How to Solicit ({V-Day}) Sponsorship from Start to Finish
Jul 09, 2015
How to Solicit ({V-Day}) Sponsorship from Start to Finish
People you already have a connection to
Local businesses Large companies have more hoops to jump through
Be creative Many non-profits are over-solicited, think “Joe’s Auto”
Donors not already giving to CWHC Double soliciting is not cool (worse than t.p. on your shoe)
Prevent double-soliciting internally within V-Team
Ideal: someone with a pre-existing relationship◦ Does not have to be on the V-Team “Friend-of-a-friend” scenario
Someone who is able to follow-up◦ Asking is often just the start, follow-up up to 5 times If possible, an accessible location
1 main V-Team contact per 1 sponsor◦ looks organized & makes for smoother communication
Your Appearance◦ How do you want to represent V-Day?
Your Pitch◦ Think about some openings◦ Prepare to answer questions about V-Day, CWHC, your event
Written Materials ◦ Letter from the Organizer◦ Any additional promotional materials
Be careful not to take friends/family for granted◦ Still a professional relationship
Stay on top of your game◦ It’s easier to cut corners with people you know They will probably still love you if you mess up They probably won’t love sponsoring V-Day as much
Let’s leave friendly footprints for future V-Days!
Walk in with confidence
Ask to speak to the manager
Get his/her attention ASAP◦ Suggestion: say “Vagina Monologues”
Make them laugh or smile ◦ Suggestion: say “Vagina Monologues”
Go when business hours will be slow◦ Ex. Restaurants before 11 and btw 2:30 & 5:00
Take time to chit-chat if they’re not too busy◦ bring conversation around to V-Day and CWHC
Speak about V-Day as a large scale fundraiser to help raise money ($130K) to relocate CWHC◦ Girl Scouts are great, but we’re not selling cookies
Sell it: sponsorship is not a “donation” ◦ It’s an opportunity to advertise & get your name out
Know what you’re asking for◦ Start high, then shift gears -quickly!- if you need to
STOP TALKING
Let them answer before you speak again
Not speaking allows the individual to respond directly to your ask and not shift the conversation
Objections may include◦ The economy’s really hurting right now◦ I’ve already been solicited by others this week
An objection does not mean “no” ◦ It’s an opportunity to talk them through their hesitations
Take their contact information for follow-up◦ “I’ll call you” = call me back please or I’ll forget!
Thank them for their time◦ whether it’s a yes, come back Tuesday, or no-way no-how
Be prepared to follow-up repeatedly if you want it◦ Always with patience and a smile
Count your victories: 3 rejections per every 1 sponsor is not uncommon for any type of solicitation ◦ More or less depending on the given circumstances
Each sponsor will receive appropriate recognition from CWHC for tax purposes
Sponsors should be thanked according to giving levels ◦ after events are over to talk about success
Thanking people pays off◦ It is fun, appreciated, & makes V-Day stand out
Go Vaginas go!