Six Tips for Building Partnerships

At this year’s always popular South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival, a group of undergrads gained a coveted view. The Net Impact Texas State University (TSU) undergrad chapter worked hard for that spot.

The group is only one of 12 undergraduate chapters to reach gold status, and it was named undergraduate Chapter of the Year in 2012. Now, by partnering with local businesses and events, Net Impact Texas State Undergrad is making an even more impressive impact.

The chapter began its partnership history by volunteering at the Circuit of America’s racetrack in Austin – notable for being the only Formula One racetrack with a sustainability plan. Building upon those connections, the undergrads went on to donate their time to SXSW Eco, diverting 97 percent of the event’s waste from landfills to recycling and compost.

After that success, the TSU chapter provided eco-education at the most recent SXSW music festival in 2014. Corporate partnerships have given the group an opportunity to impact larger audiences than they would find on their university campus. Thanks to their efforts, students have educated thousands of Austin visitors on a variety of environmental and waste management issues by forging connections at one of the country’s most high-profile music festivals.

Are you an undergraduate chapter looking to launch your own local partnership? TSU’s chapter co-president, Samuel Long, shares his tips for success.

1. Don’t be afraid to reach out (but do your research)
Call, email, or visit any business your chapter has an interest in – don’t fear hearing a “no.” Respect and persistence will go far in helping your chapter set up a relationship with a local business or event.

And before you reach out, do some homework by getting to know the company’s background and niche. Business leaders will be more impressed with your chapter’s offer if you show that you are knowledgeable about their work and mission.

2. Show energy and enthusiasm
While students might have less experience than business professionals, one of the powerful assets of undergrads is their contagious energy and enthusiasm. Play to your strengths by conveying your excitement for the suggested project and relationship whenever you speak with your contact at a corporation.

3. Start small and work your way up
It’s important to not ask for too much at the outset. Requesting a long-term relationship or help with a massive project is often more than a business will agree to in the beginning. TSU started by volunteering at a few small events at the Circuit of America. The relationships and reputation they built at smaller events allowed the chapter to work on bigger events like SXSW Eco and the SXSW music festival.

4. Go above and beyond
Taking initiative shows the company not only that you can handle what has been assigned, but also that your chapter is prepared to tackle more challenging projects in the future. While working at SXSW Eco, TSU’s desire to go above and beyond helped them reach a 97 percent landfill diversion rate. Rather than just functioning as waste monitoring volunteers, they made a massive impact on the overall sustainability of the event. This success led to their later contract with the music festival.

5. Leverage strong leaders
Samuel emphasizes that strong chapter leadership is a main reason for their success. Having organized, communicative, and charismatic leadership is vital when communicating with businesses that will have little patience for dealing with disorganization. In addition, Samuel believes the chapter’s faculty advisor, Dr. Janet Hale, has been critical to the chapter’s success. Dr. Hale’s tenacity in talking with community leaders, advertising the chapter’s great work, and providing logistical support within the university makes her especially important for the chapter’s continued success.  

6. Keep looking forward
Samuel advises other leaders to “take every opportunity you come across” and to always look toward future events and partnerships. He advises chapters to be creative and take on as much as possible, but to be adaptable, too – if something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to move on. Keep thinking of the future and its exciting possibilities. You may create a bigger impact than you even imagined.

Ready to join a chapter? Find one near you.