This article outlines a proven strategy for getting sponsored and raising funds for your business. It provides a step-by-step approach that can be implemented in just four weeks, covering key aspects like creating compelling sponsorship packages, identifying ideal prospects, executing effective outreach, and securing sponsorship deals.
The article begins by outlining the challenge of securing sponsorship: starting with zero deals, no templates, and no prospects. It shares the author's personal experience of raising $50,000 in sponsorships for Foundr's Kickstarter campaign within a month.
The article outlines four key elements that contribute to successful sponsorship acquisition:
The article stresses the importance of moving away from a "beggar mentality" and focusing on offering value in exchange for sponsorship funding. It emphasizes the need to communicate the value you offer to sponsors effectively. It suggests leveraging the "partnership triad" concept, where you identify assets or resources you have that can benefit potential sponsors. It provides an example of Foundr offering podcast advertising and magazine advertisements as sponsorship packages.
The article advises targeting companies that are already paying for advertising in your space and aligning with your brand values. It encourages using LinkedIn and other online tools to create a list of potential sponsors.
The article recommends using email marketing tools like Contactually to personalize and track outreach efforts. It emphasizes the importance of personalizing email messages with specific information about the recipient. It suggests using email marketing to pique curiosity and advance the conversation.
The article advocates for conducting video calls with potential sponsors to build relationships, discuss their needs, and present your sponsorship opportunities. It recommends using scheduling tools like Calendly to streamline meeting scheduling. It emphasizes the importance of building a partnership approach instead of a sales-driven approach.
The article suggests several business activities that are well-suited for sponsorship, including live events, webinars, conferences, podcasts, YouTube channels, and special edition books, prints, or designs. It emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term impact of sponsorship deals and avoiding short-term partnerships that may not be mutually beneficial.
The article addresses common questions about sponsorship, such as how to get around gatekeepers, when to stop asking for sponsorship, and how long a sponsorship pitch should be. It provides practical advice on interacting with gatekeepers, reading the room or virtual room, and delivering a concise and effective sponsorship pitch.
The article concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to learn more about sponsorship and business building by signing up for Foundr+. It provides a link to sign up for a $1 trial of Foundr+, offering access to courses, communities, and resources. The article also features a visually appealing image at the end to reinforce the call to action.
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