Win Yourself a Corporate Sponsorship through Writing

It takes the right amount of attitude and attitude to get things done. This is also applicable in trying to attain financial backing from donors. A number of essential skills are required, and one of these is the ability to ‘sell yourself’ to land a deal.

One way of ‘selling yourself’ or your idea is through writing. Before any face-to-face meeting is established in any deal-making, there is always the preliminary of formal and matter-of-fact introduction and purpose that needs to be done. Writing a successful letter is a very good way of getting noticed.

Getting financial backup or sponsorship by the ‘big time’ businesses is something that should not be unplanned. The skills needed in creating a winning sponsorship letter are not at all difficult, but needs an amount of thinking to be effective. Below are what to consider when writing a sponsorship letter, and will help create a positive response from the organization you have chosen.

Consider this.

You should have a variety of candidate sponsors in mind that you want backing up your event; but also consider the interest each sponsor has. Similar interests among all sponsors should be targeted. Carelessly choosing any organization to sponsor your event will most likely generate bad results.

Research is essential in choosing sponsors. Taking note of the cultures of sponsors in relevance to your business or event is important and proves helpful when addressing key issues when writing your letter.

Another important point to consider is what the company will get in return if they decide to sponsor. You should understand that sponsorship is basically give-and-take, and the appeal of gain for corporations is a key in getting them as sponsors. Money is not just thrown away by big companies so it is ideal to consider what form of exposure they will get.

Your letter’s format

In putting together your sponsorship letter, it is best to be direct to the point. No one wants to read a letter and have to guess the reason for reading it. A short pleasantry followed by the ‘asking’ part will give immediately point out what you want and eliminate any wading that will merely board the organization.

Below is a breakdown on how your letter should more or less be arranged.

First Paragraph – This part should be an introduction of your event or business and the amount of money you want donated. It is essential to keep this brief and not too much word of flattery or embellishment.

Second Paragraph – This part should be a more detailed account on the benefits of your event that you provide, such as non-profit programs and the like.

Third Paragraph – This area in your letter showcases a personals story form one of customers or clients, letting the potential sponsor see the impact you make on those who patronize your business and the kind of good it brings them.

Fourth Paragraph – In this paragraph you should state the levels of sponsorship and basically discuss what the corporation will get in turn if they decide to sponsor your event based on different financial amounts.

Fifth Paragraph – Don’t beg, but be clear on stating your need for assistance. Re-state your reason for writing, the amount you prefer to be given and how beneficial it would be to them, you and your customers.

Last Paragraph – As with most letters of request, always include a ‘thank you’ part in the last paragraph. Thank them for taking the time to evaluate and considering the letter. Also provide in this area the means for contacting you, and your intention of staying in touch by including a follow-up call.

The Popularity of Sports Sponsorship

Sports sponsorship can be observed and dated back to Rome and Ancient Greece where prominent society members supported the arts festival as well as the sports played. By support, it didn’t mean the proper sponsorship or patronage that was considered as a marketing tool. It rather meant continuation of such festivals and athletic events for entertainment.

Today, however, sponsorship through sports has become one of the most popular kinds of sponsorship due to the amount of exposure it can get for both sponsor and sponsee. Sponsoring an athlete or sport means that the sponsor is exchanging products or money for the right to link and associate the company name with the sporting event or athlete.

Why do organizations sponsor sports?

Aside from the popularity tag sports sponsorship gives, a number of other benefits also appeal to the company’s interest. Some of the most common benefits are given below:

Added value to brand

Companies that sponsor sports want their product or range of products to have added value when attached to a sports event or group. By value, this points to product quality, price and/or content. Companies use sports as a leverage to stand out among other competitors, and in turn create for themselves a top position where consumers can remember the name, and possibly have permanent brand recognition.

So what exactly do sports have that other types of sponsorships don’t necessarily offer? To view in terms of goals – sporting events have always had one definite output, and that is there is always a winner in the end. There is always competition; a test of which team or athlete will overcome the other, proving who is superior.

Gold medals, trophies, world records, global awareness are involved in sports and are the symbol of status of teams or athletes in a particular sport. Winners become popular enough to become household names, and this is what appeals to corporations who want to give out sponsorships. They want their name attached to that household name – which will in turn become a household name.

Major corporations such as Gatorade have applied this kind of sponsorship and come out as one of the most popular brands for beverage products. They attach themselves with major sporting events and give relevance by pointing out the benefit of the product to the athlete. This then sticks to the minds of consumers and sports enthusiast about which sports drink is the one to stick to.

Sports sponsorship does not only apply to major companies, but also to small businesses as well. The general idea of brand awareness is still applied and the only difference is the level or scale it covers.

All in all, organizations support sporting events with specific objectives, each of which is addressed below:

• Brand Awareness – this objective seeks to let consumers become aware of the product name.

• Brand Image – this objective attempts to create a specific style and/or personality that distinguishes a brand from its other competitors, and in turn may give premium pricing

• Consumer relations – corporations support sporting events to directly involve themselves with consumers and potential clients, proving that their company is capable of providing proper services and/or products

• Community relations – A more altruistic approach is for this objective wherein the company is concerned about the welfare of a community; and so supporting a sports event can make themselves know to the community

• Employee relations – this objective for a corporation is to promote employee loyalty that will in the long term be very beneficial to the business

The Low-Down on Animal Sponsorship

Sponsorship can be applied in many avenues, from businesses big and small to helping out a community and even through supporting an animal. Animal sponsorship is not at all new these days, but is slowly gaining more notice that before. With all the talk and concern about our environment, it is no surprise that animal preservation is part of it.

Animal sponsorship can either be for those of domesticated or wild animals. All in all, the same concept on sponsorship is applied and that is helping the living conditions of the sponsee. Domesticated animals include pets, while those of the wild are most often found in zoos or wildlife sanctuaries.

The process in animal sponsorship is basically that same to that of child sponsorship. The only difference is that the sponsee cannot be monitored through the usual programs that are applied to human communities.

Sponsoring an animal still includes three parties – sponsor, organization, sponsee. The sponsor donates funds to the organization responsible for helping out animals, and in turn uses the funds for the well-being of the sponsee, which is either through medical or survival needs.

Benefits does not only apply to the animal

As with every partnership, the benefits of sponsorship have an impact on the sponsor and the involved organization as well. For the sponsors, the reward for saving a life is usually enough, and most often is the motivation in helping the animal in the first place.

In more of a broken-down reason, sponsors either sponsor pets or wild animals that they feel need help but which the sponsor cannot directly give. For pet sponsoring, a donor usually does this when he/she doesn’t have the time or means to take care of a pet. The desire is there but the resources for care are limited. Animal sponsorship is their alternative for situations such as these.

