Exclusivity, rarity, or uniqueness is a very strong psychological trigger for the right product or the right situation. The basic concept is to make the prospect feel that he or she is special-that you are really allowing that prospect to buy a particular product that few people can obtain regardless of price. (Sugarman, 1999).

In every metropolis throughout the United States, what were so lovingly known years ago as the "civic center" have now become "The Giant Conglomerate Sports Arena," or, "The Mega-bank Arena & Sports Complex." Somewhere, somebody got the bright idea of soliciting banks and other multi-billion dollar corporations to be the main or sole sponsor of these arenas, in exchange for certain exclusives.

For example, theirs is the only name associated with the facility. Every item sold or given away has their name and logo on it. Every performer has their name on every poster, ticket, and television commercial. They have VIP privileges for officers, who can then view the event in a cloistered box, meet the stars, and participate in exclusive flesh pressing events not available to the general public. In addition, I'm sure even the lowest employee on the corporate totem pole has their butt properly kissed when introduced to the celebrities they meet at the events had in their corporation's facility!

Exclusivity is not limited to arenas and sports complexes but to the car you may have purchased and paid a little extra for because it's a designer edition, or because the paint color is exclusive to a certain limited number produced. You may be wearing an exclusive, limited edition lipstick, dress, suit, pair of shoes - just about anything anyone gets the idea to sell, and then limit, whereby designating that item as being exclusive, and therefore more desirable.

There was a county that I worked for whose County Executive wanted to be thought of as having his pulse on the needs, and concerns of his constituency. Part of my job was to make sure he always appeared accessible, human, concerned, and informed about what was on people's minds. Among other duties, it was my job to come up with a community health objective that the county could issue RFP's for from grassroots organizations. There was a certain measure of exclusivity attached to these annual projects.

- The RFP was specifically for grassroots organizations, which automatically exclude the larger more established nonprofits.
- The health concern was exclusive: women's heart health, free breast cancer screenings with instructions for self examination.
- An "invitation-only," end of the year luncheon with awards, and a keynote speaker.
- Photo opportunities with the County Executive.
- Exposure to the press for participating agencies including photo and interview possibilities.
- An exclusive "partnership" with the Government which added to an agency's credibility, and made them automatically more "funder-friendly"

There is also exclusivity in being the "first;" the first program of this kind, our first annual "whatever" event; the first program/project of its kind in (a specific geographical location). Exclusivity can also be represented by your event guest list. If the governor is going to be there, that's exclusive, if other dignitaries will be there, that's also exclusive. If you are limiting your number of sponsors to one, or two, that is exclusive.

You can make a regular funding experience an exclusive undertaking by:
- Planning an event that will honor the funder.
- Making sure there are dignitaries there to publicly thank the funder for their insight in recognizing a need, and for their generosity in providing the funding.
- Make sure that hand-outs and novelties have the funder's name and logo if possible. Ask the funder if they have novelties or information that they'd like you to share on their behalf.
- Make sure there is always some press associated with the project/program, and that the funder's name is simultaneously linked with that of your agency or organization.
- Under the right circumstances, you could even have a "meet & thank" the funder event.

This is also an opportunity to find out what other interests the funder has, and to see if you can offer to do other programs or projects they may be interested in if they provide the funding.

Use your imagination and come up with a dozen ways you can make your product more exclusive, unique, or rare. You can limit quantities, sign and number your products, or under-produce them. Then share that information with your prospect. We all like to be treated as special, and one of the best ways to do it in a very emotional way is through the power of exclusivity. (Sugarman, p. 130)

Remember the Cabbage patch dolls? How much more exclusive could a thing be? Each doll had their own name and birth certificate. Furthermore, it was rumored that no two dolls looked alike!? Hmmm... they kind of looked alike to me, but that didn't stop people from standing in lines for hours, sometimes even days, to procure one of these dolls for their child. I remember one night watching the news to find out the top story of the hour was the kidnapping of a Cabbage Patch doll. I think there was a ransom involved...

Just a few things to make the ordinary a little more exclusive:
- An autographed photo of the highest ranking politician you can get to say "thank you".
- A resolution signed by the body politic in power.
- A special event put on by the recipients of the funds (this is great if it's a program that involves kids, seniors, the disabled) lots of tugs on the heartstrings, great opportunity for publicity and photographs.
- An interview on a local television station, or an invitation to be a keynote speaker at an exclusive event planned around the specific program/project they're funding.
- A plug complete with photograph on your agency or department web page where everyone can see how helpful they've been.

Kim Rogers is the former CEO of a non-profit, community serving organization in Southern New Jersey. She has over 25 years experience in working for the government and in agencies that rely solely on grant funding to remain in business.

Kim works as a professional coach, trainer, product developer, and workshop facilitator. She is currently enrolled in graduate school and plans to continue to help grant writers make their jobs easier, less time consuming, more productive, and a lot more fun!

