Unit 8: Know Your Message & Craft Your Pitch

Before making any pitches, it’s important to have a very good understanding of what the Global Issues Network is all about. You will find information regarding GIN’s goals, mission, and vision if you go to “What We Do“.

 

Why would you look at Global Issues Network’s mission, vision and goals?

If you have a clear understanding of the organization you are representing you will be more effective at communicating your purpose for contacting your audience/potential sponsor/potential partner.   In order to understand the best approach you will need to understand who you are approaching.  As suggested above, we recommend you look to their mission, vision and goals to understand where and how you are aligned.  Pay close attention to the language they use to represent themselves. Use your understanding of their identity and their language to approach them in such a way that shows how you would work well together.

We strongly suggest that whenever possible, ask to have a face-to-face meeting.  You will have a much better chance of receiving support and creating a long lasting relationship.  We also recommend that you reach out to corporations, groups, etc. that you or someone you know has a personal relationship with. GOOD LUCK!!! YOU GOT THIS!!!

 

The “ask”:

 

The “ask” is your straightforward request for:

a specified material (food, product, tools, transportation, services) or monetary amount or;

a specified action or; a specified purpose or; a specified initiative or;

What is your purpose?

The Break Down:

Write your mission.

Write your vision.

List your needs

Figure out where your goals and their goals meet

Create your “ask.”

Writing Letters:

 

Write a letter of intent that includes an “ask”. Show how your goals meet theirs and then write the “ask.”

We strongly suggest working with the Action Plan you wrote. You can look at your project and break it down into separate parts that may each require an “ask.”  This way if a potential sponsor or partner is only relevant to a certain part of your project, you can tailor your “ask” to them.

 

Preparing Pitches over the Phone:

 

Write a script that will serve as your “pitch” over the phone or in person. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!  Your pitch should take 90 seconds to deliver. Introduce yourself, tell them who you are and a little bit about yourself as a passionate person who is trying create solutions for global issues. Talk about how you are aligned with them in your goals then set up then “ask” for ____________.  Again,  The “ask” is your straightforward request for the amount and the purpose.

 

Partnerships

 

It is necessary to evaluate your needs and understand how a collaboration with a potential sponsorship or partnership will mutually benefit both you and the organization you are approaching.  The following questions will clarify the value and form that your partnership will take or may guide you in choosing and finding partners.  Please take time to discuss each question below before you go forward with your pitch.

 

Why do you enter into a partnership? Benefits?

Give an example of a good partnership that you were a part of.

Give an example of a bad partnership that you were a part of.

What can each party expect from each other? What would you want in your agreement.

Where can you find partners?

What is a pitch?

What is an elevator pitch?

Why do we give pitches?