Wildlife preservation also works this way. Only specialists can take care of untamed animals, and help can only be provided by an outside through financial support. This way the organization that takes the sponsorship is equipped to hand out the ‘taking care’ part to those who are experts at it.

With most sponsorship, sponsors are usually recognized through giving out certificates that take not of the help they have given. Other organizations also have newsletters that inform the sponsor on any updates on the sponsee.

Moving on towards the organization, the benefits they acquire through animal sponsorship are also immense. The most important and aspired benefit is to build rapport with the public and spreading their ‘message’ to everyone.

When a sponsor advocates through a chosen organization, that organization gains exposure and will help in advertising itself to other potential donors that may be interested in promoting their cause. With more funds, there is bigger means for helping the animals and the quality is better ensured as with little funding.

Animal sponsorship also creates doors of opportunity for such institutions to ‘step up’ their game and provide a more intricate system in helping improve the quality of life for the animals involved. Using the funds for better equipment, tracking and medical care would become less important so the quality becomes more on the focus.

The potential for bigger funding is also made possible and ultimately results in a three-way return of investment for all parties.

The Legal Side of Sponsorship

Sponsorship, by nature, is a business affair; and as with anything that is in the arena of deals, partnerships and mergers, a legal agreement is always in the works. This is most especially practiced in sponsorship, since its form of business is through partnering with an individual or organization as a tactic for market exposure.

Protection is the key word when drawings up contracts are presented between sponsor and sponsee. This is to prevent any anomalies or set backs that may occur in the event that one party doesn’t reach the agreed upon aims.

To help in creating a legal agreement, below are guidelines and key points to consider when formulating a letter of agreement or contract between a sponsor and sponsee.

A guideline in agreement

It is important to always take a sufficient amount of time and very careful consideration when drafting a contract. This applies to all business ventures other than sponsorship a huge number of companies thrive in having partnerships. In any relationship, it is most important to think through such considerations in order to have something to ‘fall back’ on.

In sponsorship, a letter of agreement will usually be enough to seal the deal between sponsor and sponsee, but this will highly depend upon the value of sponsorship and the size of the company that is involved. If the value is very high, like that of major athletes and big time corporations, a contract is the choice most would go for.

In creating an agreement or contract, it is important to take into account the following points:

• It is best to always get a commitment in writing. A handshake or word-of-mouth agreement will never suffice.

• Write down everything that is discussed and agreed upon during sponsor-sponsee meetings

• It is good to take advice on that commitment that a sponsor or sponsee is getting into. There are consultants that specialize in these kinds of partnerships.

• An organization or individual should never commit to anything it/she/he cannot be sure to deliver. In short, promises that can’t be kept should not be made

• An agreement should be simple and direct in writing. It is best to avoid too much legal terms, although at times this cannot be done without.

The crucial point to understand when it comes to legal agreements is to have a very clear statement of what the sponsor and the sponsee has agreed to. Usually a lawyer will always point out any necessary areas in which have to clarified and put into more detail.

In order to get a view on what should be clearly stated and defined in any legal agreement or contract, the following list bellows breaks down what usually is considered between sponsor and sponsee partnerships:

• The nature of both sponsor and sponsee – whether the former is capable and relevant enough to support a person or organization; and whether the latter can live up to the needs of the sponsor in return

• Cash and benefits – this should be clearly defined as to what each party will be getting out of the partnership

• The actions involved for both sponsor and sponsee – this area should list down the roles of each party within the partnership.

• The length or contract term – The agreement or contract should also state how long such partnership between a sponsor and sponsee should last, and the terms of which a contract can be stopped or turn invalid

• Early exit – this part of the agreement is more of a ‘back up’ plan for each party, wherein if either fails to comply with its responsibilities and obligations, then there is a chance for the other party to exit gracefully.

The Caltex View on Sponsorship

With every successful, big time company, comes the responsibility of involving itself with community welfare and support. Whether it is through the advocacy of the environment or to the society, this responsibility showcases the company’s ability to connect and partner itself with its customers and patrons. Caltex is no exception to this.

The Caltex brand, under the Chevron Corporation, is a leader in commercial and global market of automotive diesel fuels, kerosene, industrial and marine diesel fuels, and fuel oils. Their operations cover regions of Asia-Pacific, Africa-Pakistan, Latin America, North America, and Europe – which is basically world-wide.

In ‘connecting’ with the public, Caltex has vision in promoting assistance to those who are less fortunate. Partnerships made with the company are dedicated to help those who are in need; and to assist the disadvantaged improve their lives by through helping them reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

As with all community involvement of corporations, Caltex also takes part in offering and dealing with sponsorships. Aside from its society reach-out reason, the company takes sponsorship as one of its key marketing ways in communicating with its various customers and patrons. It is through sponsoring that the company is able to associate itself with partners that have the same, if not similar, values and characteristics.

A deeper look

Caltex views sponsorship as a way of business since it involves the trading of products, services and/or money for commercial value, brand recognition, and company exposure. The company deems this marketing tool as one of its most effective ways to reach out and build valuable partnerships with various target consumers and clients.

Usually, the type of sponsorship Caltex gives out is for those who reflect the brand’s value, which is all about renewing one’s drive momentum. This is in relation with their tagline ‘What drives you’; and seeks for sponsorship proposals that exude such kind of excellence and motivation.

In typical fashion, sponsorships in the past have been associated with sports that involve speed, focus, and concentration – all of which are key elements in winning. Some sponsorship that Caltex has done in the past include: Caltex Masters Golf Tournament in Singapore, Caltex Voet Van Africa Marathon, Caltex V8 Car Championships in New Zealand, and Caltex Delo Customer Car Show in the Philippines.

Sponsorship guidelines

In choosing viable events to sponsor, Caltex uses various criteria to evaluate proposals that are submitted to them. In a minimum sense, the proposal that the company seeks out are which have the following:

• A reflection of Caltex’s brand image – these include the best in Performance, People, Partnership

• The event should be able to maximize the presence and exposure of Caltex. This can be achieved through on-site branding, use of internet, and media coverage

• Media presence should be involved which means that the event is able to generate free publicity because it presents itself as a unique, popular, innovative event.

• The type of sponsorship requested is sole sponsorship, or any type which signifies the highest level of sponsorship

• The organization giving out the proposal has a good track record in terms of viewer-ship and attendance; and has a large base of loyal followers

• There is a ‘standing out’ effect in the event which topples over competitors and has Caltex as the dominant brand of the bunch.

