What is the First Step in Securing a Sponsorship?
Securing a sponsorship is a competitive and time-intensive process. It requires a lot of research and preparation, and it’s important to make sure you are well-equipped before approaching potential sponsors. Fortunately, there are a few tips to help you get started.
The first thing to do is establish a list of key contacts. You can do this by using LinkedIn. This is a good place to find people who work for companies you are interested in, and it also allows you to search by job title. Another option is to contact your current sponsors and volunteers.
After establishing a list of key contacts, you can begin researching businesses. There are thousands of businesses in the world, and you can’t be too picky when choosing which ones to approach. Look for companies that are local and have a strong reputation. These are easier to work with than larger international corporations. For instance, if you’re organizing a local event, look for a local business that will be willing to sponsor the event.
When you contact a prospective sponsor, it’s important to have a clear purpose for the email. You should provide them with an explanation of why the sponsorship is necessary and what you expect in return. If you do not, it is more likely that they will not respond. Also, be sure to include a clear call to action.
After you have a list of potential sponsors, it’s a good idea to prepare a sponsorship proposal. Sponsorship proposals should include information about the sponsor’s current events, services, and products, as well as trending news about the business. Depending on the size of the company, you may want to consider including more than one sponsorship package. Be sure to customize it to suit the needs of your prospective sponsor.
Once you’ve found a potential sponsor, be sure to follow up with them. Whether you’ve reached out to them directly or through a referral, it’s important to maintain a positive relationship. As you build relationships, you will find that you can ask for more information and request a meeting. Doing so will give you a better chance of closing the deal.
You should also be careful about the language you use when contacting potential sponsors. Your approach should be friendly and respectful, but you should avoid being pushy or aggressive. Besides, the best corporate sponsors have a strong brand image.
If you’ve already secured a sponsorship, it’s a good idea to do a fulfillment report. This will allow you to see what was delivered and what assets were promised. Include photos of all assets you delivered, such as samples and web traffic reports. A fulfillment report is an opportunity to reassure your prospective sponsor that your project is a success.
In addition, be sure to take notes during the discussion. Not only does it give you a chance to re-visit some of the basics, it can also give you a better sense of what the sponsor is looking for.