MY TOP 10 TIPS ON HOW TO FIND SPONSORSHIP

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MY TOP 10 TIPS ON HOW TO FIND SPONSORSHIP

November 4, 2018

Alexandra Whitley

photo credit: UNKNOWN

Gaining sponsorship can be a gruelling and possibly the most challenging task any sportspeople have, especially motorsport!.

Because of the amounts of support we are asking for. Sponsorship is a huge part of your success and growth and also the main hurdle where most people stumble on or completely give up. I hope that by reading my tips I can give you the motivation and help to keep trying!

Persistency is the key
You need to be actively looking and asking sponsors, this isn’t something that is going to happen overnight!
Write a list
Use the network of people you know and write a list! Tick them of and keep track of who you have contacted. Use people and products you can relate to and ensure they can relate to your sport.
Be professional
A firm hand shake goes a long way! You are going to be a lot more appealing if you are professional, in ways of your presentation, how you act, how you dress and how you portray yourself. It is scientifically proven that within the first 20 seconds of meeting someone they have already decided their perception of you.
Research your sponsor
If you can’t take the time to find out information about them and what they do, why would they want to help you?

Make a point of difference
Why should I sponsor you? Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself this question. Then ask why you and not the 3000 other proposals they got this month?
Photos
A picture says 1000 words! They are appealing and relatable and can help to break up the information.
Data or statistics
This will help to reiterate why they should pick you and will helps to relate to the different types of people that will look at your proposal.
What is their return on investment?
Business people and corporates are simply about “Making Money” they aren’t going to care if you the best in your field, they just want to know if they are going to make a Return from the Investment in you and it’s your job to tell them how.
Always follow up
People are just genuinely busy! You need to keep at the forefront of their mind. A simple txt or email is sufficient, but a phone call or another meeting always works best!
Always turn a NO into a Positive
The phycology of hearing “NO” time and time again has huge impacts on your self-esteem and drive to continue. You need to find ways to turn them into a positive. For example- This is an excellent presentation, however all our resources are already allocated. This is actually Great! You know you’re on the right track! Ask if you can come back in 6 months’ time. I guarantee they will say yes. It isn’t a No until they have said it 3 times. Put them back on your list.

This is only a very brief outline of a few tips I have for you. It was hard to nail it down to 10 as there are many more factors that can help you become a sponsorship master! However if you nail these few keys things I guarantee your success rate will be a hell of a lot higher!

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