How to approach sponsors
 

Hi all,

I was wondering how you approached sponsors. Our situation right now is this: We literally have hundreds of engineering, design, you name it businesses within a half mile of our workshop. For the past two years we have all but ignored them. This year, we would like to tap into this resource (it could be very rewarding).

We have a long weekend coming up on October 17. We will have the 17th and the 18th (thursday and friday) because of teacher conventions.

Considering that we have over a month to plan and start to approach them, how should we proceed?

The two ideas we have had were to let them know in advance (maybe drop off an informational packet) or split up into groups and go door to door to these businesses during that long weekend.

What do you suggest?

thanks, Vivek

Re: How to approach sponsors
 

You should start with seeing if you have a connection into any of the companies because that really helps. Creating an informational packet about your team is a great way to let the companies see who you are and what you do. I would not just show up to a large company, if it is a mom and pop type of store then that would be fine. I would also call the larger companies first and see if you could talk to someone in their PR Marketing group and pitch the idea to them because in the long run the decision is up to the person running the company. That is my two cents and I hope it helped you a little bit. If you have any more ideas please feel free to bounce them off of me and send me a PM. :)

Cass

Re: How to approach sponsors
 

we're trying it for the first time this year, but in october we're holding a dinner at our school for us to invite local businesses to show off our "schtuff". hopefully we'll have a positive result!

Re: How to approach sponsors
 

When dealing with sponsors, I have learned one thing. Sponsors want to hear from the students. They want to hear what the kids think about the program and what they are getting out of it.

Coaches/Mentors: let your student's excitement about the program get the sponsors excited about the program. You can be there to answer more administrative questions, but the spotlight should be squarely on the kids.

Re: How to approach sponsors
 

Some resources under the "Sponsor and Fundraising" section here in NEMO:
http://www.firstnemo.org/resources.htm

Re: How to approach sponsors
 

Thanks everyone. We know that we want to give presentations during those two days. Should we just show up and ask to present?

Should we leave a packet with information and contact stuff in their mailboxes?

Should we call ahead? How would we get their numbers? It is a very concentrated area with businesses.

thanks, Vivek

Re: How to approach sponsors
 

If you want to present, the best thing is to call ahead. Explain who you are, why you're calling, and arrange a time. Numbers would be easy, if you have a phone book. A packet would be good, but I'd hand-deliver it.

Remember, you're looking for donations, but they should be able to choose what type (money, shop time, donations for drawings, mentor support). You could have an incentive system to encourage larger gifts ($x gets you on the robot, $y gets larger logo on the robot, $z gets you on the T-shirts, etc.).

Re: How to approach sponsors
 

a formal letter (with school letterhead) is a great place to start along with sending FIRST brochures, website info, etc.
If having a demonstration of some sort, the letter prior to calling with a follow up is still an option.
A start with a phone call to me is skeptical. Too many telemarketers that some businesses/people will just be turned off.

a demo by students is much more powerful than one put on the by mentors/adults.;)

Re: How to approach sponsors
 

Wow, I'm amazed by how lucky you guys are.

My school has actually banned us from approaching sponsors as of this year, but I did have the chance to talk to a sponsor last year.

We had our main communications person go who did most of the talking. We brought our info packet, but also, all of our other brochures, which we put all together in a folder. If you have any leftover buttons, bring some along!

If you have the chance to talk to representatives from the company, treat them slightly like a judge, but remember that they might not know as much about FIRST. We also managed to show off a video of our robot which we had posted on our website, along with pictures from our build season and scrimmage. Talk about how they could help your team, and in what ways the company and FIRST connects. And no matter how cheesy it seems, remember, inspiration from the company is the most important thing to receive! (FYI, I didn't actually say that...but my captain did)

Best of luck!!!