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Job Title: Fundraising Internship – Sponsorship Coordinator
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota (Remote with occasional in-person meetings)
Duration: 3-36 Months (Flexible)
Hours: 10-20 hours per week (Flexible)

About:
The Minnesota EVENT Planners + Suppliers Summit & EXPO is a premier event that brings together professionals from the event planning, hospitality, and supplier industries. Our mission is to create a vibrant networking environment where businesses and planners can connect, collaborate, and innovate. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated intern to assist in securing sponsorships for this exciting event.

Job Description:
The Fundraising Intern – Sponsorship Coordinator will play a key role in supporting the fundraising efforts for the Minnesota EVENT Planners + Suppliers Summit & EXPO. This position offers hands-on experience in sponsorship outreach, relationship management, and event marketing strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Research potential sponsors, including local businesses, national brands, and industry partners.
• Develop tailored sponsorship proposals, outlining value propositions and sponsorship packages.
• Reach out to potential sponsors via email, phone calls, and social media platforms to build partnerships.
• Maintain and update a database of sponsor contacts and communications.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to integrate sponsorship deliverables into event materials.
• Provide administrative support for sponsorship contracts, invoicing, and reporting.
• Assist in creating sponsor-focused marketing content, including promotional materials and social media posts.
• Attend virtual and in-person meetings to provide updates and gather feedback.

Qualifications:

• Resident in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Event Management, or a related field (or recent graduate).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in social media, internet communication and familiarity with CRM software.
• Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable with cold outreach and building relationships.
• Interest or experience in event planning, fundraising, or marketing is a plus.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising and sponsorship development.
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the event planning and supplier industries.
• A deeper understanding of event marketing and coordination.
• Academic credit (if applicable).
• A recommendation letter upon successful completion of the internship.

How to Apply:
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and any relevant experience to Brad[@]synergyeventmarketing.com. Please include “Fundraising Internship – Sponsorship Coordinator” in the subject line.

QUESTIONS: 612-242-6468

Join us in making the Minnesota EVENT Planners + Suppliers Summit & EXPO an unforgettable event!

Producing an expo and conference requires a diverse range of expertise to ensure a successful event. Here are the key areas of expertise needed:

Event Planning and Management:
* Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage tasks, timelines, and budgets.
* Event Logistics: Expertise in managing venue selection, logistics, and coordination with vendors.
* Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks to ensure smooth operations.

Marketing and Promotion:
* Marketing Strategy: Developing effective marketing campaigns to attract attendees and exhibitors.
* Brand Management: Creating and maintaining a strong brand identity for the event.
* Public Relations: Managing media relations and generating positive publicity.

Financial Management:
* Budgeting: Developing and managing the event budget.
* Sponsorship Acquisition: Securing sponsorships to offset costs and generate additional revenue.
* Financial Reporting: Tracking and analyzing financial performance.

Conference Programming:
* Content Development: Curating engaging and relevant content for conference sessions and workshops.
* Speaker Recruitment: Identifying and recruiting industry experts as speakers.
* Session Scheduling: Creating a well-structured conference program that maximizes attendee interest.

Exhibitor Management:
* Exhibitor Recruitment: Attracting and recruiting exhibitors to participate in the expo.
* Booth Space Allocation: Efficiently allocating booth space to maximize revenue and attendee experience.
* Exhibitor Services: Providing support and services to exhibitors throughout the event.

Technical Production:
* AV Production: Managing audio-visual equipment and technical staff.
* Stage Design and Production: Creating visually appealing stage setups and backdrops.
* Lighting and Sound: Ensuring optimal lighting and sound quality throughout the event.

On-Site Operations:
* Registration and Check-in: Efficiently managing attendee registration and check-in processes.
* Volunteer Management: Recruiting and managing volunteers to support event operations.
* Security and Safety: Implementing security measures and emergency procedures.

Post-Event Evaluation:
* Data Analysis: Collecting and analyzing data to measure event success.
* Feedback Collection: Gathering feedback from attendees and exhibitors to identify areas for improvement.
* Post-Event Reporting: Preparing a comprehensive report summarizing event performance and outcomes.
While it’s possible to handle some aspects of event production in-house, many organizations choose to partner with professional event planning companies or agencies that specialize in expo and conference production. These companies have the expertise, resources, and network of contacts to ensure a successful event.

