a single source, nothing corroborates it

Reach them through an introduction, off duty

An existing supporter can put you in front of a partner who would ignore a cold approach, and the conversation goes further in an ordinary setting where neither of you is wearing a professional role. Meetings both sides keep postponing get booked in exactly those moments.

The method

1. 01

   Go after sponsors who already give equipment free to the grassroots events next door to yours, and reach them through an introduction from one of your own supporters rather than cold.

2. 02

   Arrange to meet the people you want to do business with in an ordinary non-work setting, because the conversation goes further when neither of you has a professional role on and the meeting you have both been postponing finally gets booked.

What it returned

• Chris Messina, an Indy Hall supporter, introduced Hillman to a contact at Belkin, which was already supplying power and networking kit to many Barcamps and wanted to partner with coworking initiatives. Belkin became Indy Hall's first sponsor.

• A reader called Marion told Hillman she only bumps into people she wants to partner with on her coworking space, including the head of a local economic development institution, on the days she takes the train rather than driving.

Sources

• How my commute changed my relationship with my communityAlex Hillman · dangerouslyawesome.com · Different Hats · 2019-09-01
• All Posts (Page 15 of 18)Alex Hillman · dangerouslyawesome.com · Thanks to Indy Hall's first sponsor: Belkin! · undated