Sponsorships are the funding source for our events. As the economy is getting tougher and the competition amongst the firms is getting intense each day, and that is why finding sponsors has also got difficult. There are thousands of companies ready for sponsoring events, but to find the right one is a bit difficult. When a sponsor supports our event financially, they must have done it for their self-interest, which means we have to attract them for their self-interest. So here are a few tips which might help one find an effective sponsor:
- Start Early
A sponsorship search deal does not take a day to get signed. Every perfect thing takes time to make itself perfect, the same is with the sponsorship deal. Moreover, when making the deal, you have to build a friendly relationship with the sponsors and try to be as responsive as possible. Be in regular contact and try using thank you as much as possible, as it gives a good impression.
- Research
Whenever approaching a brand or a company, detailed research is required. Every person thinks about himself first and then about someone else, the same is the story with the sponsors, until and unless you do not go into their shoes you will never get to know what is their core agenda. Do not, even mistakenly, sponsor a company that has a corrupted background as it might affect the ratings of your event.
- The Good Fit
Try to approach those companies which are ready to sponsor your event, and their sponsorship policies match your event criteria. It gets very exhausting for one to request the sponsor repeatedly, even he is not interested at all. It is also better to make a flexible sponsorship proposal, such that you can create the best possible criteria for them, by doing this both the parties will be satisfied.
- Sense of Urgency
To capture the attention of the sponsors, creating a sense of urgency is required. All you have to do is boast about your event, tell them that sponsoring your event is an exclusive opportunity, and it is available for a very limited period. If possible, try to be analytical, talk about the pros and cons of not sponsoring the event. It makes them think faster when it gets to numbers.
- The Audience
Many sponsors are very eager to know about the participants or the audiences. It is not just for their general knowledge but it helps them make their final decision faster. This is so because if renowned and famous people are attending your event, they will surely want to book the best package so that they can interact with those people and make them their clients. However, if by mistake you will say that no renowned person is going to attend your event, then the answer might be a definite no.
- It is Not Only About Free Financial Aids
As we have talked about self-interest, it is not always about having a financial relationship between the sponsors, but it is also about commercial benefits too. We can get a sponsor from a trade show design company too, but the background is important too. If one person is doing something good with you, then it is your responsibility to treat him or her with respect in return.
- Activate your Website
Nowadays social media is everything, just in a touch, you can get connected to any part of the world. If you are born in this modern era, be appreciative and try to utilize the benefits of the technology. Make a website or a Facebook and an Instagram page, and put up posts daily. The more responses you get, the more your event will be a success. Try to engage your audience and captivate their attention, and do not forget to thank the Internet in the end.
- Numbers
Sponsors are also very eager to know the number of people attending your event, if fewer people, then a no, and if more people then you can get a yes as a reply. As sponsors get very keen sometimes, do not ignore them, but instead of that give them approximated results and as soon as you know the exact number, tell them.
- Past Year’s Sponsors
If your event is being held the very first time, then you can skip this tip. Making a video of the past year’s sponsors or a document of their names might help you creating contacts with the new sponsors. If you have approached some renowned companies in your previous event, the new sponsors might get engrossed in sponsoring your event, so it is better to make a video for every year’s event.
- Look at the Quality, Not the Quantity
You should approach 2 or 3 multi-national or renowned companies rather than many small companies. It means that aim for a few higher sponsorships than the small ones. It not only makes you busy before the event but also creates too much chaos. Invitations, communications, meetings, etc. will be multiplied by the number of firms you have approached. So try to aim big.
- Make use of more ideas
If you are offering a logo of the company in return for a huge amount of cash, then it is never worth it. Try indulging them with sponsorship packages, for example, a gold package or platinum package. The more the amount of cash you are receiving from the sponsors, the more you should offer them. Try using banners, logos on shirts or shields or certificates, standees, etc. There are thousands of ideas, search them, and convey it to the sponsors.
- Be Aware of the Other Events
If there is some other popular event around the corner, search for its every detail, and try to do better than that. Be active and vigilant all the time, be in touch with the sponsors, as they can change their minds at any time.
If finding sponsors getting difficult for you, follow these tips and be the king.
