Message Strategies: Refusing Routine Requests [LO-4]

Read the following document and

(a) analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each sentence and

(b) revise the message so that it follows this chapter’s guidelines.

I am writing in connection with your request for our sponsorship of the event scheduled for December this year. Your proposal has reached us rather late, and seems to be a last-minute pitch to gain our favor. However, our promotional budgets are decided well in advance of the year, which renders it impossible for us to review and accept late proposals.

Having made a cursory review of your proposal, we note that your team has failed to establish business synergies while communicating this request to us. Our product portfolio is rather diverse and so are our target audiences, which would render our participation in this event a total mismatch for our brands. This apart, one of our competitors is also an auxiliary sponsor, which again points to the fact that you guys have not done your homework. While I have to turn down your request for sponsorship, I wish your event and your team great success in your search for the right title sponsor.