I planned my first event in 2005, we launched it in 2006. Intuit, Intel and others amazing brands were sponsors. How did I get them to sponsor the event of a small business owner?
Are you planning an event or launching a new project? Do you need financial support to make it happen? Look no further, because securing sponsors for your venture is easier than you might think. The key to successfully securing sponsorships is two-fold: first, you need to offer something that is valuable to the sponsor, and second, you need to communicate effectively. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks to secure sponsors for just about anything.
How did I do this?
- I created a great offer – sponsoring the Small Business Summit
- Built a landing page and showed the vision of the Small Business Summit via a website
- Created a good sponsorship document
- Contact the contacts I knew at big brands and had a CONVERSATION with them about their needs and sponsoring the event (selling)
I made a product that was a perfect match for my brand sponsors.
Are You Offering What They Want?
The first thing to keep in mind is whether or not you are offering something that the sponsor wants. Take a look at the sponsor’s brand identity and see if there is a natural fit between your project and their values. Consider who their audience is, what problem they are trying to solve, and how you can offer a meaningful solution.
Does What You’re Offering Solve Their Problem?
Once you have determined that there is a natural fit, it’s time to think about how your project or event can solve a problem for the sponsor. Make sure your pitch is centered around the benefits that the sponsor will receive by partnering with you. Be specific about what you can offer, and be prepared to have a dialogue about the details.
How Well Does The Sponsor Know You and Trust You?
In order to build trust and establish a relationship with the potential sponsor, don’t jump straight into asking for money. Instead, start by asking the sponsor what they need and then consider how you could help them. Building a relationship of trust and reliability is key in securing a successful sponsorship. Always respond to sponsors immediately and show them that your communication with them is a top priority.
Are You Thinking Big Enough?
To get the best sponsor, you need to think big. Be sure that you are offering the sponsor a significant opportunity, that their involvement can lead to exposure, social halo and multiple benefits. Instead of simply itemizing benefits, tell a story about the value of your project and treat it like a sales pitch. Be confident in your work and your abilities and let the sponsor see why sponsoring you is the smartest decision for them.
Do You Have A Track Record of Success?
Sponsors want to invest in projects that are going to be successful. Be honest with potential sponsors about your track record of success and share your plans for this particular venture. Make sure that you have data and results to support your claims, so that your credibility is not in question. If this is your first event or project, be honest and forthcoming on why you can be trusted.
Securing a sponsor can feel like a daunting task but it is possible if you follow the tips discussed above. It is important to do your research, be transparent with your communication, build a relationship, think big and be confident. In the end, secure sponsorships are about creating true partnerships that benefit both parties. So go out there, create a killer plan, and get your dream sponsor to invest in your amazing project. Happy sponsorship hunting.
Download my slides “How to Get Butts in Seats” and “How To Get Sponsors“
