Episode Transcript
Nina Huchthausen (00:03.124)
All right, welcome everyone to the Makers Business Tribe podcast. My name is Nina and I'm the founder of the Makers Business Tribe. And we work with health conscious product based businesses and get them into retail as well as just ultimately helping them dial up their distribution of their products. Because we've all created products that are here to make a difference, they're not just looking pretty or, you know, wasting our money ultimately, but we're here to make a difference.
So ultimately we have to make sure that we are reaching as many people as possible with our products to make that difference. In today's episode, I have Olivia from Alu Wellness with me. think we've almost been working together for a year, Yeah, think May is a year. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. So, and Olivia, she's the founder of Alu Wellness, a beautiful
beautiful moisturizer, SPSF and primer that I've been using for a while now, winter and summer, and I'm absolute fan, so is my baby. And she is right now very much in the business of getting the products into as many hands as possible, right? We are in the face of introduction, growing market size. So we're selling online, we're selling and getting more and more into retail. But what we've identified is, hey,
Customers are not just hanging out online or in retail shops. They're living life. They're doing things. They are at sports events. They are doing kindy drop-offs. They are at schools. They have hobbies. They are here, there, and everywhere. So why not be exactly where our audience hangs out? So the topic for today is really exploring the opportunity of
proposing and running a fundraiser and using product as a means to give back to a certain part of the community and get the products into the hands of as many people as possible that are not just aligned with the cause, but also aligned with the branch ultimately. So we're going to explore that today in a bit of a Q &A conversation, myself and Olivia, because Olivia is on this path and
Nina Huchthausen (02:29.81)
And come September, you really want to run a whole bunch of fundraisers for causes that you deeply care about for your audience, as well as use that as a brilliant opportunity to get your audience to try your product. So with that, Olivia, first question, please, of course. And please introduce your brand, how it came about, and who is your audience? So we can then see, well, where do they hang up?
Yeah, thanks, Nina. So the brand came about we've launched just over a year ago. And that's when I started working with you. So it's really good timing for me as a new business. But the brand and the vision behind the brand really began probably around eight years ago when I was a tired, exhausted mom. And I wasn't taking care of myself. And I had skin sensitivities, I hormonal breakouts, was
breastfeeding, recovering from pregnancy. You know, like every woman that goes through having a new child, you tend to take care of yourself last. So skincare for me became that five minutes of self care. And this skincare range is really designed for and created with women and families in mind. So the current range, we've got a beautiful product designed for busy women. It's a three in one product.
And then we've also got a really beautiful natural hydrating SPF product for kids, but also for the whole family as well. So the whole family is covered with these current range and it is made specifically with you in mind, with the mums, the women and the family, including the kids in mind. And that's really underpins Arlo and
It's a holistic approach to skincare. So all the ingredients only have a positive impact on your skin, but also on your health as well. Awesome. Awesome. And I think so far, all the feedback that you've received, it's just a magical product because it's not just to make you look and feel really good, but it's
Nina Huchthausen (04:50.081)
I love it for its healing properties and really knowing that even if Theo decided to lick it, he's so fine. And yeah, getting this product into the hands of as many people as possible is now really, that's the big mission, right? Now, could we just spend a million dollars on ads? Yes, we could, but that's not really the most wholesome way to do it.
So a very easy path is now to really look at, OK, moms, which are the main buyers either for themselves or for the family or for the child, busy moms that are looking for a premium health-promoting, home and supporting product that is toxin-free and does the job, where do they hang out? That's the key question because
Hand to hand, we don't spend that much time in shopping centers browsing the shelves. Like I'm doing the sports drop-offs, the sports pickups, the school drop-offs, you know, pickups. We've had meetings. We had Mother's Day this morning. It's, we're always out and about. Yeah. are actually not, in most of time when we go to the shops, we get a list. We're in and out. Yeah. We got like kids that are just pulling lollies out of the shelves and they're like, just like,
Calm down, just getting my list out of here. So, meaning getting a new product into shelves that moms potentially need to explore and spend time with. need a babysitter. I need a baby to browse the shop. So tricky. So how else can we get the products into the hands of moms to try it? And that's where the opportunity of raising funds
for a location where they hang out, where they have a keen interest to invest time and energy into, is a really great way because number one, what are the chances that a mom who has kids in kindy, yeah, has a keen interest that that kindy has the best equipment, the best support facilities for their children? Probably very high.