Here’s a list of money-making projects that you and your spouse could do together, blending different skill sets and interests for a collaborative business approach:

1. Vacation Rental Management
   Start an Airbnb or vacation rental business, handling cleaning, guest communication, and property maintenance as a team.
2. Content Creation and Influencer Marketing
   Launch a YouTube channel, blog, or social media profile around a shared passion (travel, cooking, home improvement) and monetize through sponsorships, affiliate links, or ads.
3. Online Course Creation
   Create and sell online courses based on your combined expertise. For example, if one is a chef and the other a photographer, offer a course on food styling and photography.
4. Real Estate Investment
   Buy, renovate, and resell properties, or manage rental properties. You can split tasks like budgeting, managing contractors, and decorating.
5. Coaching and Consulting
   Offer life, business, or relationship coaching for couples or individuals, with both of you contributing unique perspectives.
6. Event Planning and Coordination
   Organize weddings, corporate events, or local parties, dividing tasks such as logistics, decor, and client communication.
7. E-commerce Store
   Launch an online store for a shared passion, like handmade goods, custom clothing, or digital products. Split responsibilities like product creation, website management, and marketing.
8. Photography and Videography Business
   Start a photography or videography business specializing in events, portraits, or commercial work, with each of you handling different aspects like editing, shooting, and client management.
9. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service
   If you both love animals, offer pet-sitting, dog-walking, or boarding services. This can be an easy, local way to earn extra income and work together.
10. Home-Based Catering or Baking
    Start a small catering or baking business for events or local markets, dividing tasks like cooking, managing orders, and delivering.
11. Retreats or Workshop Hosting
    Organize and lead weekend retreats or workshops for wellness, skill development, or relaxation, taking on roles such as program development, logistics, and participant engagement.
12. Freelance Digital Marketing
    Offer digital marketing services such as social media management, content creation, or email marketing to small businesses, splitting tasks based on individual strengths.
13. Farmers’ Market Stand
    If you enjoy gardening or making handmade goods, start a stall at your local farmers’ market, selling fresh produce, crafts, or homemade foods.
14. Property Management Services
    Manage rental properties for landlords, offering services like tenant screening, maintenance coordination, and rent collection.
15. Online Coaching or Tutoring
    Provide coaching or tutoring in areas of expertise, such as language, music, fitness, or academic subjects, through video calls or a membership site.
16. Furniture Upcycling and Selling
    Refurbish furniture for resale, with one of you handling repairs and painting and the other managing sales and marketing.
17. Wedding Officiating and Coordination
    If you’re comfortable in front of crowds, become wedding officiants and offer coordination services for small, intimate ceremonies.
18. Mobile Car Detailing
    Start a mobile car detailing business where one handles detailing while the other manages booking, customer service, and marketing.
19. Personal Shopping and Styling Service
    Offer a personal shopping service, either for fashion or home decor, where one handles shopping and the other coordinates logistics.
20. Teaching Fitness or Wellness Classes
    If you both have a passion for health, teach yoga, meditation, or fitness classes together in your community or online.

These ideas allow for a collaborative dynamic while utilizing each partner’s strengths and unique perspectives.

Ideas to Gather Fridley Residents for a Community Activity Meeting

1. Utilize Existing Community Hubs:

• Schools: Partner with local schools to host the meeting during parent-teacher conferences or other school events.
• Libraries: Libraries are often community centers and can provide meeting spaces and resources.
• Churches and Religious Organizations: These institutions often have community outreach programs and can help spread the word.
• Local Businesses: Reach out to businesses that are invested in the community, such as cafes or community centers, to see if they can provide a space.

2. Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms:

• Create a Facebook Event: Invite people from local Facebook groups or pages.
• Use Neighborhood Apps: Platforms like Nextdoor can be effective for reaching out to residents in specific neighborhoods.
• Email Lists: If you have access to local email lists (e.g., neighborhood associations), send out a targeted email invite.

3. Partner with Local Organizations:

• City Government: Work with the Fridley City Council or Parks and Recreation Department to promote the meeting.
• Non-Profit Organizations: Partner with local non-profits that focus on community development or social services.
• Neighborhood Associations: Collaborate with existing neighborhood associations to reach their members.

4. Utilize Traditional Outreach Methods:

• Flyers and Posters: Distribute flyers and posters in local businesses, schools, and public places.
• Door-to-Door Distribution: If possible, distribute flyers or invitations door-to-door in neighborhoods.
• Local Newspapers: Advertise the meeting in the Fridley local newspaper.

5. Offer Incentives or Activities:

• Food and Refreshments: Provide refreshments to encourage attendance.
• Entertainment: Consider having a brief presentation or activity to break the ice and make the meeting more engaging.
• Raffles or Prizes: Offer small prizes or raffle tickets to incentivize participation.

6. Tailor the Meeting to Local Interests:

• Survey Residents: Conduct a brief survey to gauge local interests and priorities for community activities.
• Focus on Specific Topics: If there are particular issues or concerns in the community, focus the meeting on those topics.

