Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 I have no idea why I come here for advice but sometimes I do. You guys are great. With that being said I have a political fundraiser to attend tomorrow. The suggested donation levels are $250, $500 or $1,000. It is being put on by my 2 biggest clients and the candidate is a niece of one of them. She’s already in office though. I can’t expense a political donation so this one is coming out of pocket. Whether she remains in office or not has no bearing on me personally. It is 100% about doing something for these 2. Do I need to go to the $1K or can I get away with $500 without looking like a cheap @ss? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Fischer Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 (edited) Did anyone personally talk to you about the event? Or just send an invite? What kind of event? Small-ish reception with you and their other clients, or a larger reception with all kinds of donors? Edited April 11, 2019 by Max Fischer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ocemur Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 Think about how much you profit from their business. 10-20% is a standard kickback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 1 minute ago, Max Fischer said: Did anyone personally talk to you about the event? Or just send an invite? What kind of event? Small-ish reception with you and their other clients, or a larger reception with all kinds of donors? Yeah, my client (whose niece it is), called me and asked me to come. He never asks for anything and it is a larger reception with all kinds of donors. It will be a very politically powerful room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Fischer Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 If he called and never asks, scratch out the $1K. Even better, send him a follow up note thanking him for invite, how it was a nice event, he must be proud if his niece and good luck to her. He’ll always remember. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 3 minutes ago, ocemur said: Think about how much you profit from their business. 10-20% is a standard kickback. That would be well beyond the maximum donation allowed ($5k). I can’t do that. I’m thinking I should do $1k but was kind of hoping someone would say less is okay. My fear is that I look cheap but at the same time this buys me nothing but goodwill. It’s important goodwill but I’m having a hard time justifying it in my head. Just now, Max Fischer said: If he called and never asks, scratch out the $1K. Even better, send him a follow up note thanking him for invite, how it was a nice event, he must be proud if his niece and good luck to her. He’ll always remember. Thanks Max, I think that’s great advice!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 1 minute ago, Kirby Jackson said: That would be well beyond the maximum donation allowed ($5k). I can’t do that. I’m thinking I should do $1k but was kind of hoping someone would say less is okay. My fear is that I look cheap but at the same time this buys me nothing but goodwill. It’s important goodwill but I’m having a hard time justifying it in my head. I don’t think $500 will kill you in his mind, but obviously more is better. Depends on how big of a client he is and what it means to you annually. Work the room right and turn it into a win/win. I agree with the above, follow up with a written reminder you were there, thank and flatter him. It’s all about the networking. My son has had this drummed into him to no end, and he’s learned to buy in. Thanks mom! (Networking is actually the answer to “best advice ever” on his pending MBA application to Emory or Georgia Tech.) 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 7 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: Thanks Max, I think that’s great advice!! Feel free to contribute to contribute to others on this board as well. I can send you the details on how to paypal me your donation. It is for a great cause: 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teddy KGB Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 Give the 500 to the server at the banquet with the big booty. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfanmiami(oh) Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 I’d go with the 1000. Seems like the extra $500 will more than pay for itself in good will. If not, you’re a Bills fan. I’m guessing you’ve spent $500 on something that offers far less of a return... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 Is this what TheSwamp® looks like in everyday life? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 11 minutes ago, billsfanmiami(oh) said: I’d go with the 1000. Seems like the extra $500 will more than pay for itself in good will. If not, you’re a Bills fan. I’m guessing you’ve spent $500 on something that offers far less of a return... This is kind of where I’m at. These 2 clients represent about 65%-70% of my annual income. I really need the goodwill (but they do love me). 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 52 minutes ago, Teddy KGB said: Give the 500 to the server at the banquet with the big booty. Right. Then proposition her. That should go over well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: This is kind of where I’m at. These 2 clients represent about 65%-70% of my annual income. I really need the goodwill (but they do love me). Oh Lordy! Write the check! Spend the money and never look back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: This is kind of where I’m at. These 2 clients represent about 65%-70% of my annual income. I really need the goodwill (but they do love me). Have to go with the $1k for clients that are roughly 2/3 of your annual income. Let them know they mean a lot to you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 10 minutes ago, Augie said: Oh Lordy! Write the check! Spend the money and never look back. 8 minutes ago, Happy Gilmore said: Have to go with the $1k for clients that are roughly 2/3 of your annual