I have previously shared tips on how to better position your non-profit to receive corporate funding. But, today, I am going to share
the flip side of that. Here are my top 5 tips of what development professionals
should not do in a potential partner meeting.
1. Don’t schedule a meeting before doing your research. It doesn’t have to be extensive research, but, please do some research before scheduling a meeting with a company representative. This will do a couple of things. 1. It will inform your initial email or conversation regarding the meeting and, 2. It will help you to determine if the company is a good fit for a partnership with the non-profit you represent. You want to determine if the company is a good fit for your brand or what you can offer. You do not want to waste anyone’s time.You have one chance to make a good first impression, so do your homework.
2. Don’t be rude or condescending. Be nice. It goes a long way folks. Really, just be nice. If someone is taking time out of their schedule to meet with you, make sure you make the most of that time and you are kind throughout every step of that process from initial meeting request to phone conversations and beyond.
3. Don’t put the company representative on the spot. Never ever, put the company representative on the spot. Asking questions like, “What has your company done in the community lately,” or “Tell us how your company can help our organization,” are sure to raise a few eyebrows and not in a good way. Also, please don’t ask for a commitment in the meeting. The company representative may have to get approval from his/her supervisor or may need time to digest the benefit of the partnership. Give your contact the time they need to review your request and assess the potential partnership.
4. Make it all about your non-profit. Be on your best behavior. Never badmouth another organization. You should spend the valuable time with the company representative explaining your fundraising priorities, exploring partnership opportunities and gathering additional information that will help you to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with the company. This is your time to shine!
2. Don’t be rude or condescending. Be nice. It goes a long way folks. Really, just be nice. If someone is taking time out of their schedule to meet with you, make sure you make the most of that time and you are kind throughout every step of that process from initial meeting request to phone conversations and beyond.
3. Don’t put the company representative on the spot. Never ever, put the company representative on the spot. Asking questions like, “What has your company done in the community lately,” or “Tell us how your company can help our organization,” are sure to raise a few eyebrows and not in a good way. Also, please don’t ask for a commitment in the meeting. The company representative may have to get approval from his/her supervisor or may need time to digest the benefit of the partnership. Give your contact the time they need to review your request and assess the potential partnership.
4. Make it all about your non-profit. Be on your best behavior. Never badmouth another organization. You should spend the valuable time with the company representative explaining your fundraising priorities, exploring partnership opportunities and gathering additional information that will help you to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with the company. This is your time to shine!
5. Contact the right person. Most company representatives are more
than happy to schedule a meeting with you to discuss a partnership. But, emailing
the company President or the Corporate Office will not get you to the head of
the line. If anything, it might annoy the local representative and it could
send a message to them that you felt like they are not able to
help with your request when in most instances, they are the best person to
help.
I hope these
tips help you as you work your way towards a successful partnership.
Great advise. Thank you!
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