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.

About Me

Hi Everyone! A little about me first: I was born in Queensville, ON and moved to Saudi Arabia when I was two since my dad got a job offer there. We ended up staying for 12 years and while there had some amazing travel opportunities and learning experiences. I finished up my high school education at Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick and then chose to attend the University of Western Ontario to pursue an Honours degree in Physiology and Pharmacology. I first learnt about Global Vision when Terry Clifford (Founder and President) gave a talk at the Student Transitional Education Program (STEP) at UWO. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to look into more. After attending the Global Leaders Centre (GLC) in London in early March and seeing what an amazing opportunity for leadership development it was I decided to immediately sign up for the Toronto GLC too. As I had hoped it proved to be a very different and equally rewarding experience for meeting other motivated youth with a passion for creating positive global change. Just attending the GLC and listening to the sort of experiences you can have while working with Global Vision really left me no choice but to dramatically change my life goals and aspirations. I started doing everything in my power to get involved and promote leadership development, both in myself and in other Canadian youth.

Shortly afterwards, I was selected (along with around 100 other delegates) from among thousands of applicants to attend the National Youth Caucus (NYC) in Ottawa. While there we were given the opportunity to network with leaders in government, business and academia. Additionally, we received education in the tactics governing multilateral negotiations, and listened to multiple guest speakers from a wide range of specialties. Additionally, we took part in an “Amazing Race” around Ottawa, toured the National Art Gallery, and met with Prime Minister Harper and Senator Mike Duffy during a one hour interview session that was broadcasted live by well over 20 news stations (by my count). The NYC was an incredible experience for me, and as with each of my exposures to Global Vision and its programs, I don’t have a choice, I feel I have to continue down this path of adventure: though I have no idea where it will end!

Now the next step in my journey has begun. I recently received my acceptance letter to join Global Vision on their International Trade and Development Mission in China and Malaysia this August. I’m starting this blog so all of my friends, family and business associates can follow me from beginning to end.

So what is my goal now? Each year, Junior Team Canada (JTC) delegates are challenged with raising at least half of the funds required to fund their mission. As such, I have a little under two months to raise $5500. Let the games begin…