By combining these strategies, you can effectively reach out to local residents and encourage them to participate in creating a more vibrant and engaged community.

Simple Business Plan to Generate $1,000 Per Month Passively

Business Idea: Niche Affiliate Marketing Blog

1. Initial Setup:

• Niche Selection: Choose a narrow, underserved niche with a passionate audience. Example: “Eco-friendly home gadgets.”
• Build a Blog: Create a simple WordPress blog targeting this niche.
• Content Creation: Write 10–15 high-quality blog posts optimized for SEO. Focus on review-style articles that link to affiliate products.
• Monetization: Sign up for affiliate programs (Amazon, ShareASale, etc.) and embed affiliate links in the content.
• Promotion: Share content on social media, niche forums, and optimize for search engines (SEO).

Monthly Revenue Goal: Generate $1,000 by driving 2,000 visitors, converting 2% of visitors into buyers (40 sales), and earning an average $25 affiliate commission per sale.

2. Simplified Process – Iteration 1:

• Outsource Content: Hire freelance writers to produce content, freeing up your time.
• Focus on 5 High-Volume Keywords: Narrow down to the most profitable blog posts.
• Automate Social Sharing: Use tools like Buffer to schedule regular social media posts promoting articles.

3. Simplified Process – Iteration 2:

• Repurpose Content: Convert blog posts into videos or infographics and share on YouTube and Pinterest for additional traffic.
• Outsource Social Media Management: Hire a virtual assistant to manage social media promotion.
• Install Ads: Add Google AdSense or Mediavine to your site for additional passive income through ad impressions.

4. Simplified Process – Iteration 3:

• Email Marketing: Add opt-in forms to the blog and build an email list. Use automated email sequences to promote affiliate products and blog content.
• Leverage Existing Content: Refresh older blog posts with updated information to keep traffic steady.
• Automate Content Posting: Schedule blog posts for the month in advance using WordPress’s auto-scheduling feature.

5. Simplified Process – Iteration 4:

• Focus on Evergreen Content: Shift your blog to mainly evergreen content (long-lasting, always relevant topics) that will drive consistent traffic over time.
• Delegate SEO: Hire an SEO expert to fine-tune your blog for better rankings.
• Batch Work: Batch content creation and promotion into one or two workdays a month.

6. Simplified Process – Iteration 5:

• Use Templates: Develop content templates for new posts and delegate them to freelancers, making it easier to maintain quality while reducing your personal workload.
• Automate Email Sequences: Set up longer email sequences so you can continually promote affiliate products without manually sending emails.
• Scale Promotion: Invest in small amounts of paid traffic through Facebook Ads or Google Ads to boost traffic on the most profitable blog posts.

7. Simplified Process – Iteration 6:

• Outsource Content Management: Hire a content manager to handle the blog entirely (writers, scheduling, updates).
• Focus on High-Ticket Affiliate Programs: Shift focus to affiliate products with higher commissions to generate the same $1,000 with fewer sales.
• Automate Traffic: Use SEO tools and content syndication platforms (e.g., Outbrain) to maintain traffic without manual effort.

8. Simplified Process – Iteration 7:

• Full Automation: Hire a full-time virtual assistant or agency to manage the entire blog, including content creation, SEO, and promotion.
• Expand to Multiple Niches: Replicate the process across several blogs in different niches, increasing your passive income streams.
• Invest in Long-Term SEO Growth: Use tools to automatically monitor SEO trends and adjust your content, ensuring continued traffic growth.

Final Outcome:

• After seven iterations of simplification, you have a fully automated blog generating $1,000 per month passively. All tasks are outsourced or automated, and the business requires minimal ongoing effort to maintain.

In today’s fast-paced business world, effective marketing is crucial for companies to stay competitive and thrive. However, many small to mid-sized businesses in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul face challenges when it comes to hiring a full-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). The solution? A fractional CMO—a marketing executive who works on a part-time or project basis to drive your business’s growth without the full-time commitment or cost.

Here are the key benefits of hiring a fractional CMO, especially one based in the Twin Cities:

1. Cost-Effective Expertise

Hiring a full-time CMO can be expensive, with salary, benefits, and bonuses adding up. A fractional CMO provides the same level of expertise and leadership but at a fraction of the cost. This allows businesses to access senior-level marketing talent without breaking the bank.

2. Tailored Marketing Strategy

A fractional CMO can develop a customized marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals, whether you’re looking to expand your market share in Minneapolis and St. Paul or reach a national audience. Their expertise helps businesses focus on the right channels—digital marketing, traditional advertising, or a combination of both.

