A company logo on a T-shirt, a sponsored post on Instagram or an advertising spot on a YouTube channel… In the world of sports, sponsor support is very important. The business partner acquired in this way financially supports, educates and has a real impact on the construction of a socially engaged business. However, finding a sponsor is difficult. How to do it? What should you pay attention to?
Who do you want to cooperate with?
Even though there are many companies on the market, contrary to appearances, not all of them can be sponsors with whom an athlete wants to be identified. It’s worth asking yourself who you want to cooperate with. These do not have to be only institutions related to physical activity. It is also recommended to establish relationships with companies dealing in other fields. You should definitely cross out brands that promote values that are unsportsmanlike and inconsistent with your beliefs at the very beginning.
First, you should analyze your contacts. Maybe someone from your family or friends could help? Maybe he could become a sponsor himself? Sponsorship is a benefit for both parties to the cooperation, so it is worth asking those closest to you about such opportunities. In addition, identify companies that may be interested in you and build their contact database. This will make it easier for you to navigate your actions.
How to create an offer for a sponsor?
When creating an offer, focus largely on your potential. By describing your sports successes and achievements and showing your strengths, you will arouse interest. It is also important to show, for example, the number of visits to your website, the number of fans on Facebook or Instagram, and mentions in the press. Such audience reach parameters determine the value you can bring to the sponsor. We certainly need to mention promotional plans and other benefits of working with a partner. Additionally, you can suggest what we expect from cooperation.
Get involved in cooperation
After replying to the email, it’s time to arrange your first meeting. It is an opportunity to learn about mutual expectations, possibilities and conditions. This is the moment when you can once again present your values and show what benefits the sponsor will receive. Each company should be approached individually, as they will differ in size and budget. The brand representative, seeing your commitment, will certainly be positively surprised, and this may influence your contacts. After signing the contract, take care of the relationship with the sponsor, communicate with him and consult on projects. Provide the benefits you have committed to. Remember that often sponsorships worth millions of zlotys initially had much lower values.
In case of refusal or lack of response to our offer, you must not give up. Not all companies are obliged to sponsor athletes, so don’t be discouraged. The key to success is perseverance – even if a given brand rejects the offer, there is always a chance that it will come back to it after some time.