| Approaching people you don't know can be daunting. | | | | When going to meet with local business people, be |
| Contacting local businesses to assist in your | | | | prepared. Know what you would like to ask them; |
| fundraising efforts may seem like a scary proposition | | | | their time is valuable. Have some literature or access |
| - or like making a cold call. There are a few things to | | | | to answers to any questions they might have. Show |
| remember when you are considering inviting local | | | | them what you will give them in exchange for what |
| businesses to be a part of your fundraising efforts. | | | | they will give you. Ask directly for what you would |
| It's good for the business too! | | | | like them to give or guide them with suggestions so |
| It's easy to forget that businesses are always looking | | | | that they can offer something that is valuable to |
| for new customers and that YOU have access to all | | | | both them and your group. |
| of these contacts that they don't have. When | | | | Follow-Up |
| businesses spend money on advertising, they aren't | | | | So often we forget to thank people who help us. It's |
| necessarily sure how their image will be perceived. | | | | always a good idea to follow-up with your contact |
| They want to get their name or product into the | | | | and sponsor at a local business. Let them know how |
| hands of new customers and you are offering them | | | | much their contribution helped. Ask them if they saw |
| a great opportunity to do just that. You are offering | | | | any results or new business from your efforts. Find |
| something of value when you ask a business to | | | | out if they would be willing to support you again in |
| donate something or give a discount for your | | | | the future. Most of all, send a thank-you note and if |
| fundraiser. The business gets affordable advertising | | | | you have any flyers or coupons or items that the |
| and a philanthropic image as a business that | | | | business name or offering is noted on - send them a |
| contributes to and supports the local church, team, | | | | copy! |
| school or cheerleading squad. In addition to helping | | | | These are just a few tips to help you get started in |
| you, they are helping their business. They get | | | | working with local businesses to dramatically increase |
| positive placement in the hands of active members | | | | profits in your fundraising efforts. Stay tuned for |
| of the community. | | | | more great ideas when working with local business |
| Be prepared | | | | sponsors. |