Nina Huchthausen (07:16.901)
Because which mom would say, I don't care. Yeah. Have never heard that thing before. number two, with our limited time and capacity, yes, we all try and give time to the facilities where our kids are growing up, whether that's sports, kindy school, you name it. Yeah. But we can only do so much. So a fundraiser is a really great way for everyone to do their bit.
through financial means because at the end of the day, if we need a new playground, if we need more soccer balls, if we need to actually pay the culture fair wage, yeah, so he's saying we gotta do something about it. And for that and how best do we raise funds? It is to me the most wholesome way if it's products that we actually really want and not just teddies. I can only buy so many teddies and buttons and
And chocolates. Exactly. Yeah, my good, my goodness. So and I think that's where you and your mission. Yeah. And what you are actually really passionate about is completely aligned. Yeah. You happen to hang out at those spots because your kids are that age. So it's not even you as a business owner going out of your way, hanging out with people that you don't have a connection to, you know. And but
you live and breathe that age of children, you're there too. So you're one of them, which makes you even more approachable and trustworthy running it because we are all in this together. But me, Olivia, I happen to have a product that I can put forward that can help us create the playground, get the balls, pay the costs. Yeah, absolutely. And I think sorry, I was going to say, I think
With these products, it just fits so naturally as well. We're not trying to recreate anything. It just fits in so beautifully because outdoor sports, you're needing sun protection. know, kinders, you know, we, I'm not sure about Queensland, but we have policy when the UV is a certain strength, then the kids need sunscreen on. So we're providing a safer, more nourishing formula.
Nina Huchthausen (09:43.301)
without any chemical UV filters or anything that may cause irritation on the skin. So it's just a natural fit. So it makes sense to then work together. Yeah, yeah. in that harmony in itself, that's how we want to match product with audience. Because it completely makes sense. And it's also utility that we are providing, right?
For that, what we want to work through today is to see, well, what is a fundraiser? And how do we start the conversation and actually get different organizations on board? Yeah? Now, with full disclaimers, different areas of Australia, they might have different legal requirements for fundraiser. And it also, I think, depends on how official you're making it as a
as a fundraiser or as just a private way of raising money. Yeah, we see agreement that you are wholesaling product and the gap between wholesale and retail just goes to someone versus completely labeling it as a fundraiser. Those legalities we need to check between Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales. And probably also it's always good to have a conversation with our accountant about that. Yeah. Yeah.
But apart from that, from a business perspective, we've identified our people are there, our people want and need sunscreen, whether it's kindy, school, or after school curriculum, sports, whether it's tennis, soccer, whatever. They need it. They also have a need for upgrade, always. And they always seem to have.
seem to be loan funds. Yeah, because no government showers any of these organizations with millions. And even if it's a private organization, well, the most of the money goes into fixed costs and rent and profits. Yeah. So there's always there's always a want and a demand for more finances. And there's also a want
Nina Huchthausen (12:04.904)
from parents and everybody who's involved. They could also be grandparents, aunties, uncles, to wanting to give and create an even more beautiful time for our children in these locations. So there is demand and opportunity as well as gaps all around. And that's what we always need to identify. Because if there's no opportunity and if there's no challenge, very hard to do anything like that because
If nobody can see a return of the time investment that this takes because it will, nobody's going to say yes. So we need to check that off first and we need to be really clear. Is there a real pain? Is there a real demand? And are people up for investing time into this? Yeah. Yeah. We've done it. The demand is there for different opportunities. Now, before we reach out to a specific kindy,
specific sports organization, we want to do that research specifically for that organization because they've just done a fundraiser and they're cashed up. Well, doesn't make sense. Yeah. If funding just got cut for something, great opportunity. Yeah. If you can see the basketball hoops are falling apart and, you know, they got tape everywhere. Let's raise funds for that. Like the more obvious we can
identify a real gap, a real need that we can address right now, then this is a great, fast way to do it. And we are tackling a specific problem. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So that's from a business perspective. The other part is where does the money come from? The money comes from, well, you have certain costs for your product, fixed costs that you cannot shake. Yeah. Let's call them $10.
to make it easy, right? But you're not selling your product for $10. You're selling it for $60, $80, $100. Anyone listening, just imagine that. We all got costs. We have a recommended retail price, meaning there's a gap in between. So we can then give either the full gap or part of the gap to the organization that allows us to base those funds.