income. Let them know they mean a lot to you. Ha ha, you guys aren’t helping!! JK, I appreciate the feedback and that’s what I’ll do. Thank you guys. I’ll report back on it after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 3 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: Ha ha, you guys aren’t helping!! JK, I appreciate the feedback and that’s what I’ll do. Thank you guys. I’ll report back on it after. Study up in advance and work a room full of heavy hitters. It’s not an expense, it’s an opportunity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 4 minutes ago, Augie said: Study up in advance and work a room full of heavy hitters. It’s not an expense, it’s an opportunity. Oh for sure, the other host of the party is the Chairman for the Congressional Black Caucus (Cedric Richmond). He’s a power broker in the House. This room will be filled with influential people around here and I already have a few that I know I need to be introduced to. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnC Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 1 hour ago, Kirby Jackson said: That would be well beyond the maximum donation allowed ($5k). I can’t do that. I’m thinking I should do $1k but was kind of hoping someone would say less is okay. My fear is that I look cheap but at the same time this buys me nothing but goodwill. It’s important goodwill but I’m having a hard time justifying it in my head. Thanks Max, I think that’s great advice!! Kirby, I'm very confident that your client is going to know how much you contributed, especially if he was the person who recommended you for the event. Since your client is important to a large percent of your take home revenue I would donate the thousand. If you are in regular contact with the client or if you see him at the event just go up to him and say how proud he must be of his niece. Again, he will already know how much you have contributed. The biggest drawback on making a political contribution is that you will be on a list and you will be repeatedly contacted for additional contributions by many other candidates. That's part of the deal that you won't be able to escape. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfanmiami(oh) Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 20 minutes ago, Augie said: Study up in advance and work a room full of heavy hitters. It’s not an expense, it’s an opportunity. Also make sure to drink A LOT. I’m talking full on peeing in the corner / black out. Let em know you really know how to party. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 Is she hot? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boca BIlls Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 4 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said: Yeah, my client (whose niece it is), called me and asked me to come. He never asks for anything and it is a larger reception with all kinds of donors. It will be a very politically powerful room. If it will benefit you for future relationships. I bet he won't get more than a few under $1000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 Last question, suit or can I get away with a sport coat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 7 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: Last question, suit or can I get away with a sport coat? You haven't answer the hot question. Unless you're a lawyer or investment banker, a sport coat is fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 3 hours ago, KD in CA said: You haven't answer the hot question. Unless you're a lawyer or investment banker, a sport coat is fine. Candidate isn’t hot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
\GoBillsInDallas/ Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 Is there a picture of her carrying a fish? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gugny Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 59 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: Candidate isn’t hot Don't you think it would have been a little more respectful and considerate to have put this information in the ORIGINAL POST???? No one's going to say $1,000 now!! Kirbs - if it's a matter of what you should do, I agree with many before me - the $1K is appropriate and will "look" the best. If it's a matter of what you can do (didn't you just buy a house?) and $500 would be more comfortable, I am certain your clients would understand. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 46 minutes ago, Gugny said: Don't you think it would have been a little more respectful and considerate to have put this information in the ORIGINAL POST???? No one's going to say $1,000 now!! Kirbs - if it's a matter of what you should do, I agree with many before me - the $1K is appropriate and will "look" the best. If it's a matter of what you can do (didn't you just buy a house?) and $500 would be more comfortable, I am certain your clients would understand. Would your agency help out a bit with this “business expense”? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 (edited) 11 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said: I have no idea why I come here for advice but sometimes I do. You guys are great. With that being said I have a political fundraiser to attend tomorrow. The suggested donation levels are $250, $500 or $1,000. It is being put on by my 2 biggest clients and the candidate is a niece of one of them. She’s already in office though. I can’t expense a political donation so this one is coming out of pocket. Whether she remains in office or not has no bearing on me personally. It is 100% about doing something for these 2. Do I need to go to the $1K or can I get away with $500 without looking like a cheap @ss? My plug nickel .... Are you doing this to impress anyone? Are you doing this because you want to or that you feel obligated to? If you get paid well go top $ if not go with whats comfortable. Edited April 11, 2019 by ShadyBillsFan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnC Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 7 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said: Last question, suit or can I get away with a sport coat? With respect to the issue of attire I strongly recommend that you don't wear the red MAGA hat that JBoyz bought you! