You’ve done your homework and have identified some potential corporate partners that align with your organizational values, share a passion for your mission and have a product or service that is marketable to your stakeholders. Now what? How do you connect with these potential partners in a genuine way?

A warm introduction to a contact in the company can be much more effective than a cold call.  The goal is to develop long-term, win/win affiliations. How do you begin? By getting curious and engaging in honest, organic conversations about creating mutually beneficial partnerships. Both organizations must know, like and trust the other to create long-lasting investment.  

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for opening doors to building relationships with corporate partners. A quick search of the company and its employees allows you to see connections you might have. Encourage your board members to search their networks as well. This is a wonderful way to engage them in...

The most effective corporate partnerships - which in the context of fundraising means the most lucrative - are those that are mutually beneficial.  Both the not-for-profit and for-profit businesses are invested in the success of the other. 

Are you truly invested in the success of your corporate partners?

There are SO many benefits for both organizations when a true partnership is forged. 

Here are just a few...

For-Profit Benefits:

1. Increased sales
2. Increased employee engagement
3. Decreased employee turnover
4. Increased Visibility
5. Recognition for the good they do in the world

Not-for-Proft Benefits:

1. Increased funding
2. Expanded donor base
3. Professional development for employees
4. Increased visibility
5. New volunteers and/or board members

How are you helping your corporate partners achieve these benefits? 

A few ideas...

• Get your partners in front of your donors! If you've selected your partners intentionally, based on the alignment of values, you can...

I participated in an Instagram Masterclass today to better understand how to use the platform for marketing. KellyAnne Zielinski, Founder of Self Leadership Global shared her perspective of social media marketing that absolutely shifted my mindset on digital marketing. Here's what she said..."Our social media platforms are our little corner of the internet where we get to make a difference."

This SO resonated with me. My sales philosophy is, and has always been, contribution first and I'd much prefer to connect with people in person.  But digital platforms allow me to connect with more people in more places! Rather than focusing on the "sales" aspect of social media, I choose to use these digital platforms to share information, connect people and build relationships with others that share my passion for social impact and the greater good. I have found that a contribution first model results in the connections that lead to contracted work. 

This social media...