Sponsorship and Philanthropy - Two Acts of Support

Charities, non-profit organizations, and independent organizations are always in need of funding. Donations given to such institutions are often a large source of their income for operations and causes. There are generally two ways to receive donations – one is through philanthropic means; the other through business partnership or sponsorship.

One versus the other

Philanthropy is generally seen as the first means of giving when it comes to charitable foundations; sponsorship on the other hand, usually comes as an alternative. Although giving is generally thought as the much preferred method of funding; it may come as a surprise to know that sponsorship for non-profit institutions is a more rewarding and productive means of support for both parties.

Corporations typically have two main business reasons for sponsorship; and these are tax savings and public relations. Although any form of help or support generates an overall positive effect, it is mainly through these two reasons why sponsorship is pushed on by businesses.

In terms of satisfying both parties – sponsors get the chance to associate themselves with a charitable institutions and create a chance for them to acquire tax breaks, and at the same time expose their company name to the public. Sponsees, in this case the non-profit organization, are able to increase the level of support given by their current sponsors; and at the same time open new ways in gaining capital.

With philanthropy, the means of exposure and recognition is fairly low in percentage. Usually recognition is through annual reports that generate a little fanfare. Sponsorship, however, gives itself an amount of exposure that highlights a new partnership for the public to see. Through this publicity, the aim for awareness is reached by both sponsor and sponsee.

Some examples where sponsorship thrives in donations and public awareness are the following: A bookstore may donate books to an orphanage and at the same time let the public know about the store to gain customers. A clothing company sponsors specially designed t-shirts for volunteers to wear when there is a charitable event; and through wearing the t-shirt, the company not only helps in donating, but also makes the public aware of their brand.

Sponsorship for charities is basically seen as a win-win partnership. One helps the other through different gains and results. It is also through sponsoring, that charitable institutions have a lighter load on figuring out the means for which to get resources. For example, when an event is sponsored by a corporation, the charity wouldn’t have to worry how to provide the food and drinks needed since it would be covered by the sponsor’s funding.

By supporting through the use of sponsoring, a business uses their budget for advertising and marketing, leaving their funds for philanthropy (if there is ever) alone and untouched. Through using such a budget, the business is able to use the costs as tax-deductibles from their expenses. This way, sponsorship helps in letting the business be cost-efficient.

It should not be seen, however, that philanthropy is a less useful means for support. Donations and funding of this nature is often praised and well-advocated by the public. It is only shown that sponsorship has a more business-side in handling contributions and help to other organizations - where they see it fit to practice a give-and-take method; and see it best to have profit-producing ventures.

Sponsorship – the Good and the Bad

Promoting a company’s product or service is no light task; but with the number of tools that are available for marketing, it becomes easier. There is, however, no single perfect marketing strategy for product or service promotion. Tools that help in disseminating commercial information to the public are not fool-proof – sponsorship is no exception.

Although sponsorship has become a vital part of a company’s marketing strategy, it is not entirely faultless. With the good comes the bad, all of which business organizations should be aware of when sponsoring events, individuals, other groups, and the like.

Advantages of sponsorship

There are many benefits that come with sponsorship – both to sponsors and sponsees. With its nature as being loosely a financial support of activities, events and such – sponsorship then provides a broad opportunity of reaching goals. For sponsors, these goals generally may be part of their marketing aims, letting their name be known or commercially circulated. For sponsees, goals may include the needed equipment or financial means provided by their sponsors.

The most common recognized sponsorship advantages are discussed below:

Enhancing and/or building an image association that is positive – Companies often engage in sponsorship to be visible and to create a clear union relevance between the sponsored individual, event, or organization, and the company itself.

This aim for creating a clear association helps create appeal to the sponsor’s targeted audience, offering them a positive perception of the company name by relating with the sponsee.

Generating product and/or service awareness – Sponsorship provides a direct way for sponsors to relate with their consumers by actively supporting a sponsee that people know or follow. For example, athletes sponsored by major companies directly make the consumers (their fans) aware of the company by the sponsee’s use of the company’s name like their equipment, clothes, etc.

Building goodwill – People most often approve of sponsorship since it’s perceived that such a sponsor is willing to help out someone or something in need. This commitment that the company showcases gives people positive reactions that would make them remember the company.

Creating exclusivity – A sponsor’s ability to promote itself through supporting a sponsee generates product/service recognition to its targeted market. The targeted market than associates the sponsor’s name with the sponsee, succeeding in creating proper visibility in spite of other competitors, and therefore increase in sales.

Generate positive publicity – Anything that involves products and services need exposure for people to take notice of it. This sponsorship advantage makes use of an arena for potential consumers to always have an encounter with the sponsor’s name, leaving a mark in their minds about a specific product/service offered and specialized by the company (sponsor).

Disadvantages

As with advantages, comes the downside. Below are most common sponsorship disadvantages:

Development of controversies leading to negative attitudes – the presence of competitors is on its own a disadvantage for sponsors. There will always be a challenger to each company to stay on top. Controversies that affect the sponsor will often lead to faltered belief from its consumers and would at most also create a negative sponsor-sponsee association.

Absence of standardization – The partnership between a company and its supported individual, organization, or event has no sure-fire way of how best to benefit the both parties. Different methods of support are applied to sponsees depending on their needs and the sponsor’s needs as well. This points out to a lack of standardization, and therefore requires more time on planning and evaluation.

More time is consumed – As sponsorship promotes a more ‘intimate’ business relationship, this also causes more time to be spent on a sponsor-sponsee plan. The amount of time needed in planning and execution is bigger since sponsorship should be very detailed.

Sponsorship 101 – Knowing the Basics

Marketing strategies have, over the years, evolved into an arena of different tactical methods in promoting products that range from people to things. One such method, which has been growing at a rapid speed, is sponsorship.

Although it’s still in what we may consider in its ‘infancy stage’, numerous companies have adapted the use of sponsorship as one of their major promotional tools. But what exactly is this tool?

Below are the basics of this marketing strategy – a run down of what sponsorship is and what it encompasses.

The low-down of sponsorship

Basically, sponsorship is a business connection or relationship between two parties, wherein one provides support for the other. These parties may be an individual person, a group of people, or a whole organization. Applicable terms to designate the nature of each party may be termed as sponsor and sponsee or rights holder.

The word ‘sponsor’ simply indicates a person or organization willing to represent and vouch for a certain thing, individual, or group. Relatively, ‘to sponsor’ would mean to give support. The sponsor’s support may be through providing funds, products, or services to the ‘sponsee’.

The ‘sponsee’s’ role, on the other hand, creates itself as the representative of the sponsor. Their main duty is to promote the name of the sponsor, be it a large company or individual. Their exposure would usually be through advertising and media avenues, and in turn promote the sponsor’s name and the product or service they provide.

