Sponsorships seem to have become a part of our consumer culture. You can’t watch or attend a big sports event, for example, without being exposed to the event’s sponsors. On a smaller scale, local communities and organizations also depend on sponsorships to make ends meet at some of their events. In most cases, the dollar amounts for sponsoring events of this sort are modest–ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
How many times have you been asked to be a sponsor? How many times have you offered to sponsor a select event in order to help out someone in your network? Both situations have the potential to give you huge exposure if done well. In addition, sponsoring an event for someone on your word-of-mouth marketing team enhances the relationship, because you are helping that person meet a goal.
Be selective and choose carefully when you’re thinking about sponsoring an event. Is it a good investment of your time and money? The questions below will help you determine the value of a sponsorship before deciding to become a sponsor:
* What is the target market for this event?
* What kind of exposure do I get for my investment?
* Can I get this kind of exposure without this investment?
* Do I get direct access to the audience?
* Does it make sense for me to be there?
* Which business or networking goal does it help me complete?
* Are other sponsors my competitors?
* How does this enhance my credibility with the person I’m helping?
* Why wouldn’t I do it?
What do you look for when you are considering sponsoring an event?
This entry was posted on Monday, October 13th, 2008 at 6:00 am and is filed under Connections, Ivan Misner, Marketing/Sales, Networking, Networking Education, Networking Prep, Referrals, Self Development. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.3 Responses to “Sponsor Select Events”
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October 13th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Good blog. The 9 questions listed are very important. You need to choose wisely. As you get more involved with the community,you will get asked about sponsorships more, so it’s crucial to be selective. Thank you Ivan. Shawn McCarthy BNI ED Ventura County Ca.
October 14th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Hie Ivan,
This is one thing i have never tought of. I see how important it is to select the right event to sponsor. This can help buil your brand and your exposure.
Thanks a lot
Michel Richer
hombyz.com
October 15th, 2008 at 4:57 am
This set me to thinking about one of the basics of networking. How visiablity needs followup just like any other touch point. The participants move on to ther things in their lives. If we recognize them as leaders for participation. It could be a great tool for training them to take the next step in their networking experience. Maybe ask them to share what they will do next for an opportunity the broaden their contact exposure with those they worked with on the event.