With the year 2020 upon us and many service business leaders finalizing strategic plans and operating budgets, take a step back and take a quick inventory of initiatives. The 50/50 rule applies to today’s field service business plans. The 50/50 rule asserts that 50 percent of the initiatives should be for technology and 50 percent of the initiatives should be targeted at human performance.
I recently caught up with fellow service leaders at the Field Service East conference in Amelia Island. The overwhelming centering strategy is to implement technology to change the service delivery process to optimize customer experiences and address the reality of an aging workforce and limited skilled labor pool. We further discussed the need for organizational change management and new performance metrics and data analysis. Many hallway discussions revolved around the value of soft skills, good decision making, and the resulting customer relationship.
As service leaders, we ask a lot of our organization to select and implement costly technology, update processes, and lead their teams of managers and field service engineers/technicians. Technology and human performance are the pillars to build success.
Industry terms for these are: IoT, AR, AI, Mobility, E-logs, Connectivity, Workflow, Seamless Integration, Data Capture and Analysis, Knowledge Management, Wearables, Soft-Skills, Leadership, Change Management
Recently I received a post-training comment from a senior service technician. The training was on how to be a trusted advisor in his role as a service technician. “I wish I received this training 30 years ago,” the service technician stated. As his company updated processes and technology to meet market demands and establish new strategy, his role was affected. The company realized the value of his technical expertise while automating many of his previous tasks. Correctly, the opportunity to provide more customer value was dependent on being the “trusted advisor” with his customer. However, the training also included the focus areas for performance to effectively operate in the new service operations environment. The service technician role also required skills in productivity management, job preparation, safety engagement, report writing, emotional intelligence, daily habits and goal achievement, teamwork, and commitment to professional development.
Service manager leadership and coaching skills are also critical. Without the line managers’ buy-in and active leadership, there can be no adoption of technology or inspiring direction.
As with many aspects of life and business, balance is critical. The 50/50 rule will provide the balance and direction to achieve your business strategy.
Bruce Breeden is the founder of Field Service Resources, LLC and author of the book, The Intentional Field Service Engineer. Bruce works with FSO leaders to improve operational performance, lead digital transformation programs, conduct FSE and manager training, and implement mobile technology platforms.
The 50/50 rule is a popular and effective fundraising technique used by nonprofits, schools, churches, and more. But what exactly does it mean?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about 50/50 raffles and the 50/50 rule, including how they work, tips for running a successful raffle, legal considerations, and more.
What Is a 50/50 Raffle?
A 50/50 raffle is a straightforward fundraising raffle where the prize money is split evenly between the winner and the hosting organization
Here’s how it works:
- Attendees purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win a cash prize
- The revenue from raffle ticket sales goes into a pot
- At the end of the event, a winning ticket is drawn at random
- The winner receives 50% of the total pot amount
- The remaining 50% goes to the organization as fundraiser profit
Unlike traditional raffles where donated prizes are awarded 50/50 raffles offer cold hard cash as an appealing incentive. The split format makes it a mutually beneficial fundraiser for both participants and organizers.
Why Are 50/50 Raffles Called 50/50?
50/50 raffles get their name from the even split of the raffle proceeds between the winner and host organization. No matter the total amount raised, each party receives 50% of the pot.
If 300 tickets were sold at $5 each, the total pot would be $1,500. The winner gets $750 (50%) and the nonprofit keeps $750 (50%), hence the 50/50 split.
Key Benefits of 50/50 Raffles
There are many advantages that make 50/50 raffles a popular fundraising option:
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Minimal upfront costs – Unlike prize raffles, 50/50 raffles don’t require purchasing prizes. The only necessities are tickets and volunteers.
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Easy to explain – The 50/50 split concept is straightforward making ticket sales easier. Attendees instantly understand how it works.
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Encourages more ticket sales – Since higher sales drive up the prize amount, participants are motivated to spread the word.
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Provides incentive to stay – Requiring winners to be present ensures attendees remain through the end of the event.
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Generates predictable revenue – Organizations can rely on a 50% return from the raffle revenue.
How to Run a Successful 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser
Ready to incorporate a 50/50 raffle into your next fundraiser? Here are some tips:
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Check your state laws – Make sure 50/50 raffles are legal and follow any licensing or reporting requirements.
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Price tickets strategically – Consider your audience and goals when pricing. Usually $1-$20 per ticket. Offer discounts on multi-ticket bundles.
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Promote heavily – Market the raffle through email, social media, signage and announcements at the event. Share pot updates.
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Sell tickets before and during – Make tickets available for purchase prior to the event and at the door. Recruit volunteers to sell.
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Announce the winner – Build suspense by making the winning draw a main event. Award the prize publicly.
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Have a backup plan – If the winner has left, have a policy for how you’ll contact them or determine an alternate winner.
50/50 Raffle FAQs
How much should ticket prices be?
Ticket prices often range from $1 to $20 depending on your target audience. Evaluate comparable events and set a price that attendees will be willing and able to spend. Offering discounts on multi-ticket purchases incentivizes buying more tickets.
Can you sell tickets online?
Yes, online ticket sales are convenient for attendees and easier to manage. Ensure you use a platform that complies with state raffle laws. Require online purchasers to be present to win.
How do you pick a winner?
To ensure fairness, conduct the drawing publicly by pulling a ticket stub from a hat, spinning a prize wheel or using an online random name picker. Avoid any perception of bias.
What’s the average 50/50 raffle jackpot?
Jackpot amounts vary widely based on attendance, ticket pricing and promotion. For small events, pots may be $100-$500. Large fundraisers can yield pots upwards of $5,000-$10,000.
How should you promote a 50/50 raffle?
Spread the word through email, social media, signage, and event announcements. Post updates on the growing jackpot. Encourage sharing to drive viral interest.
Can I donate raffle proceeds?
No, you cannot offer a tax deduction for 50/50 raffle tickets since purchasers receive a chance to win a prize exceeding their purchase amount.
Legal Aspects of 50/50 Raffles
While popular, 50/50 raffles are considered a form of gambling and therefore regulated. Be sure to research state and local laws to ensure your raffle complies with requirements on:
- Obtaining necessary licensing or registration
- Reporting raffle proceeds and winners
- Withholding taxes on large prizes
- Restrictions on selling tickets online across state lines
Also be clear that raffle ticket purchases are not tax-deductible donations. Consult an attorney if unsure about legal obligations for your raffle.
Alternatives to Traditional 50/50 Raffles
If a standard 50/50 split doesn’t suit your needs, consider these raffle variations:
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60/40 split – Earn more for your organization by awarding 60% of pot to the host and 40% to the winner.
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Reverse raffle – Attendees buy assigned numbers. Last number standing after random drawings wins the pot. Builds excitement and suspense.
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Multiple winners – For larger raffles, split the pot into tiers awarding smaller amounts to runners up rather than one large jackpot.
Ready, Set, Raffle!
A well-run 50/50 raffle takes some planning but offers a fun and lucrative fundraising event. Keep it legal, promote it creatively, and motivate ticket sales by highlighting how proceeds will benefit your cause.
With simplicity on your side, a 50/50 raffle creates a win-win giving supporters a shot at a cash prize while organizations raise funds easily. It’s a formula that’s hard to beat!