Nina Huchthausen (14:31.559)
Yeah, there might be a bigger gap that we need to give to the organization if we do it completely official as a fundraiser, but it can always be also run as an offering that all the profits are donated to an organization. And the profit can literally be defined and everything onwards wholesale price. Yeah. Yeah.
Which means that you will end up with a percentage and whatever organization that you're collaborating with, probably with the majority share. But this isn't a fundraiser. The main opportunity isn't to just make ones of a million dollars. The main opportunity is brand awareness because Arlo is sponsoring it. Arlo is providing the product.
Aalo is educating every single person about the topic because we're pre-advertising, we're going to run this fundraiser. If you need sunscreen, sunscreen in your family, it to anyone, the more sunscreen you buy, the more you can help get this playground run.
All those people will be making a first critical purchase of your product. And with that, try it and experience it. And that's what we are after. Yeah? Because your product is dang good. And I know for myself, now that I've tried it, I'm like, I want to keep using that product because I love it. Yeah?
with sunscreen, you probably want to try it more than once and not just a little bit on your hand because yeah, yeah, but you want to put it on and also for children who want to have that feedback that they're like, Mama, I love this sunscreen. I'm happy to put it on. Yeah. And that's what we are achieving here in a very wholesome way. And then, of course,
Nina Huchthausen (16:44.997)
on sale opportunity is if we're attaching it to the product when we're giving it out, maybe a little QR code to scan. Yeah. So we know, okay, that bought from the fundraiser. Yeah. That we can then send her a little email series with an offer to jump onto a subscription for the next season or just for that next follow on offer, whatever that is. Yeah. Yeah.
That's a really good idea like that. Because ultimately, for any fundraiser we do, we want to know every single person who bought and we want to be able to contact them. Yeah. We want to get a review because fundraiser people are also much more likely to give you a review because it's almost like you've because you you've organized it. You championed the whole opportunity, say, with the aim of raising 10 grand, two grand, five grand.
whatever the fundraising goal is. And you've put that forward. So why not then ask as a return favor, can you please give me some review on the product? Yeah. That's potentially a lot of reviews for every fundraiser. Much more likely. Because people are not just grateful for the product and they're like, was actually something useful that I bought. And all these stupid buttons and plastic flowers.
Yeah. Yeah. And we've raised 10 grand, got a great playground out of it. Yeah. Yeah. More likely that people get back to you in terms of reviews. Yeah. But how do you review? We need the email addresses. OK. So every single person was to receive not just the product, but with a little sign. Thank you so much for supporting or helping us to get this playground done.
scan this QR code for another little gift for you. Yeah. And they put in their email address and they get 15 % off the next purchase. Yeah. And it's a little email address, but then we can nurture them. So, you know, for you it's brand awareness, first time purchase, building your email database, getting reviews from people as a sign of thank you. Yeah.
Nina Huchthausen (19:07.187)
Hopefully, ultimately, you get subscriptions from that. Yeah. Because you convert from that. So even if you can't keep a single dollar more than your costs of the product, it's a really smart way to do it because it's still free advertising and you'll get so much follow on purchase. Yeah, absolutely. And you just think about how many, like I know at Kindadropoff that
just in the morning, there's so many parents there and that's just the mum or the dad. That's not the extended family. It's not the, you know, if they've got older siblings or sisters or grandparents. So it's just a very holistic way to, I suppose, introduce these products to the right people. Yeah. And it's a great excuse for everyone to just buy a bunch, you know, buy a pack of five.
pack of 10 and give to everyone because if the fundraising, that's why we want to be specific. What are we raising for the playground, the swing balls, whatever it is, right? And we need 10 K for that. Everybody can, if, if, if, if it's at a soccer club and everyone's been screaming out for balls, heck yeah. I'm going to buy some sunscreen. Yeah. In donation to get some balls. So I give that to all of my friends.
All of you, all of those friends that would have probably never bought it are trying it and you can then convert them as customers through that. Yeah. You know, you might be giving a little bit more upfront, but it's a free marketing activity because it doesn't cost you anything. There's just so many other ways. Yeah. You'll convert a whole bunch of people through that to buy your products and to start championing your brand.
Plus also you're building a stronger brand story because how did it get introduced to it? Because Olivia raised, helped us get these balls. Get the basketball hoops, you know? It's a very positive association. Yeah, no, it's great. I love the idea that we can grow and expand the business and that awareness of the brand, but then we're also able to give back.
