by Norma Jean Bishop

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

Raising cash quickly requires a positive attitude and resourcefulness. I remember as a child my brother, sister and I decided to sell popcorn on the beach. We gathered some small paper bags, cooked and salt the popcorn, and went out selling. I think we sold about 50 bags in an hour. Fortunately we lived nearby, so within another half hour we were back on the beach, this time with lemonade! Our parents even got involved because it was fun and a good way to use our summer afternoon.

Children are a wonderful resource, especially if you can motivate their interest. Recently I participated in a "boot sale" in a parking lot with friends. We managed to make sales even though the event wasn't advertised publicly. My first (and only) sale was of seven dolls, which made me decide that next time we should invite our children to sell their old toys.

If you feel that you are too old to get a job, maybe you can help your children (or friends) find work. My daughter, a recent college graduate, has begun teaching language courses and tutoring students. This used to be my line of work, which she cleverly picked it up from me, borrowing my English books and networking among her friends. I am now the chauffeur and resource person for her new part-time job. Often parents give their children too much allowance. Letting them earn it increases their self-reliance and their skills.

If you children have a paper route, why not help out? Maybe together you can deliver twice as many papers. If your children like to help in the kitchen, why not organize a bake sale? Help them to find babysitting and pet-sitting jobs and consider opening a drop-in daycare center. Of course there are rules and regulations, but if you begin on a small scale, you can meet these challenges gradually.

A very effective "gimmick" is to turn your fund-raising into a charity event. Of course you need money yourself, but you can earn even more by giving some of it away. This creates good will and increases your client base. It may sound self-interested, but if you can help others while helping yourself, why not? Connected with this is the importance of advertising let the world know what you have to offer! Make business cards, create a web-page, talk to everyone you meet.

Another good idea comes from an elderly friend of mine who is not at all mercenary. She generously helps other people and they help her. For example, she has a big home and often invites people to stay for free. In exchange they do repairs, shopping,

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