This summer I’ve been trying to find other sponsors for the Fedora Summer Coding program. Timing was short from the start, but it was worth the effort.
I’m not having much success, and I think that’s as much about my weakness in this area as a lack of interest or budget. I should get out the stacks of business cards I’ve collected from previous conferences, but cold calling people for money isn’t really my cup of tea. Even when they might be interested, for real. Even when it’s no big thing if they say no. I’m just not so hot at it.
If you have any inclination or ability here, I’d appreciate help. Finding sponsors and getting other people involved in the organization of the Summer Coding program has been the hardest part so far. If we are going to continue to do it beyond this summer, we are going to need more help in organization, finding and working with sponsors, and so forth.
If you can help, please join us on the SIG mailing list and let us know what you think.
What about a “cold mail” first? It’s easier to break ice with a well though text.
I have experience looking for sponsors for barcamps and local LUG conferences. It’s not a pleasant task, but it’s needed, and most of the time the results are worth the effort.
I don’t think that pointing the sponsor to a mailing list it’s a good idea. You have to simplify things, and guiding people step by step.
Thanks for the support. I was sure I wasn’t alone in having a hard time of it.:)
I was definitely considering an email first, I’m much better that way; I reckon I was using “cold call” as a generic concept. Also, maybe it’s not so much of a cold call anyway, since I was talking about contacting people I’d exchanged business cards with. It might be unwelcome, but it shouldn’t be a surprise.
Speaking of poor wording, I meant to direct to the mailing list anyone who can help with the process of finding sponsors, not sponsors directly. I think I’ve been consistent in a message of having people contact me directly, but I’ll have to look and see if that’s really the case. It’s true, it might not be as simple as it could or should be.