Nina Huchthausen (21:31.367)
You know, and that's something that I'm really drawn to as well. So it's a beautiful fit for Aloe and yeah, we'll see how we go with implementing it. Then the other thing is, so, because I'd like to play through all of the opportunities, if, first of all, B2C, we can build out your online database and we can then convert very easily those people as ongoing and purchases online.
and through subscriptions, right? But we can also introduce an opportunity of a subscription set up by that facility. Because if I'm part of a kindy, yeah, and instead of buying the sunscreen, say, for 60, I can buy it for 50 at the kindy.
But the kindy advertises for that and the kindy sets up the subscription or does the introduction, the kindy might also get another $10 for that. Yeah. Yeah. Meaning ongoing kindy support. And that can also be a driver why I want to do the subscription in the first place, because I give back to continue to upgrade the balls or something. Yeah. Whilst at the same time, you don't have to do the work of
shipping products individually because the kindy, the sports facility or something does that for you. And you just keep giving them a box and they hand it out. Yeah. Sunscreen for a season or whatever that is. But then you can also through that fundraiser, let's say we were trying to raise 10K, that's what
a thousand bottles or something. Yeah, I can't. don't have. Let's make that up. Yeah. Whatever it is. Yeah. It is a number. It is a fair bit of sale. Yeah. Yeah. That sales data. If let's say I'm close to my kind is Mount Coulomb. Yeah. If you sold a thousand bottles, 500 bottles doesn't matter there. You can take that and visit a whole bunch of relevant stores afterwards and say, Hey, I just sold
Nina Huchthausen (23:52.762)
500 bottles here. Yeah. And I got everybody's email address. Can I send these people your way? If you don't want to go down the online sales route, maybe you don't have that much time to do all this pick and packing and really you just want to push as many people into retail stores and you want to use the sales data to get into more stores. That is also a really great way. Yeah. Okay. You know,
Because yes, e-commerce is great, but it's one of sales. It's a lot more nurturing and a lot of pick and packing individually, plus the postage. But retail is more consistent. And if we can get more, if we can get through that, five stores signed up that order from you every second month or so.
those numbers might stack up a little bit more for you. Not you, Olivia, but for anyone who's listening. So it's just how to play it, you
And maybe retailers themselves go to that kindy. Yeah. Who you would actually get the bottle to. And they're like, hey, Olivia, can I stock this, please? Yeah. Because you don't know how far that carries. Or someone tells a friend who is a retailer or who is a skincare specialist or who's a naturopath or someone in that space and said, you know what? Best fundraiser ever. I got this awesome product through it.
I think you should try that. Yeah. Yeah. It's such a powerful way, isn't it? You, when you start unpacking it. Yeah, it's really powerful for businesses to consider thinking outside the box and doing something like this. Especially when you're new, because you are trying to reach so many people and, and it is challenging. So it's a great, yeah. is. And most people just think retail or online, you know.
Nina Huchthausen (25:56.671)
ads. But there is so many other opportunities. If you just like step back and look at, hold on, I know all my people are, but where do they hang out? And how can I be there? Yeah, because that's how this whole conversation came about. were like, So
Now, so we've discussed why fundraisers and what the actual business opportunity is, right? And ultimately, that's the money, the majority of the funds will go to the kindy. But then now, how do we approach a kindy or a sports facility? Yeah, because of course, we could just like talk to the coach and say, hey, what do you think? But most of the time, that's not how the decision is being made. And of course,
it needs to be organized. So a fundraiser takes a little bit of time to get organized. But the good thing is once anyone, whether it's you or any of our listeners, define the process of how you are getting this product to a person and taking money and then the whole pool of money once the funds are raised go to the kindy. It's a rinse and repeat opportunity. Yeah.
So it just needs to be designed once and it needs to be designed in a way that it's as easy as it can be for you and more importantly for the facility. Because they are not in the business of fundraising, they're notoriously understaffed and got no time. Yeah, absolutely. that's what always needs to be really considered because even when we have a really great pitch, identify the opportunity, the product and all of that stuff.
but it often falls down with we don't have the time for it. It sounds beautiful, but we can't do it. So the more you've worked through and how it becomes a no-brainer for you and for them, yeah, and much more money versus time investment, end with whatever time they have that it can be done.
