I was contacted via LinkedIn by a festival organizer who I wrote an article about a few years ago. He remembered and praised my article and said he was looking for someone with my experience to help with future festivals. We've exchanged a few e-mails and finally spoke yesterday.
I found out that the organization is volunteer run with a minimal budget. I didn't want to outright ask if I would be expected to volunteer my services but I tried to get some sort of answer.
Long story short, the organizer is looking for someone to get sponsorships, an area I have no experience in, and is willing to pay me a retainer and then commission based on how many sponsors I could get.
Mind you, the position would start in June 2014 and end in September 2014 so who knows, with my career change, where I will be then.
I'm invited to the festival this weekend and a free dinner tonight to meet the volunteer committee. I haven't committed to the dinner as I don't feel comfortable with a freebie.
I don't think I'm really comfortable with this.
What would you do?
This does sound like an "opportunity", but it doesn't sound like a job to me. If you are looking for steady and reliable income, I would pass on this. It sounds more suitable for someone who doesn't need the money, but would like something to keep her busy.
You already answered your question..... "I don't think I'm really comfortable with this"
I also pick up that if you accept the freebie dinner, then you feel you could be setting yourself up for obligation.
If you are not strong enough to be able to say no thank you when you need to then don't engage in conversations where you might be put on a spot that might end up with you being obligated.
I don't think the earning potential is there unless you are a super salesperson who can get people to donate lots of money...
It is not easy getting sponsorships. I did it 4 yrs through high school cheer fundraising and football booster fundraising with my daughter and each year, you go back to the people who donated before and try to get more money. It's a never ending cycle.
I have a proven track record of great sales experience, plus own my own company with sales up over 50% this year (non MLM or direct sales) and I HATE seeking sponsorships.
Best wishes whatever you choose. Congratulations on the good writing and being recognized!
This is an event and they are planning their committee. If you don't want to do this event or be on the committee to plan it then decline. Otherwise look at it as an opportunity to network.
What did you find out about the festival when you wrote about it? is it run by a non-profit organization or is it a for-profit group? Getting sponsorships can be easy or it can be very difficult. It depends on the track record of the event (how many people attend, how organized the event it, how much publicity does it generate???) It also depends on the theme of the festival and whether you feel a passion about supporting it. I would definitely go to the festival this weekend to find out more about it, talk to some of the sponsors and casually see how they feel about supporting the event in the future. I would go to the dinner to get a better feel for the leadership and volunteer base of the organization. If it is a non-profit, you can always make a donation to cover the cost of your dinner. Also please consider-- If you are uncertain about your career options, it wouldn't be fair to that group to agree and then cancel out next summer. Good luck!
You aren't comfortable....... pass
I wouldn't take this "job", if I were you. It would take time away from finding a job that is more suited to you. However, like Gamma said, use the event as a way to network.
I think that you need to learn to ask direct questions of people about what is expected of you when it comes to business. You don't even know if the invitation to the festival and the dinner is simply because you wrote a great article, and not as a "welcome on board; accept this only if you plan to work on this project."
You need to speak with the Organizer and tell him that you haven't committed to the job and need time to think, but ask if there would be an issue accepting the invitations to the dinner and festival if you choose not to join the project. That will be a polite way of asking "are there strings attached? is this a bribe?"
What the invitations could really be are his ways of giving you opportunities to meet the people involved and obtain more information about the project. It's much easier for him to do it that way than sit on the phone with you for hours. You can learn more and socialize in a relatively relaxed setting that's fun and include your family. If nothing else, you don't just get to network but you might write another article about the festival and pass along word about it. That gets them free publicity and another option for gaining sponsors.
This is what you do when you work in public relations. Offer free stuff to get the word out. "Hey, I went to this event last night and it was great. They're supporting _____ and next year will be _____. I wish I could work with them, but they still need _____ and sponsors." He could be relying on that.
