So many people have jumped on the AI train using ChatGPT to write books in no time at all, create their marketing materials, write blogs, write website copy, and more… Unfortunately, they’re also using AI to develop grant and sponsorship proposals.
I understand the appeal for people to save time and get things done quickly, but sponsors want to work with YOU (not an AI bot).
In 2020, we had numerous opportunities to speak with sponsors from local, regional, and national businesses and brands. This online and virtual world we are living in with cancelled live events and the need to do business differently has also impacted sponsors and their ability to market their brands in ways they are accustomed to.
We heard both challenges and opportunities in these conversations with sponsors. Besides getting to learn about the brands on a much deeper level and build relationships with them, we also were able to hear about some of the common sponsorship mistakes they see sponsor seekers making.
We thought this insider information and the useful insights below could be of benefit to you as you move forward with raising your dreams through collaboration and sponsorship.
We thought it would be great to gather some tips from our Raise a Dream community about thanking, appreciating, and recognizing partners throughout the holiday season.
These twelve tips can be modified and utilized throughout the year to recognize partners, champions, and sponsors.
Have a holiday gift card delivered to the business office. Think of fun ways to package the card. Personalize and perhaps put in a frame so that people keep the card.
If you’ve been a member of our Raise a Dream community for any time, you may have heard us talk about the importance of customization and personalization to sponsorship relationships a lot.
You have read our blogs, articles, and emails where we write about avoiding generic sponsorship packages and the old school “gold, silver and bronze” tiered approach. These are quick giveaways to a potential brand partner that you have not done your research, built a relationship with them, or taken time to discover their needs or how to support their goals.
The more that you can do to honour an authentic relationship and find ways to give the “personal touch” (from the first connection through to the fulfillment of an agreement), the more you will stand out and develop long-term collaborations.