your crew that they should also give. To turn on Facebook Connect, go to DonorsChoose.org and log in. Click on the name of your mustache account. Click “manage.” Then go to option 5, “Facebook Connect” and elect to have it turned on. Trust us, it will make an impact if you turn it on.

3. YOU HAVE CARDS AND BUTTONS…
Now use them! They really do work. Especially starting now, just as that lip mink is coming in so nicely over your mouthpiece. They’re twice as effective in your pockets and on your lapels as they are collecting dust on your nightstand. So please get into the habit of bringing them out with you wherever you go. Practice the art of slipping them into your hand before you shake hands with someone (for an easy pass-off) or be even bolder and give a card to someone you’d like to strike up a conversation with. They are the perfect conversational tool and they’ve proven very effective for scoring donations (AND phone numbers–for real).

4. THERE IS POWER IN THE PERSONAL PLEA
A well-crafted email can do a lot to aid your cause. Be passionate. Be funny. Be honest about how you feel about the ‘stache. Be anything but one thing: hesitant. Send an email now to anyone and everyone you know telling them how excited you are to be supporting the kids. And don’t be afraid to send a few emails over the next few weeks. The emails do work, but often times you’ll need to hit up folks more than once. We’ve included a few sample email pitches below from past growing seasons. Feel free to use these and tailor them to your liking, or create your own whole hog. Just don’t wait to send one! Do it today. And do it again next week.

SAMPLE EMAIL 1:

Hey Everyone:

It’s with mixed emotions that I send you this e-mail. That’s right, from mid-November to mid-December I will be subjecting myself to “public humiliation and private doubt” by growing what will no-doubt be a ridiculous looking Mustache.

In order to justify this endeavor I need your support. I am asking you to “sponsor” my Mustache by making a contribution to one of the classroom projects I’ve chosen onDonorschoose.org. You can participate in a Mustache plan, like donating $1 per day of my Mustache growth ($30 in total). Because this is for the kids, any donation size, bigger than $30 or smaller, is welcome. This donation will go directly to local low-income classroom projects. I also encourage you to pass this note on to other Mustache Enthusiasts. You can visit my Giving Page [*INSERT YOUR UNIQUE LINK*] to make a donation.

Mustaches for Kids depends on word-of-’stache publicity, so please forward this email to anyone who might be interested in doing good and having fun. Also, I’ll note that there are still Grower slots available for those of you who are willing to “let it grow” and help public school classrooms.

Who let the ‘stache out,

[YOUR NAME]

SAMPLE EMAIL #2:

Thanks so much!!
the stroudDAWG

Ps. To learn more you can visit www.MustachesforKids.org or www.DonorsChoose.org.

5. YOU TELL US…
Do you have a great fundraising strategy? Something you’ve thought of yourself or stolen from another charity? (It’s okay to steal if it’s in the name of helping others. I mean… look at Robin Hood.)

If you have any tips, please send them our way. We’re always looking to share strategies that work. Write us at grow@m4ksf.com. The kids can use any help they can get. So can your ‘staches.

Thanks and keep growing strong!
- M4KSF