Nina Huchthausen (28:12.621)
The cards are in your favor. Yeah, absolutely. And I think for me, that was the biggest.
speed bump in me thinking through this process because I've worked in education. I know how busy, you know, schools and kinders are and even sports clubs are. So it's like we need to make this as seamless, like the process as easy and seamless as possible without putting more on them, but then also being able to really capitalise on it for them. So then we are, we can give back, you know, they can decide where they're to put the funds from the fundraiser.
Yeah, I think it for you is really good that you've been there because then you can speak from that opportunity and you can probably when that comes up as an objection. No, I know. I know how hard you guys work. I fully consider that because I've been there too. Yeah, you know. Awesome. So. Step one. It is important to clearly identify what is the need for funds.
in a specific organization. So whatever pitch we are creating, needs to be specific for the particular organization you are reaching out to. So for anyone listening, we can't just create something generic and think it's going to work for everyone because we want to have it targeted and it should be a response to their need. And we need to identify that need much easier. We can say, hey, spoken to 10 parents or spoken to the coach or this or that, they've all been
trying out for leather soccer balls. Done my research. They cost you an arm and a leg, even if we buy in bulk. Yeah.
Nina Huchthausen (30:03.255)
I would love to share with you how I can help you, my organization can help you raise the funds for that. It's very minimal time investment on your side so that we can ultimately help our kids to have a better time at school. So we have a conversation. No need to go to the management. Ideally, if we, if we're having a really hard time to talk to the management, I mean, it's childcare, your kid is in childcare, you got access to them.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. So that makes it fairly easy. Maybe at a sports club, it's a little bit harder to figure out. I would talk to a coach that has been there for a while that can just put in a word with the person if you don't have the relationship with it. Yeah, you know, because there are always some people who pull the strings on the ground. yes, we need water. We got water the next day.
because she's been there for 25 years. And yeah, there are the people. Exactly. And because you are an involved parent, you will know those people. Or it's a parent that seems to have a lot of influence. Yeah. So I think that's just the easiest way that we are like, OK, who's who in the zoo here? Who do I need to speak with? But because
We are all in it to create something for children. These people are fairly well on the ground. With retailers, sometimes it can be even harder to find the management team. Yep. But I haven't really experienced that in the organizations that we're trying to target. Or have you? No, not really. They're always accessible. Well, from a mother's perspective, they're always accessible. From a business perspective, I am not sure.
But I know that I would be able to contact them now if I needed to. Exactly. The good thing is you are an involved mum. You're not like, if you weren't part of that crew, different, but you are. Yeah. Right. So we're already ticking that box. That's why whoever wants to do a fundraiser, do it where you are involved in. Yeah. Because you've already, you already have the buying, you already have a social standing.
Nina Huchthausen (32:27.833)
and this people don't like you, then it might be weird. But let's assume. Yeah. Exactly. And I think it would be really good to even do like a pilot testing, you know, like let's do it with a, you know, for example, my son's kinder and then we can refine before we then refine the process, make sure everything's running smoothly before we then go out to a bigger range of clubs or kinders or childcare centres. Yeah.
Yeah, exactly. Like wherever you feel like you have the most allies and we're like, cool, OK, I already have my gang, they're fully on board, they're loving this. That's what we start to do. Then we have proof of concept for places that are bigger, riskier or also where you're not involved in because you can't just enroll your kids in all sports under the moon. yeah, that's right. it for the fundraising, you know? I think we do enough sports already.
I don't think I can fit any more in between the three of them. You love ballet. Don't tell me you don't. You do. Gosh. I I might need to start sports though. That's the thing. could do all their sports. I need some sports. I need to get my body moving.
So yeah, so of course, easiest organization to talk to, we need to find the manager and we need to do our research on what's the biggest need. Yeah. Because then the first thing that we want to put into the pitch is, well, the identification of the need. Probably also, I would always want to point out what would happen if we don't do anything about this, yeah? To create a bit of a sense of urgency. Because right now we can see these balls only have two months left.
guys, if we don't get started now, they're going to fall apart. Nobody can play any soccer anymore. Yeah. Yeah. To put those facts on the table, because the question is, why now? Why not in six months? Why not wait for something else? So the why now, I think, is always good. And then talking about, what is the opportunity here to fix the problem, but also opportunity. And we spoke about this offline earlier.
Nina Huchthausen (34:50.393)
Aligning it back to the organizational goals because often they have either values that they need to show to the government in some shape or form. Look, here's how we not just say we care, but this is what we actually do to care. Yeah. Okay. They need to keep providing proof for government funding too. Yeah. So there's certain regulatory requirements that they need to meet.