This business relationship that is created is a partnership between the two parties and is naturally aimed to be in the long-term. The longer the business relationship lasts, the greater the benefits and value that can be acquired by both sponsor and ‘sponsee’.

Kinds of sponsorship

Marketing extensively spans throughout every business venture; and because of this there are many kinds of sponsorships available to individuals and organizations. The following sponsorships below are business areas that popularly make use of sponsorships in their promotional strategies.

Educational Sponsorship

Sponsorship in education can take on several types of support by a third-party individual or organization that wishes to partner with an educational institution. The forms of sponsorship in education can be through supporting a student’s stay within the school; providing books and educational materials for students; sponsoring for uniforms, equipment and the like; and so on.

Sports Sponsorship

Sports sponsorship may be considered as one of the most popular and media-covered kind of sponsorship, in which it allows large companies or corporations to support athletes or a sport organization through a variety of services. These services include sponsoring major events and/or games, providing athletes with necessary equipment, gears, nutritional needs, etc. All these bear the sponsor’s name, which in turn benefits them by letting their ‘sponsees’ advertise for them by wearing or using their name.

Arts Sponsorship

Sponsorship in the arts may not be as well known or media-covered to that of sports sponsorship, but rather attract a specific type of attention. Sponsoring for art events are for organizations that hold a certain image or brand. These are often upheld for brand exclusivity and/or luxury, independent of popularity ratings.

Television and Radio Sponsorship

An organization or individuals funding for television and radio programs is making use of media as their avenue for being known or recognized. Sponsorship of this kind reaches a lot of potential consumers, clients, and even ‘sponsees’ to cater to the sponsor’s services or products.

Sponsor a Child – Save a Life

Just as sponsorship is basely defined as a marketing tool for organizational or individual support; so is ‘child sponsorship’ denoted as a means to aid a young individual, usually through financial and/or educational sustenance.

The children who need assistance are usually from ‘developing countries’ which, as most often is, lack the proper resources to sustain proper living. Some of the top countries that benefit from child sponsorship include Africa, India, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

It is not, however, only the developing countries that receive child sponsorship, but also those of develop ones. Even powerhouses such as the United States have children support organizations that help out the young through means of donation. This denotes the diversity and span in which sponsoring children and young adults are applied.

Saving Lives

There are basically two ways in sponsoring the young – either through individual or organizational means. As individuals, this is directly giving out help to those who are in need of it. As organizations, there are specific institutions that act as the ‘bridge’ for sponsors and child sponsees, where they find the best possible candidates for support and most efficiently utilize the ‘help’ donated by sponsors.

But how does this sponsorship save lives? The number of ways in which this kind of support assists in the improvement of living and prevents loss of life is beyond counting. In developing countries, areas that have been witness of war, economic ruin, political turmoil, natural disasters, and oppression (most often girls and women) – the donations that are given address these issues and focused on the improvement of a child’s life.

In more specific ways, individuals and organizations work with the family of the child and other community members to develop the ability of that community to ‘take care’ of itself. The child that is given assistance benefits from programs that enable him/her to attend and succeed at school, provide needed medical care and orientation in hygienic living.

Child sponsorship not only helps the children, but their family as well. Families are given the knowledge on how to improve their lives by economic programs that provide parent trainings which teach them how to properly support themselves and their children. These programs are most often through proper child sponsorship organizations. Some organizations that practice these applications of programs are Save the Children, UNICEF, and Food for the Hungry.

The Sponsor’s Role as Hero

Of course when one helps another, it is always a two-way effect. The one helped and the helper, although in different manners, are affected. Sponsors have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children by giving out support.

A very important point to understand that the assistance given, whether financial or otherwise, is not only a physical act on economical or community improvement. In its core, child sponsorship is giving hope to those who need it. It is letting the community and the children involved know that they have a chance in living a good life. This point is essentially the most important gift that sponsors (most often unconsciously) give.

As the chain reaction of giving leads to saving lives, sponsors become heroes in the sense that they have helped. Their assistance, however meagre, provided the chance for life improvement by allowing the children and communities involved the access to opportunities they’ve never had.

So You Want a Corporate Sponsorship - Here’s How

Let’s say you’re a budding athlete, with top ranking and stats as a tennis player. You have what it takes to become a world-class sports player in your field but have limited amount in terms of funds. The answer, as most would suggest, is to get a corporate sponsorship.

As sports are one of the major kinds of areas that corporations use as a market for brand exposure, you’d think that sponsorship would be a cinch. The case is that its not. Obtaining a corporate sponsorship is not as easy as 1, 2, and 3. Reaching your dreams as a world-class tennis player, aside from the skill and talent, also needs a little tinkering in ‘selling yourself’.

Get noticed

How exactly can you put your skills and talents ‘out there’ in the market for potential sponsors? Below are the ways:

The right kind of resume

As with every type of job, building a resume is an important part in getting employers to notice you. This is the same with corporate sponsors and the type of athlete they are looking for. The amount of hard work, training, way of playing will be the pinnacle points that sponsors will look for. The ‘package’ in which you come in is very important and the only way to be considered is that if your ‘accomplishments’ are worthy of review and consideration.

Depend on yourself to do your ‘advertising’

Nothing comes easy, and this includes wanting a sponsorship. You have to earn what you want, and having to be your own agent is a crucial step. Depending on someone else to do your ‘contacting’ will not result in the way you want to be exposed and seen.

Get in touch with companies; write sponsorship letters; invite them to see you play – those are what you should do to get their attention. When a company sees the dedication and amount of perseverance one takes in wanting a sponsorship, it won’t be long before they offer it you themselves.

It is in this area that you will learn how to face rejection and deal with issues that address your ability as an athlete. Don’t forget to always be positive in all dealings. Starting out is always the hard part, and once this obstacle is overcome, everything else will be a breeze at doing.

Act as your ambassador

Let’s say you’ve landed a small sponsorship and received a small amount of support. This is good as that sponsorship often starts small. It is important to remember that ‘keeping an A is harder than earning an A’ – which also applies to sponsorship.

Always keep in touch with your sponsor, letting them in on updates regarding your training and athletic status is very good. Through this practice, doors of bigger sponsorship opportunities will open because the closer you bring yourself to your sponsors, the bigger the chance for more lucrative support.

Always challenge yourself

It is not only through contact and appeal that makes sponsor continue and offer support and backup. It is also through your performance as an athlete that ultimately will bring in the ‘big bucks’. Always upping your game to become better and eventually number one is an important aspect in all sponsorships.

The need to be on top, and the need to be ambitious gears one into availing all the support since sponsoring someone with that kind of attitude, talent and skills is a perfect equation of give-and-take between sponsors and sponsees.