3. Flexible Commitment

With a fractional CMO, you can scale their involvement up or down depending on your business needs. Whether it’s for a specific campaign, product launch, or quarterly strategy planning, you get the flexibility to bring in expertise when it matters most.

4. Local Market Knowledge

A fractional CMO based in the Twin Cities brings the added advantage of local market knowledge. They understand the nuances of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, from consumer behavior to regional competition, giving you a competitive edge in reaching your target audience effectively.

5. Access to a Broader Network

Most fractional CMOs come with an established network of marketing professionals, media contacts, and creative agencies. If you’re hosting events, running PR campaigns, or looking for influencers in the Twin Cities, a fractional CMO can leverage their connections to boost your visibility and credibility.

6. Fresh Perspective

Sometimes, internal marketing teams can become too close to the product or service they’re promoting. A fractional CMO offers an outsider’s perspective, bringing innovative ideas and fresh insights that may not have been considered.

7. Accelerated Growth

With a strategic marketing leader at the helm, even part-time, businesses can see accelerated growth. A fractional CMO will focus on driving measurable results, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, improving lead generation, or boosting sales conversions.

8. Risk Mitigation

Marketing mistakes can be costly. A fractional CMO brings years of experience, minimizing the risk of misguided strategies or inefficient marketing spend. They are skilled at identifying and addressing potential pitfalls before they affect your bottom line.

Conclusion

For businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul looking to elevate their marketing efforts without the long-term financial commitment of a full-time executive, a fractional CMO is a smart, strategic choice. They bring the experience, flexibility, and local expertise needed to drive growth and success in the Twin Cities marketplace.

By hiring a fractional CMO, you’re investing in your business’s future, ensuring that your marketing efforts are in the hands of a seasoned professional who understands both your industry and your unique market.

Here are some popular print on demand (POD) platforms for T-shirts, along with their pros and cons:

1. Printful

Pros:

• High-quality printing and a wide range of products.
• Integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more.
• No upfront costs for inventory.
• Global fulfillment centers for faster shipping.

Cons:

• Higher base costs compared to other POD platforms, which might reduce your profit margin.
• No volume discounts.
• Shipping times can vary depending on location.

2. Printify

Pros:

• Large selection of print providers to choose from, allowing flexibility in pricing and location.
• Competitive pricing compared to Printful.
• Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and more.
• Offers volume discounts.

Cons:

• Quality can vary depending on the print provider you select.
• Shipping times can vary widely since providers are in different countries.
• Limited design customization options.

3. TeeSpring (Now Spring)

Pros:

• Easy to use and ideal for beginners.
• No upfront costs; everything is made to order.
• Built-in marketplace for additional traffic.
• Offers both T-shirt printing and a wide range of other products like mugs, phone cases, etc.

Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to other platforms.
• Lower profit margins due to higher base pricing.
• Shipping times can be longer, depending on your location.

4. Redbubble

Pros:

• Built-in marketplace with an existing audience, so you can gain exposure without needing to drive traffic.
• Wide range of product offerings beyond T-shirts, including art prints, stickers, and home goods.
• No upfront costs.

Cons:

• Lower profit margins as Redbubble takes a significant cut.
• Less control over branding and packaging.
• Limited design customization tools.

5. Gooten

Pros:

• Affordable base prices compared to some competitors.
• Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, and other platforms.
• Wide range of products, not limited to apparel.

Cons:

• No built-in marketplace, so you must generate your own traffic.
• Quality can vary depending on the print partner.
• Occasional issues with product consistency and customer service.

6. T-Pop

Pros:

• Eco-friendly POD service using organic T-shirts and eco-responsible packaging.
• European-based, which can be beneficial for European sellers.
• Integrates with Shopify and Etsy.

Cons:

• Limited product range compared to larger POD platforms.
• Primarily serves Europe, so shipping to the U.S. and other countries can be slower and more expensive.

7. Society6

Pros:

• Known for high-quality prints and art-centric products, appealing to artists and designers.
• Built-in marketplace with exposure to an existing customer base.
• Wide range of products, including T-shirts, wall art, and home goods.

Cons:

• Lower margins due to high base costs.
• Less control over branding and shipping experience.
• Mostly focused on art, so may not be ideal for generic T-shirt businesses.

8. Zazzle

Pros:

• Extensive customization options for both sellers and buyers.
• Offers a wide variety of products beyond just T-shirts, such as invitations and mugs.
• No upfront costs, and offers its own marketplace.

Cons:

• Higher base prices, which can reduce profit margins.
• Marketplace is saturated, making it harder to stand out.
• Limited control over shipping and customer service.

These platforms all have distinct features, so the best one for your needs will depend on your audience, budget, and the level of control you want over the process.