Ways to obtain Sponsorships

Obtaining a sponsor is not as difficult as some people think it is. There are several ways to obtaining the sponsorships you'll need. The first and best way of doing it is going in person to the businesses in your area. If the person in charge is not available, make an appointment to see them. Remember to take down their name or take a business card. You can always send them a letter instead of meeting with them in person. If they are willing to speak with you at that moment, make sure you are prepared. Bring in all of the information you will need, just in case they ask specific questions. Do you have any professional pictures? Take them with you and give them to your potential sponsor. People, forget names, but they always remember faces. 

You have to represent yourself with the same demeanor you would have if you already have the title of MISS FLORIDA TEEN. If you show them you are a true mature contender for the crown, it will not be too difficult to get the help you'll need. There will be professional business owners that will go out of their way to help you and others that will tell you they can't. Don't give up.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Dress appropriately for the meeting as if you are going to a job interview. The way you have to view this situation is that you are going for the job of MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA and you need the monetary support (gown, entry fees, etc.) to get you there. 

The following is a letter you can adjust to suit you. Do not copy this letter verbatim. You need to add the important factors that will make this letter come alive with your personality. 

You can have a catchy first sentence example: 

Do you know any MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA titleholders? Well, you just might! I know I can be the next MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA but only with your help.      

Always include a picture of yourself so that the business owner, or manager knows what you look like. This has to be a good picture. It can be a headshot, your comp-card, etc. 

Date 

Sponsor Name

Address

City, State Zip

Dear Sponsor,

My name is your name, and I am currently a contestant for the MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA Pageant. This pageant is televised statewide during November, December, and January! MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA offers the new titleholder not only the opportunity to compete in the nationally televised MISS TEEN USA Pageant, but it also awards a $40,000.00 scholarship to Johnson and Wales University to the titleholder.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am currently attending school. [This is where you tell them about your GPA, grade, community involvements, awards, etc. Couch Potato doesn't cut it for this portion.]  As you can see, to me education  is important. I do not feel MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA should only be a pretty face,  but should have the poise and intelligence to represent Florida. I have all of these qualities and much more. I am grateful that this organization offers a scholarship award to the winner. This would guarantee that that after high school, I can continue my education.    

(optional paragraph)

I am the only young woman from city and (this sentence only applies when you are absolutely sure there are no other contestants from your area and there are no preliminary title holders representing your city) I would be honored to not only represent this wonderful city, but also to represent you and your company through out the competition.

Because your business deals with beauty/ teenagers, I can guarantee that sponsoring me would be mutually beneficial.

MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA also offers the contestants' sponsors the opportunity to buy advertising in the program book. With $300.00, you will get a full page ad, or for $175.00 you will get a half page of advertising. I would like to remind you that these books are not only distributed during the pageant, but they are sold through out the state of Florida.

I will be calling you in a few days so we can talk in detail about the pageant.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Your Name

MISS FLORIDA TEEN USA 2003 Contestant

1. The pageant you are competing in

2. A picture of you on the cover (cut and paste is very simple to do)

3. A bio on you (grade, hobbies, community service, GPA, platform, have you ever held a title before)

4. What do your sponsors get in return for sponsorship.

5. Make sure that you have a contact number or email that they will be able to send you the sponsorship.

Optional:

Some contestants use their brochures as comp cards. They put their height and weight, and some even put their bathing suit and evening gown competition pictures.