How to get sponsors for a pageant?

Hmm...pageant people?

• I'm gonna be in a pageant (Miss Black Teen Arizona), and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on pageants. It would be great to talk to girls who have already been in pageants. I'm excited, nervous, just everything (it's my first pageant so yeah) = ] I have to get some sponsors and everything, I'm excited for the rush and new experience...I wanna meet new people and just get more connections, they're helpful for later...I really wanna get the dresses and everything = p

• Answer:

  take it from a vet... the first thing you want to do is visit that pageants website and look over their areas of competition. if they don't have a site, ask them to send these to you. usually, the areas of competition (categories) will spell out exactly what they are looking for, will judge you on, and what you need to wear (whats appropriate and whats not)...there's three things knocked out in one step! next, you will want to practice the two P's: poise and presence. good posture, an upright and elegant walk, and a great personality go a loooong way...even if its your first pageant. the sponsors: get with the pageant director and ask if they have sponsor letters (or examples of some) that you can get your hands on. these are great when asking businesses for assistance. they know that you mean business :) when asking businesses for assistance, dont just aim for money. ask, but dont make it the only option for sponsorship. most will be more inclined to assist with product or advertising than they would with monetary donations. if they are willing to donate gift certificates or products, you can use these as raffle prizes and your money would come from the sale of raffle tickets. the interview: just be yourself, and be confident. a good interview will be more like a light-hearted conversation between you and the judges, as opposed to just a question and answer session. you want to highlight your personality, your platform, and your beauty. as far as interviewing and questions go, once you enter, they will usually send you a bio sheet. this is how they get to know you and what you are all about...on paper. you have to bring the personality with you to the actual competition. the questions in interviews will come from this bio sheet, so you're not too surprised at crunch time. when youre filling out your sheets and applications, just be honest and brag about yourself. you want to make yourself BETTER than everyone else...show them why they should pick you over the next. the swimsuit and evening gown: use what looks best on you! go for colors that compliment your skintone. choose a swimsuit that flatters your figure and highlights yoour best physical features. oh my gosh, i almost forgot...GET BUTT GLUE! its a must. it keeps your swimsuit from riding up when you walk in heels. if you cant find butt glue, go to your nearest Sally's Beauty Supply and get double-sided garmet tape. it does the trick too. i have been participating in beauty pageants for YEARS now, and i can tell you honestly...it wont be easy if you don'tt picture it as easy. embrace the experience. there is so much opportunity available if you remain diligent and confident. my first pageant was a Miss America preliminary...and i had no clue of it until the day of the show. that morning, i admit, i was scared out of my mind! but once i got onstage, i realized i was doing something that everyone dreams of. its the best feeling in the world! i was HOOKED :) the more i participated, the better i became. now, i run my own beauty pageant! Have fun and make lots of friends...thats where all of the fun is! :) best wishes to you...YOULL DO GREAT!!!