And by just having a simple look on their website, or they might also have a value sport or just certain goals that they need to reach because depending on how the organization is structured, they need to display that. Yeah, the committee that monitors this, yeah, speak to these points that they clearly need to hit and how your activity can help them meet that. Yeah, just helps them take
all of the different boxes. absolutely. I even think many organisations have a sun safety policy. So in order to be aligned in that, then that obviously fits naturally with me. But then they can use that as a almost like a vehicle to express the importance of these products, because it does fit naturally. Health, nourishment, know, all of of that stuff. Yeah.
And maybe there's even an opportunity to say it look.
Because they are, they're always, you know, they're always families in any organization that are pretty well off and other people that are not very well off. Maybe there's also an opportunity to support those who don't have the funds at all that you, in their name, give them a product for free and you,
Nina Huchthausen (36:48.757)
you put the proceeds in for that or something. I don't know. are different ways to see based on what is needed in the space and the way you are in it, you can spot those opportunities. Do we need to put everything into our presentation, into our pitch deck? No. I would focus on three key points. The opportunity for the organization.
for the children, yeah, and for the cause. And what would happen if we don't do anything about it? Because if the house doesn't fall apart, if nothing happens, also not the greatest driver to put in energy. we just want to make that clear.
Nina Huchthausen (37:39.801)
Then we want to show, well, how do we make it work? And that's probably the most important thing, because when people can see, yes, we should do that, we need to that into it's a no-brainer for us to do it. Yeah. Because up until this point, when we are pointing out why this is relevant and how it could help them, sounds like a good idea. But, but, but, but, but,
And everybody will have buts if you ended the pitch and the story there, right? And you're probably been hammered with questions and concerns and why it can't be done and all that stuff. naturally, if this was a story in a book, we want to talk about, here's how this is super easy. Easy and simple. Thought through. That's the next step. Because that will put
everybody who would criticize the shit out of this at ease to show them here's how it works. So number one, you're not just throwing out yet another idea that the committee that doesn't have any time or money can't do. But you can show them how it works. So here are the steps. And you can show ease and simplicity within the steps. Yeah. And also
And of course, this will give you peace of mind if you've worked through it that you're like, look, really the simplest and easiest way is this path, A, B and C. And making sure that the time commitment, as I said before, on their side is as low as possible. And on your side too, because you are a busy mom and a business owner. Yeah.
Ultimately, it's a marketing opportunity. It shouldn't be like the biggest thing you do for the whole year and then you crash and burn. Yeah, it's such a huge bamboozle that you did. No. Yeah. Yeah. And
Nina Huchthausen (39:53.129)
And timelines, I think, are really important, too, to show them how, when it would fit into their calendar and how it could fit in and what the actual time frame is for proposal review, decision making, and when it would be run. Yeah. For any organization, they need to know what is happening when and how. And there are always multiple people involved. And the clear way is, look.
Whenever we start, it's a six-week time frame. Proposal review, proposal approval needs to be done within two weeks. Then we're going to do two weeks of marketing, which might be an email that we're sending out. You will get the collateral. You send that out. I'll print some posters. Yeah, they might be. So we have a draft design. You need to review and approve it. Maybe there's specific language you don't want to use or you do want to use. Yeah.
then organization of the day. Here's how we take the money. These are the key decisions you guys need to make. And this is what I need from you. And this is what we are doing.
Yeah, and then here's what happens after.
Because any of these organizations, need to assess how it works and also the risk. So they want to see a plan. Which is brilliant, because that way you are like, cool, I actually know beginning to end how this is going to work. And then you can book that in. Because soon as it's like, cool, we want to consider this proposal, then you also can plan and say, this is when it's now going to happen.
Nina Huchthausen (41:39.181)
Yeah, I think that's really key because everyone is so busy and you do want it to be running smoothly and you do want it to be successful for both them and for you. So, that's even that two week pre before the that two week marketing before the actual fundraiser is happening is really key as well to get everyone warmed up to the idea that this is what's happening. This is what it's for.