If you have questions or would like additional information you may contact her at: info@ http://www.4GrantWriters.com

By Kim Rogers

Designer dresses are something that is used to wear hand in hand with latest fashion and style. There is a saying that “Dresses express the Attitude”, means clothes express yourself and designs also convey the way you are. The enthusiasm of wearing designer dresses is mostly viewed in women than men; they are particular about the dresses they are wearing whether it is for party wear, cocktail wear, lace wear or evening wear.

The most obvious reason of wearing designer clothes is that the clothes look absolutely incredible and, in turn, will make the person to look fashionable. Designer dresses are easily available nowadays in various sizes, shapes and color. These dresses are made in bulk everyday to feed the increasing demand to a significant degree. These dresses are made by both domestic brands and international brands as well. Designer clothing is the irresistible taste of mostly upper class women. But nowadays clothes are being designed keeping in mind the demand and taste of the middle class women also. Now women of every category can give a new look to her personality with these affordable designer dresses.

Reach to such fashionable clothing has now become easier with the availability of these dresses on internet. There are a number of online shopping stores are available that bring dresses with latest design and styles. Buying designer dresses serves both men and women customers to save their time and efforts in searching designer dresses of their choice because of reduction in retailer’s overheads and at the same time also delivers cheaper and quality dress items. On internet it also becomes convenient to explore latest designs and styles that are in high demand in the market.

A. Designer Dresses- Right Clothes for Right Occasion
Designer dresses are used to wear hand in hand with the latest trend and fashion. The craze of designer dresses is more among women than men. Women are very particular about the dresses they will wear on any occasion. Designer dresses are easily available in various size, shapes and color. These dresses are made by both domestic and international brands. Black is a color that had become a timeless fashion. The black dress is considered essential to complete wardrobe by many women and fashion observers.

The style of black dress should be as simple as possible. Those who follow the “rule of fashion” believe that every woman should have an elegant black dress which they can wear on any occasion like; black dress with a coat is a perfect dress for a business wear and with some ornate accessories for an evening party. Short black dress is clearly a part of trend which will never change.

Short dresses are also as popular floor length gowns and look as elegant. Whatever type of body shape you have athletic, rounded waist and hips, straight with very few curves, hourglass, you should never buy a dress which look as if it is too small for you.

B. Celebrities, Designer Dresses And Latest On Style Look
Celebrities, Designer Dresses and Latest On Style Look
Oscar, Golden Globes and It’s Influence on Our Style Look.

With the 2009 award shows such as the Oscars approaching and the Golden Globes just passing by, we wonder how the likes of Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett and many others stars who we like, manage to look stunning every time.

The 66th annual Golden Globes this year was absolutely Glam, Chic, and definitely The most Classy one. Women of any age were after simplicity, elegance and class. Take a look at best supporting actress winner for “The Reader” Kate Winslet, in Yves Saint Laurent and Chopard, Penelope Cruz in Giorgio Armani Prive and Chopard, Anne Hathaway in Giorgio Armani Prive and Van Cleef & Arpels. The list would never end…

Every show commands a different style look, and every look is on full display for the critics to dissect. It’s enough to make the average person crawl in a hole if put in the same position, while the star needs superhero powers to make it through – or at least a team of the best in the business.

Imagine if you needed to present an award at the Oscars, how would you want to look? Being a fashion insider like Zoe would be as inspiring as it is amazing. The jewels, the shoes, the handbag are all precisely chosen, ready to go.

On the day of the event, the assembled team will be ready to powder the star into precise form. She has most likely been buffed, waxed, and shined to perfection; her limbs bronzed the right shade to show off the lines of her sculpted body. All of this would be nothing without the perfect designer gown.

Who can forget the incredible vintage Valentino that Julia Roberts wore in 2001 to accept her Oscar? It was Valentino again on Cate Blanchett in pale yellow and burgundy when she accepted her Oscar in 2005. Or anytime Renee Zelleweger showed up in Carolina Herrera – it was perfection each time. These women know the power they hold over fashion during the awards season, and the designers cater to them, know that millions of women become spellbound. It doesn’t matter if the piece comes from the latest collection or is vintage, the fashion has the authority to influence and create sales for designers everywhere. Each award show televised creates a fashion buzz for women everywhere.

The styles themselves will be simple, but played up by dazzling diamonds and statement jewels. The jewelry will not be of the costume variety, but of fine, unusual stones and unique mountings. The shoes will be the showstoppers, combining elite materials with towering heels – we will see feathers, ruffles, fringes, and sparkling embellishments.

Fashion designers everywhere use the influence of celebrities and their style to create sometimes one-of-a kind pieces. A Miami based designer label Natasha Leratti, is known for their unique and elegant sense for evening wear. Regardless if you are a movie star or a women who wants to be In Style and luxe, your best choice – is to visit Leratti’s Design Studio. Anything from a cocktail dress to an evening gown can be done exclusively for your and reflect your personality.