No Idea What Corporate Sponsorship Is?

Here’s the Chance to Find Out

In the fast changing times, where one day you’re ahead of your business, and the next you’re struggling to make ends meet, the key to knowing how to stay on top of things is of the utmost importance. You’ve heard of partnerships, mergers, business benefactors and the like, but do you really know what they are, and which will be a good add-on to your business?

Having know-how on things will always be to your advantage. Getting on top will require ample amount of information and use of tools that are essential to product/service circulation. One marketing tool that has been around for a long time, but only recognized just recently over the years is corporate sponsorship.

A Tool for Endorsement

Endorsements are a type of support that is considered to be a very powerful way to get ahead of the business world, and one of the best way to utilize this support is through corporate sponsorship. This form of sponsorship is a two-way relationship between two business institutions where the schema has one who gives money (financial backing), and the other advertises the name.

Whether in a large or small-scale dealing, corporate sponsorship helps business names and their particular product or service to be exposed. Good examples are the advertising of sports labels through endorsing athletes to use the label’s products.

Brands such Nike, Adidas, and Fila partner with either a star athlete or team, giving them products to use which will in turn expose the brand name to the public when commercials are aired or when there are games broadcasted on television and the internet.

The role of corporate sponsorships in events

Typically, most corporate sponsorships are tied to a specific event. These events are diverse and may include trade shows, marathons, basketball games, academic competitions, tournaments, etc.; and all of which offer big opportunities for corporate sponsoring.

Corporate sponsoring does not only include financial or product backing on the sponsee, but entails a few other things that should be considered. One is the relevance of the sponsor and sponsee – whether or not a potential partnership is good for both parties.

A potential sponsor should have a corporate culture that is like that of the event. Mismatching events with sponsors will only confuse the public and often not a good image result between either of the two parties. For example, you can’t have an Animal Welfare organization support an event that promotes the use of fur. To do that would be contradicting, financially wasteful, and overall a ‘suicide’ on both the organization and the event.

Going for corporate sponsorship

Most business organizations consider and apply corporate sponsorship due to sole fact that it exposes their business name and purpose. This exposure is considered to be far reaching compared to other forms of advertising and the percentage of cost is usually smaller to those of other tool use.

When a sponsor and sponsee are the right match and deal under the right circumstances, the overall result will always benefit both parties. Both will be given good exposure, and the name that is advertised will be broadcast far and wide in every aspect.

Having corporate sponsorship also emphasizes that a certain individual or organization is serious in its dealings and is committed to its chosen field. The fact that a business went for sponsorship makes it know that it wants to excel and be known to the public so that it can propagate in the best way possible.

How Sponsorship Topples Over Advertising?

There isn’t a great issue over which fairs better between sponsorship and advertising. Both are marketing tools that strategically apply to different situation. There are however usual times when a business is faced with choosing between both tools. These times usually are a point of exposure as to which tool can give more and help increase a brand’s visibility. This arena is where sponsorship takes over.

What sponsorship accomplishes better than advertising is in the establishment of qualitative attributes. These attributes include brand image towards consumers, generating awareness, and consumer’s choice of such brand. On these attributes, sponsorship has more lead on enhancing them, which advertising falls short of.

Sponsorship’s winning features

With sponsorship, as compared to advertising, the following feature it builds includes the following:

• credibility – refers to the integrity that sponsorship builds

• exclusivity – the form of differentiation that sets clients into high status

• image enhancement

• relevance to lifestyle

• prestige that it offers

There are other points that make sponsorship a winner; and these are also quantitative benefits that are not available through advertising. The first of which is having a live audience for product and brand circulation. Sponsorship provides opportunities for on-site sales and sampling, customer feedback, surveying, sales-force interaction and product testing – all of which involve the participation of an audience. Through live product presentations, the exposure is greater and the promotion of brand and product names is at a rapid pace.

When we compare sponsorship and advertising, one mode to look into is how interaction is done. With advertising, interaction is one-way and generally a monologue. On the other hand, sponsorship is more like a dialogue where the opportunity of a company to have live exchange with its target customers is highly practiced.

As with interaction, product sampling is another plus to sponsorship. Events that are sponsored allow people to have on site trials on products. This way, awareness of a certain brand name or service is heightened. Examples on-site trials include food sampling, test driving, official clothes worn in the event, etc.

With sponsorship, an organization’s name becomes associated into a sponsored event’s actions unlike that of advertising. This means that sponsorship is able to surpass the medium of media and place itself in the environment where everyone can see it, For example, when sponsorship is incorporated in movies; the audience has no escape in seeing the brand or logo being promoted because it is part of the film. They can’t just eliminate a scene like changing a channel on TV; they have to sit through the film and take in everything that comes with it.

Lastly, sponsorship provides entertainment to its client. How? This is done through the events that are sponsored. When the word ‘event’ comes to mind, it is always a happening that does not come everyday. It is a break from the everyday routine that clients have. With advertising, nothing is disrupted from normal life. Everyone is accustomed to see bill boards, ad placements and commercials.

With sponsored events, the setting is different and the aim is to provide an avenue for people to interact with the business through a social activity. Events also make great places to have informal sales and networking; and with the chosen venue, which is most often a hospitable one, the event becomes desirable and unique to lounge in.

Even Alcoholics Need Sponsors

When the term ‘sponsorship’ is used, what comes to mind is typically a business relationship and representation between a sponsor and a chosen event or business. This is a common conception associated with business and marketing terms since it’s used as a popular promotional tool.

Sponsorship, however, should be understood as a widespread concept; where the root meaning of ‘support’ and ‘help’ is the core of it. This type of sponsorship is found in discrete and protective programs - one of which includes the support of recovering alcoholics.

Yes, even victims of destructive addictions need sponsors. This form of support is not the same as with marketing where ‘exposure’ is the goal. The aim for sponsoring alcoholics is to provide the necessary means for recovery and a return to normal life.

AA – Alcoholics Anonymous

A widespread organization, where the term sponsor and sponsorship is practiced, is Alcoholics Anonymous or simply AA. AA is a meeting society that is informal in nature, with the goal of helping alcoholics achieve sobriety. A twelve-step program devised early on is used as the guidelines for which recovering alcoholics follow.

Historically, AA began with practicing sponsorship. This sponsorship entailed an alcoholic sharing his experience, hope and strength with a fellow alcoholic. This was overtime formalized and developed as a great tool in achieving permanent sobriety among alcoholics.

Each member of AA is eligible in becoming a sponsor. As a sponsor, they are given an opportunity to help other new members who wish to ‘sober up’. This type of sponsorship is in no way financially-based; rather it is regarded as a type of personal support-system in recovery.

