How-To of Sponsor Phone Calls

In 2016, the Business Team went over 5 main points of how to make an effective sponsor request phone call.

1. Always find a way to get to the receptionist as soon as possible. If you receive an automated message, just listen through all the options and pick the one gets to operator/receptionist. If you do not receive an automated message, you'll most likely be talking to the receptionist straight away.

2. So, when making these business calls, try to use the school phone. This will let the business know that we are credible and it will increase the chances of them actually picking up the phone and giving us a source. Plus it makes Peachtree Ridge High School look like a "base" for all business calls. There are phones in the back of Rutland's room and in the back room in the work room. You can use these phones during lunch and/or after school from 2:10PM - 3:30PM. It is not advised to call these business any time later than 4PM.

3. If you are given a contact and it goes straight to voicemail, make sure to leave them with 2 pieces of info: visit the Robolions website AND leave your cell phone number only if you are willing to later pick up a random cell phone number.

4. 2 things you must get from them when you call them: EMAIL AND TITLE. This is the optimal response.

5. Key note: do not elicit false info to these big businesses; it is okay to say "I may not have the answer to your question, but I can refer you to someone who does..."

6. Be confident in what you want to say. Know what you want to say beforehand. Be able to adapt to different situations and practice a little before you call. Never force yourself into a call if you are unprepared.