And giving them those materials, like you just, have to do that. You have to give them that support and that guidance. And that also helps set it up for success. So I like that timeline, Nina. I think it's not too long as well that it drags out, you You sort of just want to strike while the iron's hot. Once people are aware of it, you don't want to leave a gap too long as well because it loses momentum. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Because
We are not doing a gala dinner that people need to book out months in advance. In two weeks, this is what we're doing. All you have to do is this, because by 1st of September, we want to have 10 new soccer balls on the field. Time is now to do that. Everybody should have plenty of time to prepare. And if we have marketing right when we're picking up and dropping off the kids, they have it in their inbox.
and maybe kids can have a take-home flyer. Because if the grandparents pick up and drop off, how do we get it to the parents? know, maybe. And if we were to do something like that, then I would always on that announcement flyer have a QR code to do an early to do an early purchase. If you scan that, you do a purchase. It's already going in there or you wait, you know.
if you can't, if you can't be there on the day. Yeah, OK. And then that would be the same thing, I suppose, if you did set up that subscription post fundraiser, you could use that same QR code, have that set up to track for the, for yourself and for the school. So you can see how much is coming on it back to the club, if that's what they wanted to do for an ongoing fundraiser.
Nina Huchthausen (44:03.938)
Yeah, exactly. Then point number five, they need to know about the product. My parents love it. Reviews, and depending on the organization, they might probably, whatever they introducing product wise, have certain certainty about tests, test results, chemicals that are in it that are not in it. Yeah, okay. Right.
Now, most sports clubs to me, when I look at whatever sunscreen they hand out, they don't, I don't know what their standards are, but good to check, right, and to provide what you can, and you can always give more in that case, right?
Nina Huchthausen (45:02.218)
And yes, I love that you also put down in your document samples and testers. I think that's a really great way, even pre-fundraiser, hey, we're going to fundraise for this. This is what the park is. Have next to the promotional sign a tester for the two weeks leading up to it. So people can probably try, right? And then the QR code of you can already buy it because maybe you are out of sunscreen right now. Just scan this code.
anything that's bought against this code, 100 % of the proceeds go to that. Then we are not so tight because what happens if I need sunscreen now? I want to buy it now. And that can be two weeks out. And so I think that's also a really great opportunity. I would, as part of that, testimonials from parents, anyone
in that space to sow testimonials. Yeah. Because if you're raising funds for a kindy and you have testimonials from kindy mums saying, my gosh, my kids are loving it. It's so good. It's so easy to apply and they don't kick and scream and yeah. Yeah. It's not stinging. Yeah. Exactly. All of all of that stuff.
Nina Huchthausen (46:27.136)
And then I would always be really clear on what's the goal that we want to raise to and what's the number that we want to aim for. Maybe you are not super clear, but you're like, hey, what I really want to give back is at least 12 soccer balls. You tell me what that ultimate financial goal is. So in the document, we can say, let's set a financial goal so we can track that and we can show that because maybe we run the fundraiser.
over five days. And every day we announce how much money we've raised. Yeah, back it down. We can have a goal there or something depends on how big the goal is. Right. But sometimes you probably know this for yourself. I'd buy another raffle ticket. want to help that we get it, you know. And so depending on how big that goal is might be a really great way to say, Hey, here's how we're going to help realize
Yeah, whether it's one or multi day to be discussed. And I think you can say to be discussed. Based on whatever goal we agree, we're going to align, whether it's a one or multi day event and how we're communicating, how close we're getting to the target. Yeah. And how you help them to communicate it. Yeah.
Nina Huchthausen (47:54.924)
We're just going to say like at the beginning at the proposal, you might it might be clear what they need to raise money for. But if it's not, you could definitely collaborate and go, right, what are the needs for the kinder or what are the needs for the students and work together to collaborate and make sure it's an authentic collaboration, you know, because sometimes you can't see what the needs are because maybe
the goals are theirs in the background and it's not communicated to families or outsiders looking in. So I'm just thinking of soccer. I'm not sure what their need is, but I'm sure if they had extra funds, they could definitely put it towards better facilities or upgrading some of the facilities or whatever it is, a night for the kids. So that communication, I think at the start would be really important.
And even thinking about places that I'm not familiar with, you know, being able to work through. whether the research is an initial, unofficial conversation. Yeah. Where you just mentioned, hey, you know, I've done a bunch of fundraisers before and I love what you're doing here and I wonder if this could be beneficial for you. Yep. You know?
Do you maybe just want to have a coffee chat so I can better understand what it is that is on your agenda for the year? Yeah, absolutely. And then we can understand that. But when we put a proposal forward, I think it has a lot more oomph for people to consider it. If we are already, we have the finger on the wound point. Yeah. We know what the pain point is. This is saying, let's explore a pain point.
