Help!!!! I have sent several letters out and have had only on response. What is the trick to get sponsors for the walks? Do I need to contact the companies I have sent letter to. I know they got them because I hand delivered them.

Angelia

Angelia, my facility is small(about 40 employees) and I know we get a ton of solicitation letters all the time. I can only imagine what big companies get. I think with the recession people start to limit how much they gave and tend to stick with known entities.
If you have time to make personal contact with a follow up phone call that might help.

Hi Angelia,

Getting sponsors is the hardest part of the planning process. As Susan said, follow up is key. Let them know you are a survivor and how important this is to you.

Also network with your friends and family, see if they know anyone you can contact, they might have companies they work with. Are you sending to dental offices? Check into your local Delta Dental company, they are wonderful about donating to our walks. We have had great success with them.

Contact Henry Schein, they are a dental supply company, they are everywhere, google them to find a rep in your area. Also they might donate screening supplies as well.

You will get a lot of "no's" but once you get a yes it def gives you incentive to keep asking. This is not easy at all, I know first hand, but once you get a sponsor they probably will be back again.

You might not get large donations from them, only smaller ones, but if you get a few it all adds up.

Keep me posted and I will try to come up with some ideas. Give me a call when you can as well, and we can talk about it.

Take care

Susan

Angelia,

A follow up call, or better, a visit in person is absolutely necessary. You want to put a face with the request. When you meet them face to face, it will have more impact PLUS you have a story to tell about yourself. Your passion will be evident. If they are reluctant because of the economy, give them some affordable ideas on how they can help. Show them how they will be acknowledged at the event, and emphasize how they can make a difference by supporting oral cancer awareness. It's also effective for them to hear who else is supporting your effort. Everyone wants to get on the bandwagon!

Good luck!
Anita