Handling no

Most people will say no. That's normal. A polite no often comes with the name of someone who'll say yes.

Don't argue. Agree, answer once, and ask one more question.

"We already sponsor someone."

"That's great. Who do you sponsor?"

Listen. Then say this.

"Makes sense. Backing one player is a small thing that can sit right next to that. Want me to leave my page just in case?"

"There's no budget."

"Totally fair. It starts at $150 for the whole season, if that changes anything. If not, no worries at all."

Then ask if you can check back before next season.

"Send me something."

This is often a polite no. Treat it like a real maybe anyway.

"Sure. Text or email?"

Send your link within the hour, then follow the follow-up schedule.

"Let me think about it."

"Of course. When's good for me to check back?"

Get a day. If they won't pick one, suggest one. "How about next Thursday?" If it's a jersey spot, mention that jerseys get ordered soon.

"How many people see it?"

Don't make up a number. Ever.

"Honestly, I don't want to throw out a number I can't back up. What I can tell you is exactly where your name goes."

Then show them your page and walk through the package they're looking at.

"Is it tax deductible?"

Don't answer this one yourself.

"I'm not sure, and I don't want to tell you wrong. Your accountant would know."

"I need to ask my partner."

"Of course. Can I send you my link so you can show them?"

"What do I get, exactly?"

Pull up your page on your phone and hand it to them.

Still no? Two last questions

1. The donation. Only after a clear no, and only once.

"No problem. Some people just chip in toward my jersey instead, any amount from $5. It's on the same page."

2. The referral. This is the one everyone forgets.

"Last thing. Do you know anyone else with a business who might want to back a local team?"

Got a name? Ask if you can say they sent you. Put it in your tracker.

Then say thanks and mean it. You'll see them again.