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teef Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 (edited) 11 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said: This is kind of where I’m at. These 2 clients represent about 65%-70% of my annual income. I really need the goodwill (but they do love me). as others have mentioned, if this is the case, i'd put up the grand. that being said, you're a younger guy, and most clients understand that and don't expect you fork out a lot of money. if you can, great, but if i were in their shoes, i'd be happy that you came and contributed, no matter how much you gave. edit: it seems like a formal event, so i'd probably go with a suit, and that's coming from a guy who almost never, ever wears suits. you can even go mid-way and wear a matching pants/jacket combo with no tie. ( a less formal suit...i tend to get them at banana republic because they fit well off the rack). Edited April 11, 2019 by teef 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 6 minutes ago, teef said: as others have mentioned, if this is the case, i'd put up the grand. that being said, you're a younger guy, and most clients understand that and don't expect you fork out a lot of money. if you can, great, but if i were in their shoes, i'd be happy that you came and contributed, no matter how much you gave. edit: it seems like a formal event, so i'd probably go with a suit, and that's coming from a guy who almost never, ever wears suits. you can even go mid-way and wear a matching pants/jacket combo with no tie. ( a less formal suit...i tend to get them at banana republic because they fit well off the rack). yeah but from your picture the colors are a bit too loud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 (edited) 11 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said: This is kind of where I’m at. These 2 clients represent about 65%-70% of my annual income. I really need the goodwill (but they do love me). Bring the wife and the dog and write a check for each of you for 1K each. This is a no brainer. Edited April 11, 2019 by Guffalo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, NoSaint said: Would your agency help out a bit with this “business expense”? Honestly they should, but won’t. They certainly have a lot at stake here too. They are 2 of our 5 biggest accounts and the guy putting it on has referred me into 2 more just like them that I’ve been meeting with. Those other 2 will ultimately determine whether or not we hit the earn out portion of the sale. In a lot of ways, it is as important to them as it is me. 2 hours ago, ShadyBillsFan said: My plug nickel .... Are you doing this to impress anyone? Are you doing this because you want to or that you feel obligated to? If you get paid well go top $ if not go with whats comfortable. Not trying to impress as much as not trying to come across bad. It is certainly something that I feel obligated to but that’s because I need to protect my earnings. Edited April 11, 2019 by Kirby Jackson 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teef Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 13 minutes ago, ShadyBillsFan said: yeah but from your picture the colors are a bit too loud it's called peacocking. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlimShady'sSpaceForce Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 4 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: Honestly they should, but won’t. They certainly have a lot at stake here 2. They are 2 of our 5 biggest accounts and the guy putting it on has referred me into 2 more just like them that I’ve been meeting with. Those other 2 will ultimately determine whether or not we hit the earn out portion of the sale. In a lot of ways, it is as important to them as it is me. Not trying to impress as much as not trying to come across bad. It is certainly something that I feel obligated to but that’s because I need to protect my earnings. Stuffed shirt events. I'm glad I don't have to deal with that stuff. the great question ... do they give a ratsass if I show up. will they think I'm cheap because I didn't fork out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 3 minutes ago, ShadyBillsFan said: Stuffed shirt events. I'm glad I don't have to deal with that stuff. the great question ... do they give a ratsass if I show up. will they think I'm cheap because I didn't fork out Yeah, I don’t often have to do stuff like this but I actually have 3 today!! Obviously, I’m only doing this one but it is crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted April 12, 2019 Author Share Posted April 12, 2019 It went swimmingly. Thank you all for the advice 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted April 12, 2019 Share Posted April 12, 2019 12 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said: It went swimmingly. Thank you all for the advice Awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted April 12, 2019 Share Posted April 12, 2019 19 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said: Last question, suit or can I get away with a sport coat? I’m old (as is often pointed out here!), but it costs no more to wear a suit. It depends on your crowd of course, but I’ve found it’s better to be overdressed as opposed to underdressed, but don’t be the only guy in a suit. We learned this early in our careers when many of the events included retired military.....If they say 6-8:00pm, you’d better not be there at 8:05. If things are tight with the new house, that’s fair. They get it. But it’s also a huge chunk of your revenue. Just go and be you, and don’t worry about it. You can’t go wrong. Meet more people, connect and have a good time. And don’t sweat it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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