Following Up After Sending a Proposal
Introduction:
Sent your proposal? The job’s not done yet—here’s why following up is crucial and how to do it right! Many racers assume that once they send their sponsorship proposal, they just need to wait for a response. However, sponsors receive countless emails and proposals every week, and yours can easily get lost in the shuffle. A well-timed and professional follow-up not only reminds them of your proposal but also demonstrates your commitment, professionalism, and genuine interest in working with them. In this guide, we’ll discuss why follow-ups matter, how to do them effectively, and what mistakes to avoid.
Why Following Up is Essential
Many sponsorship opportunities are lost simply because a racer didn’t follow up. A sponsor may have found your proposal interesting but got distracted by other priorities. Following up helps keep your proposal top of mind and ensures that your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
Key Reasons to Follow Up:
Sponsors Are Busy: Your proposal might have been overlooked or buried under other emails.
Demonstrates Professionalism: A well-planned follow-up shows that you’re organized and serious about the partnership.
Keeps the Conversation Going: Sometimes sponsors are interested but need a little push to take the next step.
Allows You to Address Concerns: If they had doubts or questions, your follow-up is an opportunity to clarify and reinforce your value.
A sponsor’s silence doesn’t always mean rejection. Sometimes, they just need a reminder, and a professional follow-up can be the difference between securing a deal and being forgotten.
Pro Tip: A follow-up isn’t about pestering—it’s about reminding them of the opportunity and showing your enthusiasm.
Worksheet: Understanding the Importance of Following Up
What are the possible reasons a sponsor hasn’t responded to your proposal?
How can following up help keep your proposal on their radar?
List three ways to make your follow-up more professional and effective.
When and How to Follow Up
Timing is everything when it comes to follow-ups. You don’t want to follow up too soon and appear pushy, but you also don’t want to wait too long and let the opportunity slip away.
Best Timing for Follow-Ups:
1-2 Weeks After Sending the Proposal: This gives them time to review it while keeping it fresh in their minds.
After a Specific Event or Milestone: If the sponsor recently held an event or launched a new product, use it as a reason to reconnect.
After They Engage with Your Content: If they like or comment on your social media post, it’s a great moment to follow up.
Best Methods for Following Up:
Email: A polite, professional email is often the best approach. Keep it short and to the point.
Phone Call: If you have a direct contact, a quick call can be more effective than waiting for an email reply.
LinkedIn or Social Media: If you’ve previously engaged with the sponsor on LinkedIn or Instagram, sending a follow-up message there can be effective.
Real-World Example: A racer who followed up after two weeks with a short email saying, “I just wanted to check in and see if you had any questions about my proposal,” received a response that led to a sponsorship deal.
Worksheet: Planning Your Follow-Up Strategy
When should you send your first follow-up after submitting your proposal?
What method of communication works best for the sponsor you’re targeting?
How can you personalize your follow-up message to make it more effective?
What to Say in Your Follow-Up
Your follow-up message should be short, polite, and to the point. Avoid sounding desperate or aggressive—instead, focus on maintaining professionalism and enthusiasm.
What to Include in Your Follow-Up:
A Friendly Reminder: Briefly mention that you sent your proposal and wanted to check in.
Restate Your Value: Remind them of the key benefits of partnering with you.
Invite Further Discussion: Ask if they need any more information or if they’d like to schedule a call.
Express Appreciation: Thank them for their time and consideration.
Example Follow-Up Email:
Subject: Following Up on Sponsorship Proposal
Hi [Sponsor’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on the sponsorship proposal I sent on [date]. I know you’re busy, but I wanted to check in to see if you had any questions or needed any additional information.
I truly believe that partnering with [Sponsor’s Company Name] would be a great fit, and I’d love the opportunity to discuss how we can work together. Let me know if you’d be available for a quick call next week to go over any details.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Pro Tip: Always include your contact information at the end of your follow-up email to make it easy for them to respond.
Worksheet: Crafting Your Follow-Up Message
How can you personalize your follow-up message for each sponsor?
What key benefits should you highlight again in your message?
What polite and professional way can you ask for a response?
Handling No Response or Rejections
Not every follow-up will lead to a response, and not every response will be a “yes.” Knowing how to handle silence or rejection professionally can leave the door open for future opportunities.
What to Do if You Get No Response:
Send a Second Follow-Up: If you don’t hear back after your first follow-up, wait another week and send a brief second message.
Stay Engaged: Continue engaging with their brand on social media so they remember you.
Move On Gracefully: If you don’t get a response after multiple attempts, don’t take it personally. Shift your focus to new opportunities.
How to Handle Rejection Professionally:
Thank Them for Their Time: Always express gratitude, even if they say no.
Ask for Feedback: If appropriate, ask if they have any advice or what they look for in sponsorships.
Keep the Relationship Open: Just because they said no now doesn’t mean they won’t say yes later.
Real-World Example: A racer received a rejection but responded professionally with, “Thank you for your time. I’d love to stay in touch in case any future opportunities arise.” Months later, the sponsor reached out with a new opportunity.
Worksheet: Managing Non-Responses and Rejections
How will you handle a sponsor not responding after multiple follow-ups?
How can you turn a rejection into a learning experience?
What steps can you take to maintain relationships with potential sponsors for future opportunities?
Conclusion
Following up shows sponsors that you’re committed and professional—don’t let your proposal fall off their radar. A well-timed, well-worded follow-up can be the difference between being ignored and securing a sponsorship. By staying persistent, polite, and professional, you can increase your chances of getting a response and building lasting relationships with potential sponsors.
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