Sponsors are regarded as a teacher, friend, tutor, older brother or sister, and experienced guide to the sponsees. Basically, a sponsor in the AA program is someone who has also gone through the twelve-step recovery guide. This way, a sponsee is able to relate with his/her sponsor by leading them through a mutual sharing of experiences and stories.

What to look for in a sponsor

For a recovering alcoholic, matching up with a sponsor is like choosing a best friend. Sponsees are given free reign on deciding who their sponsor should be, and this is often a good process for them. Looking for the best sponsor, however, is not as easy as it seems. The qualifications may differ from each available sponsor, leaving sponsees sometimes confused.

A solution to choosing sponsors is through temporary sponsors. This member type provides an easier transition for a sponsee before he/she finds the right sponsor – this is done by providing the necessary information every recovering alcoholic should know. Temporary sponsors also serve as a temporary guide in answering any clarifications or questions a sponsee may have regarding his or her situation and progress as an AA member.

As a suggestive guide, the factors to look for when deciding on a sponsor are the following:

• The potential sponsor should be able to relate with the sponsee

• He/she has had more time in recovery than the sponsee

• He/she is available for personal meetings, phone conversations and group discussions

• Lives by the guidelines of the twelve-step program

• Can be a friend and also a firm guide to the sponsee

• Can emphasize the spiritual aspects of the program

• He/she can ‘walk the talk’ in all affairs

Corporate Sponsorship and the Movie Industry

A Match Made in Heaven or Not?

Commercialism is everywhere. We see it in the streets we walk on, the malls we shop in, the music we listen to, and even the movies we watch. Companies have taken every opportunity and chance to stick their name everywhere for people to notice.

Sponsorship is no stranger when it comes to sticking brands and company names for the right kind of exposure. As a tool for marketing, this has been most profitable and cost-effective, leading other businesses to follow suit.

It’s only normal for sponsorship to reach the arts industry, particularly the movie industry. With all the hype of technological advancements in movie production such as CGI effects and animation, its no wonder corporations have taken a slice to expose their name.

Over the last decade, movie patrons have been seeing corporate brand names in the films they watch. One very good example is Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson’s futuristic take on ‘The Island’. This movie, although not garnered as a box-office wonder, had numerous corporate logos in every scene – with Microsoft as the leading sponsor.

With all that, the question then raised is whether corporate sponsorship is a blessing or curse for the movie industry.

Positive and negative aspects

Corporate sponsorship helps the funding of big-budgeted movies, and the financial constraints are lessened when producing the film. This gives more time for the production team to focus on the quality of the movie, and in turn decrease the ‘headache’ of budgeting the expenses the production has.

With better focus on developing the movie – its story line, scenery, and character profiles – the outcome of the film has a bigger chance of getting positive critique. It will allow movie goers to evaluate the movie as something the production team really took time to do, and did not compromise in making.

With corporate sponsorship and the amount of funding it gives as support, film productions have a bigger opportunity to create the exact type of ‘feel’ they want their movies to be without having to worry on the amount of money that needs to be considered. Sponsorship takes the mind off on ‘getting money’ and presents realism in the movie by allowing the production to uses brands that people have seen and also used.

More money means better funding and better choices. With sponsorship, production crews can get the best of what money can afford them – from equipment to actors to sets. All these result into a feature that is marketable and the gains are most often profitable.

The downside of all this, however, is the detachment a movie may present to its viewers. A movie’s aim is to present a film that can let others relate to it or understand whatever issues are presented. With corporate sponsorship, viewers may feel that they are just watching a very long commercial. The brand exposure that may be pasted in every scene can be distracting and lose whatever essence the film wants to convey.

The type of movie that uses corporate sponsorship is those with graphic animations. A large amount of money is required to develop such productions. The outcome of the film may turn out to be just a display of animation and graphics, leaving out the real plot of the story, making the film less appealing and fake. It would then feel that instead of supporting a film, sponsorship actually demeans it.

A Pursuit on Personal Sponsorship

Let’s say you’re seeking for sponsorship but have no idea where to begin. This guide helps in what to consider when planning on a sponsorship package that is worthy of attention from any sponsor prospects that you might have.

Proceeding with sponsorship

It is an integral part before undertaking any major project, to do the necessary research that is associated with your cause. This also applies when seeking sponsorship. It is important for you to be aware on key items in the world of sponsorship. It takes a lot of hard work, time and energy in creating a worthy sponsorship package; but in the long-term will most benefit you.

The things that need you to be aware of so that you are fully equipped with sponsorship information are the following:

Sponsorship benefits

Knowing this will let you become aware of the necessary results that should come from when a sponsor and sponsee partnership is established. This way, you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into, whether the sponsorship fits best with your needs and will in turn be beneficial to the other party.

Sponsorship can benefit you in many ways; and one of the most visible advantages is being able to secure much-needed monetary donations or funds to help support you in your cause, be it traveling, training or through equipment. In personal sponsorship there are two forms:

• Project-based – you are given sponsorship to attend or facilitate on a specific event or cause

• Given in trust – a harder to obtain form where funds are given to you and used in a more discretionary way

Aside from monetary funding, other benefits include products and/or services, and fundraising support. The former is usually through providing you with products and/or services needed to operate on for an event or cause. The latter offers more of a partnership where support is garnered through commercial involvement and in turn attracts the sponsor’s existing customers to take notice of you and your event or cause.

Reasons why people (individuals) and companies sponsor

Know the guidelines for which sponsorships are obtained from either an individual or company is a crucial step. The reason behind this is that by knowing the points for which sponsors give out support will help you target them with attention-grabbing details that will spark their interest.

For example, athletes get sponsored because they possess characteristics that sparked the sponsor’s interest. This may be through the athlete’s vitality, history in playing and other impressive sports stats.

By knowing these, you then can prepare for targeting a sponsor. It is also important to take into account not only what a sponsor is looking for but also the assets which you possess. Evaluation of your assets either as an athlete, student candidate, or event manager will help you realize your market value and see whether you are ready and equipped to be marketed as a sponsee.

Of course, these terms may seem like you are treated as an object. This should not be any hindrance or discouragement in getting sponsored. It is important for you to understand that with sponsorship, business is the nature of the deal.

When a sponsor-sponsee partnership is established, it means that such a relationship has been created to bring in profits to both parties and provide the necessary exposure to each.

A Look into Nokia’s Sponsorship Program

As one of today’s leading brand of telecommunications technology, Nokia has proven true to its vision of ‘connecting people’. The use of their brand spans countries from those in Asia to America, and is widely known as a tried, tested and versatile mobile instrument.

