Partnerships


IF YOU ONLY HAVE


W


hen I started out in business, I was taught that it’s a numbers game – the more people you


speak to, the more effective you will become. And this is something I’ve adopted in my current role. As my old boss used to say, ‘it’s all


about exposing yourself to the risk of doing business’. With that in mind I try to expose myself as much as possible! Just one extra call a day means I speak to an extra 20 people a month and, while I do get more people who say no, I also get a lot more who say yes! There are four key areas to focus


on: research, review, contact and publicise. I keep folders on my PC that include contact details, notes of any previous contacts, specic interests of the company or person, future funding or projects we have spoken about and when I have spare time I add to them and draw on the information I have built up. Set yourself apart from everyone


else who calls and reads off a script in a monotone voice. Go the extra mile and add a personal touch, work at building relationships.


Research Research is very important. If you are going to approach a company, make sure you know all about them. Reference something that makes them different or unique. Have they just launched a new product, won an award or been featured in the local press? Companies spend a lot of time and


effort trying to get noticed and it’s hard not to engage with someone who is paying for your attention. Let those companies spend that money supporting your school! Don’t be


38 AUTUMN 2017 FundEd


As my old boss used to say, ‘it’s all about exposing yourself to the risk of doing business’.


10


like everyone else who thinks the company will say no – just ask. Look for businesses that run


corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, companies advertising locally, or why not put together a survey for parents, asking who they work for and what they do. Parents could be key contacts who can introduce you to the right people. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel –


look at what income generation initiatives other schools are running, contact them and ask what have they had success with.


Review If we always do what has always been done then we will get the same result but no more. So, does your funding strategy need updating? What projects are you seeking


support for? Make a list of what you need and the associated costs, then look to see what businesses match your needs. Can you leverage free resources instead of having to buy them, or can you secure sponsorship to cover the costs?  Example: When Year 2 were studying the human body, I was asked if I could get someone to come in with a skeleton. It wasn’t something I had ever been asked before, but I used my contacts at the Chamber of Commerce. As a result, Health Screening Clinician Eileen Fegan, West Midlands Woman of the


Time is precious, but Howard Rose explains how to make the most of every minute because that quick phone call or hastily written press release could mean money or free resources!


MINUTES...


Year for Outstanding Contribution to Health and Wellbeing, came into school for the afternoon to talk to the three classes. The sessions were practical and informative, and the children were able to get ‘hands on’ with what they had been studying in class. If we’d paid for this it would have cost in excess of £300 but Eileen was more than happy to help out, in return for some positive PR! Example: Year 4 were studying aerodynamics in the run up to the F1 in Schools Challenge and although they had looked online and read several articles I thought I would try to bring it to life. I contacted Carstins, our local


Subaru dealership, and asked if they could help. Sure enough, Carstins Manager Elliot Cartwright was more


Health Screening Clinician Eileen Fegan provided pupils with a free workshop on the human body


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