Finding sponsorship

[Collin Fultz]

one thing to keep in mind...businesses are reluctant to give money away. that's the point of a business...to make money. they'll give money away for three main reasons

1.) in the end it will benefit them (eng. companies that sponsor FIRST teams use this a lot because they are broadening their employment pool and hitting up students at the ground level or extra advertising like with a chain---perfect example...when the BCS first started 1 in 10 americans (made up numbers) could tell you what NOKIA did...however...NOKIA sponsored the Sugar Bowl and got advertisement rights for it. now 9 of 10 can tell you what they do and about 4 of 10 (region dependent) can show you their NOKIA phone)

2.) personal contacts (family owned businesses and the like)

3.) they're picking up 'good vibrations' from the team/person asking for money (on this one, being friendly and not just coming out and asking for money is good. build relationships...that's what brings in the cheese)

in all...just remember to be friendly, be respectful, be professional, and be gracious

p.s. a sad puppy-dog look helps sometimes too