With its rapid growth over the years, Nokia is now seen as a power corporation capable of developing ubiquitous, intuitive and beautiful technology. Its growth is duly based on the company’s strategy on growing, building, and transforming its products and services based on the needs of the changing times – all of which have been a pinnacle point in the company’s success.

As a well-established corporation, Nokia in turn has taken up the responsibility of ‘giving back’ to the community. It aims to be an environmental leader by developing environmentally sound commerce practices; and producing products that offer sustenance. In addition, Nokia has also taken up the goal of taking up a role in society by providing a number of programs that aid in community development.

Sponsorship guidelines

As part in community involvement and at the same time in marketing communications, Nokia involves sponsorship as an integral part of their business strategy. A number of requests for sponsorship, prizes, support, and assistance of all sorts are received by Nokia often.

Because of the huge amount of sponsorship requests, the need for setting guidelines for such were developed by the company as a means for screening viable proposals. These guidelines involve a number of requirements that a sponsorship proposal should encompass in order for it to garner the attention it needs.

The key requirements that Nokia looks for in sponsorship proposals are the following:

• The proposal should be relevant and fitting with Nokia’s brand

• The proposal must provide a clear message towards Nokia’s consumers, clients, and/or buyers

• The proposal should be innovative, creative, and unique and to be able to stand out

• There should be a clear and solid outline that shows a return of investment

• The proposal should exude an excellence in execution and logistics

In addition to the key requirements mentioned above, there is additional information that should be in a potential sponsorship that assists Nokia in its proposal evaluation. These are:

• Details on the organization that requests for sponsorship – this includes name, full address, organization description, and relevant credentials

• An outline and description of key persons in the organization that are involved in the proposal

• Details on the benefits and their corresponding numerical value that Nokia will acquire from sponsoring

• A full detailed description on the event that is to be sponsored – this includes the location, venue, and time.

• A valid timeline of the proposal/project

• An exact requirement on the type of support Nokia is to provide

• Details on the exposure extent that Nokia will have in sponsoring the event

• Information on other sponsors involved in the event

All these are required for Nokia to give its consideration on taking up a sponsorship proposal. There are also tips that the company includes for an even more attention-grabbing sponsorship. The reason for giving out such tips and hints is the company’s desire to be able to give out as much sponsorships that will both profit them and their sponsee.

Some tips and hints that Nokia shares are the following:

• Be sure to include the following information, as it sometimes has a tendency to not be included – name, return contact numbers, and valid address

• Proposals can be emailed but should be under five megabytes

• Pictures, images and such are very helpful

• The proposal should be short but have quality information

• Don’t waste time ‘sucking up’ to Nokia, but instead focus on what is requested

• Do definitive research

• Clearly outline the benefits for both sponsor and sponsee

• Persistence is key, but it does not mean ‘hassling’ the company with numerous update calls and emails

A Look into Canada’s Immigration Sponsorship

The popularity of migrating in developed countries has always been prevalent among those who seek a better life. Through work, study, and family connection it is possible for anyone to get into a country of their choice. The catch, however, is that its not an easy feat.

One of the top countries rapidly growing with immigrants is Canada. From nurses to waiters, Canada has been accepting migrants from all over the world. The quality of life is high and opportunities for work and career are widespread and many.

Its may be no surprise that you know one or two people who have already moved to Canada. They have taken the steps in order for them to become immigrants; and try their luck in living in a foreign and developed country. If you seek the same thing, there are many ways for you to achieve it; and if by chance you have a family member already living there – the best choice for entry is through Canada’s Family Class Sponsorship.

How family class sponsorship works

For you to be qualified for family class sponsorship, it must be a two-way agreement between you and a relative living in the country. A qualified relative means that he or she must already be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. If this is established, then the next thing to acquire is the willingness of that relative to sponsor you for Canadian immigration.

The relationship between you and your relative, however, has some perimeters to be considered. If that relative is far from being a first-degree relation, chances are slim, but still possible. The list below defines the type of relationship that is qualified for sponsorship:

• Spouse (wife/husband); common-law or conjugal partner

• Grandparent/s or parent/s

• A dependent child (typically under the age of 21)

• Under 18, unmarried, or orphaned brother, sister, grandchild, niece, nephew

• A child that is under 18 and intended for adoption

• Other relative/s that are not mentioned above

For the willing sponsor, a number of qualifications for him/her to be able to help another relative get into Canada are also required. Aside from being a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, the sponsor should be financially capable to provide for the sponsee. Financial capability means that the sponsor is able to give the essential needs such as food, shelter, clothing and other basic necessities of everyday living.

The sponsor should also acquiesce in entering an agreement with Canada’s government in providing the essential needs for the sponsee over a period of time. Also in agreement is that the sponsor should also make an effort into making the sponsee self-supporting.

Other sponsor qualifications include the following:

• He/she is 18 years old or above;
• Is not in prison or any similar facility;
• Is not bankrupt; and
• Is not charged with any serious or major offence

Process and processing time

When the qualifications have been met, it is then possible for you (as a sponsored relative) to apply for immigration – either from within or outside of Canada. This application is the first step in the immigration process and can vary based on the form of application.

Your application goes through a number of stages, and additional fees are required along the way. The downside for all immigration applicants, however, is that nothing is 100% sure; so making sure all your requirements are met is a very important part when applying.

The processing time is also a major factor that depends on your type of relationship with your sponsor. The chances of faster processing time is when your relative is of first-degree kin. Either way, processing times can be as short as six months to a full blown decade, depending on your circumstances.

A Look into Boeing’s Corporate Sponsorship

Boeing is the leading aerospace company in the world, and by far the largest manufacturer of jetliners for commercial use, and also military aircrafts. They are the forefront runners in aerospace innovation and leadership, continuously creating new and more efficient products.

As it is a large corporation, Boeing gives out corporate sponsorships to those in need of support in funding. Organizations are welcomed by the company to give unsolicited sponsorship proposals since they seek to proactively create partnerships with strategic and appropriate partners.

Evaluation Process

Building long-term partnerships is the goal that Boeing aims to attain in sponsorship. They support a select number of events and activities which have similar interests and values. In order for this to possible, an evaluation process is conducted by Boeing to see whether an outside organization is an ideal sponsorship partner.

All sponsorship proposals given to Boeing go through the following processes:

• Unsolicited and solicited proposals are received by Boeing Corporate Communications.

• Boeing Corporate Communications then performs a preliminary overview that is based on their evaluation criteria.

• If the sponsorship proposal has potential, it is shared with a team of managers responsible for sponsorship program development projects.

