This is one of my most requested topics – to get a sponsor. Over the past several years I’ve partnered with some of the best brands in the world. Like Microsoft, Dell, AT&T, Verizon, Zoho and many others to sponsor my events. These events have included the Small Business Summit (which I sold), the Small Business Tech Tour, the Small Business Influencer awards with Anita Campbell (publisher of SmallBizTrends.com) and more.
I’ve put together a substantive guide to getting an event sponsor for your first event here. Get it now.
How to get an event sponsor
I’ve put together a substantive guide to getting an event sponsor for your first event here. Get it now.
Producing an event can be challenging. It can be even more of a challenge to get a sponsor for your event.
In fact my first event almost didn’t happen. But thankfully Intuit Quickbooks believed in me and sponsored it.
Sponsor vs Donor
Many times people confuse a sponsor with donor, this is a HUGE mistake that many first time event organizers make.
Another thing I’ve gleaned from many years of producing and hosting is events is that you need to craft your event for a sponsor.
People often ask me, but Ramon, how do I even get in touch with a sponsor. How do I find them. Part of it is just building a relationship.
Learn how to Sell
If you can’t sell, it’s going to be VERY hard to get a sponsor to say yes to you. Learn how to sell. It’s an art and a science.
Your sponsorship deck, need not be fancy but it has to be “good enough”. I’ve done sponsor decks in a simple Word doc, or used something like Canva. There’s many ways to make a good sponsor deck.
Sponsor pricing levels and making money from your event are essential. Remember, you are not seeking a donor from a cheap chicken sandwich.
Things will invariably go wrong, just be prepared and deal with it.
Finally, make sure your event overall is great. Here’s a cheat sheet for your event production success!
Related articles:
How To Get Sponsors for Your Next Event
