The Compete-At Blog

Here are some tips I learned in the promotion of sporting events, but they should give you some ideas for keeping all kinds of donors and sponsors happy:

* Generally, the rule for event promoters is to only allow one sponsor from each category: One print media sponsor, one supermarket, etc. All donors for nonprofit causes are welcome, however.

* If your sponsors are businesses, they want new business leads from their association with your event or cause(they're not just donating for the "warm fuzzies" in most cases). Make sure you deliver exposure proportionate to their contribution. If possible, introduce them to potential customers in some way.

* The easiest way to leverage your sponsors' pleasure as well as the size of your turnout is to go after media

sponsors. The secret to this is to produce an event or fundraiser that they will be proud to be associated with.

* Media sponsorship usually comes in the form of discounted rates for ad spending. To get the biggest bang for your buck, don't be shy--get your best spokesperson(probably you) to be interviewed by your media sponsor. This can help build your brand better than anything. Your event then becomes perceived as a news item instead of another pesky advertisement. Use radio talk shows and TV news for this. Newspapers, too. Podcasts, anyone?

* Give your major sponsors credit. If appropriate, mention your major sponsors or contributors on the air and in print when you get the chance.

* Make it clear up front what recognition each level of sponsorship will receive, in writing, so that no-one will feel slighted by the size of their logo in print ads or online. Make sure you deliver what you promised.

* Always follow up with a thank-you letter to sponsors/donors after the event or fundraising campaign. Let them know how it went and specifically, what exposure they got for their sponsorship. How big was the crowd, if it was an event?

* Send press clippings, audio clips, etc., especially ones that mention THEM

* Try to generate specifics for sponsors: How many people saw their logos at the event and in ads? How many people did you send to their business, if you know. What comments did you hear about their participation?

* If possible, structure your event in a way that will put potential customers in contact with your donors and sponsors. Find creative ways to get them together in a social setting or in their place of business.

* Always send sponsors/donors a nice letter--or better yet, pay them a visit to thank them and go over areas of benefit for their business. Show them a good return for their money in the form of new customers, "free" advertising, and association with a well-run and worthy cause.

If you help your sponsors prosper, they will help your event or cause prosper--It's as simple as that!

When you have done your job well, enlisting sponsors' support in the future will be a piece of cake.

Paul H. Kemp is a lifelong entrepreneur and marketer. He has also served as an Economic Development Consultant for the U.S. Department of Commerce and local Chambers of Commerce, specializing in rural business opportunities for Oregon communities affected by changes in federal timber policies.

He currently is fascinated by the opportunity to help individuals take control over their own health in this global economic shake-up.

More information can be found at his Web site: http://www.HealthyPlanetDiet.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_H_Kemp http://EzineArticles.com/?Successful-Fundraising---The-Care-and-Feeding-of-Sponsors-and-Donors&id=2825353