• The sharing is evaluations of the sponsorship proposal – taking into account the proposal’s location, subject and scope – seeing if it fits with Boeing’s brand and strategy on sponsorship.

Evaluation Criteria

There are six general criteria developed by Boeing in evaluating sponsorship proposals. These measures ensure that the benefit garnered is for both parties – sponsor and sponsee.

Sponsorship proposals are subject to evaluation based on the following:

• The tangible benefits involved if a partnership is pursued.

• The longevity the proposal offers if a partnership between the organization and Boeing is established.

• The capability of the proposal to target necessary audiences and build the right kind of relationships.

• How Boeing will be exposed through such a sponsorship – will it be a positive venture, will it bring in more customers and good feedback, etc.

• What kind of additional resource is the proposal going to generate.

• Will a long term relationship prove to be sustainable and overall beneficial to both parties?

There are specific ineligible activities that Boeing has no interest of pursuit. Some of these activities are mentioned below:

• Little leagues and other local sports organizations
• Charities that hold fundraising events
• Individual or family sponsorship requests
• Daredevil stunts and sports
• Events that do not have any Boeing facility, product or technology
• Religious activities
• Sponsoring travel expenses

Current Sponsorships

There are currently a number of organizations that are sponsored by Boeing. These companies are also large business that have passed the evaluation process and fit the evaluation criteria that Boeing stands by,

Some of the current sponsorships include the following below:

• Chicago Bears - This team is contracted by Boeing under a five-year sponsorship agreement.

• Museum of Flight - This organization, relevant to the nature of Boeing, provides a detailed and extensive look into Boeing’s history and bright future.

• The John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts - The events held by this institution are sponsored by Boeing. These events are Kennedy Center's Annual Gala Weekend in April, 2004 – 2008; and Kennedy Center's Annual Honors Week in December, 2004 – 2008.

Soar High With Media Sponsorship

One integral part of creating the right kind of exposure for your business is through the use of media. Through radio, television and the like – product and/or brand circulation becomes widespread and typically popular.

This use of media as a medium for brand dissemination is called media sponsorship. The challenge of setting up and publicizing an event are what marketers always face. With limited budgets, the reality of buying airtime exhausts the resources of an organization, most especially to those of which have small businesses.

It is through media sponsorship that an organization gains the opportunity to get their event aired through media forms. This kind of support allows for stretching a marketing budget, print placement and more commercial airing coverage. Most often, media sponsorship is applied through the following – radio, print, television, and outdoor advertising.

How to land a media sponsorship

In order to get a media sponsorship, several measures have to be considered before reaping the benefits of exposure through media. First, there is a need to find out who are the eligible media partners one can work with. When choosing a partner, it is essential to look for an outlet that has a similar target audience as the business.

If the business is locally established, the best candidates for media sponsorship would be through local radio and television stations. Finding a common ground with sponsor prospects is beneficial in that it would align with a company’s vision and business interest.

It also serves to be cautious with the type of media sponsorship an event may have. Questions to ask in evaluating a sponsor are typically the same with that of corporate sponsorship. These questions may include the type of exposure that will be given; whether or not the publicity will result with a positive or negative feedback; and the like.

As with every lookout for sponsorship, a proposal is needed to be developed and passed to a potential media sponsor. It is with the sponsorship proposal that a donor will look and decide whether or not a business and/or its event is ‘worthy’ of a sponsorship.

Lining a business or event up with a media sponsor is considered as a powerful way to attract attendees, volunteers, and/or donations. In order to stand out, the time it takes to build a good proposal may be extensive, but in the long run, will also prove to be most beneficial.

It is also important to tickle a media sponsor’s fancy in order for them to sponsor an event. The reason for such is that media is everywhere, and every opportunity that can involve the media’s participation, will almost always be sponsored.

Media sponsorship’s goal

One has to also note that media will use sponsorship as their own gain. One reason is because participation in event leads others to see the media as fully-informed, and earns a good image reputation in the community.

Another note is that the media considers any publicity as good publicity. Since they are the leaders in television and radio - the opportunity to spread products of the media is made possible.

As with advantages to the sponsee, media sponsorship helps save money for the sponsee since advertising will be taken care of through radio, television and/or print. This will also give the sponsee more credibility since it is sponsored with a ‘public’ organization in which people will come to associate one with the other.

Points to Consider with Corporate Sponsorship

You own a business and a chance of getting sponsored falls into your lap. You think it’s an opportunity of a life-time, it’s not everyday some other organization wants to sponsor your venture. Of course, as with all chances such as this, the excitement of landing a seemingly good deal takes over.

But before you actually take on the offer of sponsorship, there is a need for proper evaluation on your part. Through this practice, you are taking a look at the aspects of the offer and the arrangement of agreement that is prepared for your business. Do not be drawn immediately by the publicity your business will receive, for all sponsorships include an amount of exposure.

It is best to choose carefully when being offered a sponsorship. Elements of relevance and compatibility are very important for your business’s image and market longevity. To give the proper evaluation, below are questions to ask.

Questions that need to be asked

Will this add more customers/clients/buyers?

Adding customers means increasing sales. The name that sponsors you has no bearing whatsoever if the result it yields neither brings or adds customers to your doorstep. It would be a total waste of time, money and effort on both parties if this happens.

Considering the target market that the sponsor also targets should be an insight into the type of customers should also be compatible with your business. If this is mismatched, it’s better to pass on the offer.

Am I the only business being sponsored by this company?

Big time organizations sponsor many events that house different businesses. Having your business sponsored by such companies mean that you will be showcased with other sponsored businesses. By this, association with the other businesses is created. Decide whether or not you want your business to be attached to other sponsees; and see if this will prove to be beneficial or otherwise.

What kind and how much publicity will I get?

Good and great exposure to the public is what all want to obtain. This is also the ‘sales pitch’ of sponsor offers – a big amount of publicity. As will all sales pitches, it is important to research if this is true and the investment you decide to make will reap benefits. Simply put, getting your money’s worth and equal levels of give-and-take between sponsor and sponsee are what you’re aiming at.

What is in the ‘fine print’ of the offer?

Don’t go on jumping in with just a handshake and word of promise. A detailed and lengthy contract is the best way to protect your business when the need arises. It is better to prevent something bad happening than finding a way to resolve it.

With contracts and written arrangements, be sure to look over every aspect and fine print. It is usually in the detail that loopholes may be fixed and that anomalies eliminated for both parties. The target is a win-win situation, and through contract evaluation this is possible. Balance is what should be attained.

What other companies have similar arrangements as this?

Before signing on with the offer of sponsorship, added research on organizations with the same interests is a good practice. This gives your business an opportunity to compare the offers and see whether you are doing what is best for your venture.