It seems as though getting sponsors is one of the most elusive topics in the world of #entrepreneurship. Charmaine Hammond has straddled both sides of the fence when it comes to Getting sponsors, donors and funders and she’s also been in the position of giving money away which was her most stressful experience. She has written 5 books and has been sponsored in 6 others.
If you don’t have the numbers and aren’t a show host with a big audience you’ll find this Ascended Masters At Work Radio show enlightening and effective. Charmaine Hammond tours the world teaching and has been sharing her expertise for more than 25 years.
https://bbsradio.com/podcast/ascended-masters-work-january-31-2018
WHAT IS SPONSORSHIP?
Charmaine defines sponsorship as a marketing relationship. Both small businesses and large corporations have a line item in their budget titled ‘marketing’. Businesses have learned that the return on these investments can be incredible. They are looking for double or triple the return on their investment. It’s important to make sure to first build a relationship with that company and then ask what they expect as a return on investment.
STEPS TO WIN-WIN SPONSORSHIPS
Charmaine says the best way to get a sponsor is to take the following steps.
- Figure out the value of what you have to offer?
- Identify who might have synergy with your project.
- Do your research. Spend 30 minutes to 2 hours looking at the types of audiences a potential sponsorship company serves and what projects they focus on. Like I teach in my new book #SellingThroughYourHeart it’s important to stay focused on getting to know your sponsor and build a relationship with them before mentioning a sponsorship opportunity. Hold back from asking for money. Understand that sponsors get between 20 and 40 sponsor requests per day. Think about how you can be different.
- Start with the companies you currently work with already or have been patronizing for months or even years.
- Understand that connection, collaboration and building relationships is extremely important. Follow the companie’s social media and investigate what they are doing so you can ask questions about their marketing needs with confidence.
- Avoid the pitch. Leave messages that focus on the individual you are talking to. It doesn’t matter how great your project is, it’s about building relationships.
- Stay as close to home as possible. Avoid asking big corporate conglomerates. Visit the company you wish to collaborate with or call the owner on the phone. Ask coffee shops, event spaces, your bank, insurance companies, or the grocery stores.
- Find them on LinkedIn. Use the search bar and type in the company name you’re interested in working with. Then other businesses will pop up as well. Call and ask for the person responsible for marketing. Searching LinkedIn allows you to know the name of the person you need to speak to.
WHAT ELSE WILL I LEARN WHILE LISTENING TO THIS SPONSORSHIP INTERVIEW?
- You’ll learn step by step how to get sponsorships.
- Find out what matters to potential sponsors.
- Learn how to get companies involved that will publish what you’re doing.
- Discover techniques for speaking with sponsors?
- Find out what to do to incorporate media to support your sponsors.
- Get sponsorship suggestions and ideas that work.
- Get the inside scoop on who to stay away from.
The challenge of creating relationships with sponsors are all answered on this show by by sponsorship expert Charmaine Hammond. If you are interested in raising money to support your event, radio show or podcast this show has the answers to your questions.