Mistake #1 - The Ultimatum Game
Boundaries are good in any situation, but they are not the same as ultimatums. Have you ever had a sales representative of any company give you an ultimatum? If so, how'd it go?
Phrases with ultimatums won't get you too far in building a relationship with your potential sponsor. Well, they might get you a "no"! Consider not using these or similar phrases in your sponsorship conversations...
"If you won't sign today... "
or
"I have another buyer, but I think you're a better fit and... "
or
"We need you to commit today or I'll have to sell to... "
Remember, Relationships Raise Money!
Instead of giving ultimatums, clearly present your timeline to the prospective sponsor and also ask about their process.
Mistake #2 - A Sponsorship "Sale" (Not charging enough)
Putting your sponsorship inventory on "sale" is a scary thing. In fact, it's one of the biggest mistakes I see being made because it makes the assumption that was your initial pricing was not fair to begin with.
Instead of offering a blanket "sale" or "Black Friday" type event on your sponsorships, consider finding a win/win pricing and benefits package through the negotiation process.
You MUST understand that there is no formula to pricing, if you are being consulted on adding up the pricing of your benefits, your chatting with the wrong person. Sponsorship is a marketing opportunity that can best be described as the whole being worth more than the sum of the parts. Create a win/win with your ideal sponsor so that the experience you create together is worth more than the money.
Mistake #3 - Not thinking long-term
Mistake # 3 is one that I made several times, and I share it last because it's the one that cost me the most time and money in sponsorship.
Most sponsors are looking for long-term or multi-year sponsorships, and not a quick one-time deal. The mistake I used to make is only offering sponsorships for one event, one webinar, or one product. While there were great sponsorship opportunities associated with those properties and the sponsors got great value... I missed the mark by not thinking long-term.
Instead of offering one-time or event specific sponsorships, consider multi-year deals with your sponsors. These are often better for you and your sponsor as you both get to build the relationship and are both able to maximize the sponsorship from year to year.
Boundaries are good in any situation, but they are not the same as ultimatums. Have you ever had a sales representative of any company give you an ultimatum? If so, how'd it go?
Phrases with ultimatums won't get you too far in building a relationship with your potential sponsor. Well, they might get you a "no"! Consider not using these or similar phrases in your sponsorship conversations...
"If you won't sign today... "
or
"I have another buyer, but I think you're a better fit and... "
or
"We need you to commit today or I'll have to sell to... "
Remember, Relationships Raise Money!
Instead of giving ultimatums, clearly present your timeline to the prospective sponsor and also ask about their process.
Mistake #2 - A Sponsorship "Sale" (Not charging enough)
Putting your sponsorship inventory on "sale" is a scary thing. In fact, it's one of the biggest mistakes I see being made because it makes the assumption that was your initial pricing was not fair to begin with.
Instead of offering a blanket "sale" or "Black Friday" type event on your sponsorships, consider finding a win/win pricing and benefits package through the negotiation process.
You MUST understand that there is no formula to pricing, if you are being consulted on adding up the pricing of your benefits, your chatting with the wrong person. Sponsorship is a marketing opportunity that can best be described as the whole being worth more than the sum of the parts. Create a win/win with your ideal sponsor so that the experience you create together is worth more than the money.
Mistake #3 - Not thinking long-term
Mistake # 3 is one that I made several times, and I share it last because it's the one that cost me the most time and money in sponsorship.
Most sponsors are looking for long-term or multi-year sponsorships, and not a quick one-time deal. The mistake I used to make is only offering sponsorships for one event, one webinar, or one product. While there were great sponsorship opportunities associated with those properties and the sponsors got great value... I missed the mark by not thinking long-term.
Instead of offering one-time or event specific sponsorships, consider multi-year deals with your sponsors. These are often better for you and your sponsor as you both get to build the relationship and are both able to maximize the sponsorship from year to year.
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