The Ups And Downs Of Crowdfunding Part 1

Written by Adlyn Koh on 28 Ocotber 2024, 8.24pm

Many People wonder what it's like to crowdfund for your own braces. To be honest, it's about the same as selling someone something and convincing them that thing is useful. While my crowdfunding experience so far may make me seem confident on the outside, inside, I'm just as shaky as anyone would be when they try to convince someone to buy a product for the first time in their live, face to face. I wouldn't say my experience was all smooth-sailing, I wouldn't say there was no success at all. But what I experienced lands somewhat in the middle of good and bad. 

For starters, I want to tell you guys that a lot of behind the scenes work is required for me to make this work. It isn't so much of sitting there and waiting for someone to enter your website and transfer you money. In detail, this is what I do everyday: 

1. When someone supports me, I send them a thank-you message and start preparing their tokens of gratitude (I have a whole checklist of them now)

2. I look out for people who may be interested in contributing to my fund and send them links

3. I constantly update the "slots left for each fund amount" page and "amazing supporters" page

4. I think of new ideas for blogs and write them

5. I answer questions people have for me about my crowdfunding (Recently, my relative was convinced that crowdfunding was what people in desperate need of money do but after explaining to her that this was a great opportunity to learn and experience funding my own braces, she decided to support me)

6. I edit my website and stay opened to feedback

All in all, crowdfunding is not as easy as you may think. They are obstacles along the road that you have to face and not all of them can be overcome. But along the road, the further I go, the stronger I get. As the saying goes "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", I believe that this experience of crowdfunding has groomed me to become a much confident and better self.

I would like to encourage all those out there who have not tried crowdfunding/selling products or services to customers before to step out of your comfort-zone and start being more social (and by social I mean face to face not on social media). You never know, maybe socialising is an interest you would later develop or your future career is a salesperson. 

I hope after reading this, you are inspired to speak to people and socialise with others more often. It could be a short sharing about your day with your family or making a new friend. But after that, you will feel more confident about yourself.

Best Regards,

Adlyn