1. Determine what services you are willing to donate.

Consider donating a one-month coaching package. Be certain that you are very clear on exactly what that package will comprise, including any client intake material you might need to send. Also determine how many sessions you can offer and how long each will be. You will need to provide all of this information in package that you submit to sponsoring organization. Finally, make sure that you have time in your schedule and business stability to provide these services, as they will not be contributing revenue towards your business.

2. Determine which charities or organizations you might like to support.

Make a list of fifteen or twenty organizations to which you would consider donating your services. These might include hospitals, private schools, organizations which support a particular health issue, as well as groups that support animal rights or environment.

3. Gather detailed information about each organization.

Research and read about each organization you might wish to support. Make a detailed list or database where you can record organization’s name, address, telephone number, website, and name of main contact person. Call each organization and ask when they schedule their fundraisers and if they will accept a donation from you. It is good idea to have this information because you will need to plan in advance to make sure you don’t miss any potential opportunities. Fundraisers are scheduled throughout year. Also, many organizations have required paperwork to be completed and returned along with item you are donating, so it is a good idea to find this out in advance.

4. Select organizations you wish to support.

Once you have a list, determine how many donations you can afford both from both a financial and time standpoint. Don’t over schedule or over burden yourself by making too many donations. For most coaches, making one to two donations per year would be doable and affordable.

5. Create a gift certificate.

1. Details, details, and more details.

The more you know before television program taping, easier it will be to prepare for experience. First, you need to know who will be hosting show. Research host by looking up their name on internet or searching newspaper archives for more information. The station or studio probably maintains their own website with biographies of its key employees as well. Make sure you have host’s complete contact information and that of their assistant in case something comes up. Second, you need to know what topic will be discussed. Does host want you to talk about a topic they intend to choose? Do they want you to respond to a current event, trend or idea that applies to your area of expertise? Or, do they want you to provide a list of potential topics from which they can select one that would be of interest to their audience? Once you know this information, it will be easier for you to orient your responses to meet expectations. Third, you need to gain some familiarity with program and its format. Watch a couple of shows if you can or borrow a tape of a prior show to see how guest are greeted and interviewed. Try to imagine yourself in same circumstances. Notice how everyone is seated, how greetings are exchanged, how long show is between commercial breaks, and what people are wearing.

2. Familiarity breeds comfort.

Provide host with your press or marketing kit once you are invited to be on show. The host or producer wants to get to know you just as much as you want to get to know them. Provide a one page professional overview which describes your business, your background and experience, professional awards, certifications and designations, any titles of publications, as well as complete contact information.

3. Fieldtrips are fun.

Visit studio where program taping will take place a week or so before your scheduled appearance. Make sure that you have clear driving directions, including contact names, telephone numbers, and fax numbers. This field trip will serve to reduce any nervousness or anxiety about taping. If you have permission, walk around studio to familiarize yourself with location, employees, and types of equipment that will be around you as show is taped (cameras, lights, etc.). Better yet, attend a live taping if you can and watch what goes on. You’ll find out that it’s not as big a deal as you originally thought.

4. Meet host.

Meet individual or individuals who will be hosting show. While in person is best, if you can’t manage that, have a telephone conversation so that you hear their voice and gain some experience with their speaking and communication style. This interaction will help increase your comfort level before actual taping takes place.

5. I’ve got a question.