Yep. Yep. Yeah.
Nina Huchthausen (49:55.094)
who wants to spend time just exploring some random pain point in an official conversation versus, ouch, she knows exactly what we are battling with, but we're just behind the scenes. Yes, we want to have her on the table. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely.
That's why it's good to just talk to the coach, talk to the mom-in-charge that knows everything, the lady who's been there for 20 years. They know, yeah. So I think that's good. And then, of course, the last thing that we always want to, in our more official pitch, reiterate how much we care about them. That this is about, this is an opportunity for them. It's an opportunity for our children, and it's an opportunity for us.
as a community to all come together and create something that our children need, whilst we are not just selling crap, but we are also the means to an end is also something that is really health creating for the community. Yeah, absolutely. No, to make that clear, because a lot of organizations have 2025, 2026, they are aligned to our global
sustainability goals. They are aligned to not putting more soft plastics and glitter and all shit into the atmosphere or into the ground. So pointing that out, that your product isn't doing any of that. Yeah. But it's actually supporting us towards whatever like broader goals and aspirations that we have for our future. It's all aligned with them. Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah, that's fantastic, Nina. Thank you for spending the time to walk me through that. And I think it will benefit so many more businesses as well. By sharing it. Yeah, I'm super excited and I hope honestly, everyone who listens to it and. Consider it in whatever shape or form where your product is heading, because ultimately your business is a vehicle, right?
Nina Huchthausen (52:08.5)
is a vehicle to spread a message, is a vehicle to make a difference, is a vehicle to do a lot more than what you could ever achieve than if you were to just do a job. It can be a really good, synergetic way, harmonious way for you to grow your business, for you to grow your voice, for you to grow your impact and give back and grow something else over here. Because it all like...
Money creates growth on all ends. And that's what we're doing here in a very wholesome, cyclical way. And we're not creating any waste, and we're not just doing anything short term to just get a bunch of money together. So I think it's a really good one. And for me, this is a huge opportunity for anyone who loves to build community with their products. And business-wise, not many brands are doing it.
So you don't have much competition. Yeah. That's the thing. If everybody was running around offering fundraisers, hey, maybe not. But this is a very untapped market. Yeah. That is free. And I spoke to someone yesterday who was like, what are the key marketing activities that I can do that does not include Metta and Zuckerberg? Yeah. Because.
This is a real thing that we need to consider what is going to happen with that channel in the future. Can we afford it? And how much might that control our brand? So if we hedge all of our bets into that system that is privately owned, we also want to consider that. This has nothing to do with that side. Another reason. But that was a very relevant point because.
You know, it's important, I think, for everyone to kind of like, how do I hedge my bets there, you know, in that space? So, yeah. Awesome. Olivia, do you think there's anything else that we need to go through or that is relevant for anyone who's listening about this opportunity? No, I think he went through it really well. Like, I've just even taken notes again, even though we've worked through this process.
Nina Huchthausen (54:32.47)
Because I think once you design it once and then you ensure it's all going to be simple and run seamlessly, and then, you know, you test it and try and refine it, I think it's just a rinse and repeat, like you said. I think you've covered, you know, the proposal, the importance of getting those reviews, whether you set up a subscription, and going back to why you're doing it in the first place, I think is really key for me as a business owner to really think about as well, because
part of my vision was to really get these products into kinders and to schools because they're just so much more safer for our kids and we shouldn't be slathering them with chemicals. So for me to be able to take what you've put forward and to turn it into something that can help my business grow with all those six steps, I think now it's just a matter of getting it going through the process and testing it now.
Awesome. You've covered it all really well. Sweet. All right. Well, then let's wrap it up, right? Yeah. Thank you so much for doing this, for having this conversation. And of course, we're going to have a look through what you've created in the next couple of weeks, tie that together. And for anyone listening, if you're like, hey, I want to do this too, but I feel a little bit confused, put my details in the show notes. You can reach out and I can see what you need to tweak for your product to do this.
Guys, this is an opportunity, you know? So let's see how we can make the most out of it. If you have a product that can fit, that can tick these boxes too, I think I would do it. Yeah, absolutely. All right. Thank you so much for your time, Olivia. This was awesome. And of course, guys, check out Aloe Wellness. I put the details in the show notes too. It's an excellent moisturizer, SPF, sunscreen, all of it.
