29/5/10 First Full Weekend of Fundraising Preparation

Good Morning Readers!

The aim for this weekend was to complete my preparation phase so that I can start making phone calls on Monday. What that means specifically is gathering all the information I need to include in my sponsorship package (what I will hand over to businesses/organizations during our meeting). I also gathered a lot more contact information so that it is quickly and easily accessible when I want to start making those phone calls. So what exactly did I do yesterday?

Friday night and Saturday:
1. I talked to a number of different Junior Team Canada (JTC) grads to get some advice as to how I would go about delivering my marketing speech. I was also chatting throughout the day to get more information on different industry sectors, and for more advice on how to structure my sponsorship package.

2. I started drafting a new version of my Resume and got some input on it. I’m just trying to cut it down to one page now which is difficult as I’m sure you all know.

3. I prepared a brief on Global Vision so that sponsors will get a better idea of what they do, and what their mission etc.

4. I worked on a document containing some points I want to be sure I touch on, both in phone conversations (with Executive Assistants, and with the sponsors) and in person.

5. I finished reading the partnership manual (prepared by the GV team – thank you to everyone involved with that) which also helped me focus my efforts

5. I did a little bit more research on some of the industries I’m interested in, however since I won’t be approaching corporate sponsors until a little later in the game; this wasn’t a huge part of my weekend.

6. Gathered all the contact information for media outlets in London so I’ll be making those phone calls on Monday. The media is the first audience I’m targeting because I would also like to include any articles about my mission in my sponsorship package.

7. I spent a lot of time researching community organizations and contacts within these organizations, for example Lions Club, Rotary Club etc.

8. Read up on the blog posted on My Global Vision (MGV) that provided an intro to Chinese business etiquette – Thanks Jackie Cook for starting that thread.

9. I called two people with regards to reference letters (also for the sponsorship package)

All in all, not too bad for my first day or so of focused preparation. I did have to get outside a few times, after going to Staples to order business cards. It was too nice outside to remain locked in my office the whole day – so I went for a run.

I’ll keep you all updated on my productivity Sunday, I’m aiming to completely finish preparing my marketing speech guidelines so that whoever I talk to gets as passionate about this mission as I am.

Till next time!

Robert

– Many thanks to Adam Dewar, Victoria Bentley, Philip Chow, Jeremie Poirier, and Terry Clifford for their help.