Approaching Businesses?

[2013comp]

Hello,

After searching the internet for advice, I came across this forum. I am not a business owner, just another wage slave, however have ran a few side businesses before in my past (nothing on a major scale).

This year I am competing in the 2nd Biggest Global Sporting event. I am currently looking for Sponsorship and after contacting a number of companies the response has been the same.... We would love to help but due to current economic climate etc etc etc.

As business owners, can you tell me what is the best way to approach companies?

 

[Moneyman]

Go to a match or whatever and read the billboards. They are the companies who are interested. They might look to have someone who they will sponsor as part of the campaign if you are willing to put in time meeting their guests etc. try the marketing manager rather than the boss and offer your "services" however small rather than just begging for cash.

 

[2013comp]

Go to a match or whatever and read the billboards. They are the companies who are interested. They might look to have someone who they will sponsor as part of the campaign if you are willing to put in time meeting their guests etc. try the marketing manager rather than the boss and offer your "services" however small rather than just begging for cash.

When I contact them I never mention cash, I tell them all about myself, the sport involved, what it will do for there company, long term benefits, who the sport will reach out too, and even if they do not wish to hand out cash they could possibly provide equipment.

I started by contacting people who already advertise in the sector and its the same response (we already have commitments in place with such and such)

 

[EICIC]

When I used to give out sponsorship from my marketing budgets I had to look at

What's the event?

How much? or is there a service or product we can provide?

What do I get for the money?

I took over some sponsored rugby players we had - they did jack for the money, and ill be honest I made them work a bit for it, PAs, signed shirts, PR etc

I think these days putting together things like a social media plan would be a good start.

 

[2013comp]

When I used to give out sponsorship from my marketing budgets I had to look at

What's the event?

How much? or is there a service or product we can provide?

What do I get for the money?

I took over some sponsored rugby players we had - they did jack for the money, and ill be honest I made them work a bit for it, PAs, signed shirts, PR etc

I think these days putting together things like a social media plan would be a good start.

We have already created a social media plan, which will include videos of training, the event itself, and even after the event and also included online blogs.

Being the 2nd biggest global sporting event only beaten by the Olympics the audience is huge (exact numbers I am trying to find)

I have even contacted a company who manufactures a vital training component with the hopes of getting a unit for free, the cost to manufacture it is £45 and they sell them for £999 but they haven't got back to us.

The organisation running the event charges £40,000 for level 1 sponsorship (very basic) going up to level 6 sponsorship at over £1.5 Million.

I have price that the cost to compete will be between £5000 - £8000 which I was hoping to split between as many advertisers as I can get.

 

[MikeJ]

The 2nd Biggest Global Sporting event is the paralympics, isn't it?

 

[Moneyman]

just a clue as to the sport might be helpful.
Could be world pingpong championships if you count all the chinese.
football
fishing?
You seem to be curtailing your answers by being vague as to what sport.

 

[2013comp]

The 2nd Biggest Global Sporting event is the paralympics, isn't it?

Well the Olympics and paralympics are classed as 1 Sporting event.

 

[2013comp]

just a clue as to the sport might be helpful.
Could be world pingpong championships if you count all the chinese.
football
fishing?
You seem to be curtailing your answers by being vague as to what sport.

Well I am not on this forum to ask for Sponsorship, just advice on the best possible way to achieve it, from the people who make those sorts of decisions.

 

[Moneyman]

We are trying to give advice on how to contact the right people but is it going to ruin your life to mention a sport because then you might get someone who has experience. for instance if it was motorsport i can give you a name and phone number . i also know how to get into several other sports sponsorship lists but the way in is different for each sport and each event. I am not going to list them. You have to help us help you.

 

[2013comp]

We are trying to give advice on how to contact the right people but is it going to ruin your life to mention a sport because then you might get someone who has experience. for instance if it was motorsport i can give you a name and phone number . i also know how to get into several other sports sponsorship lists but the way in is different for each sport and each event. I am not going to list them. You have to help us help you.

Ill send you a pm, if thats ok?

 

[Northern Textiles]

Why is this sporting event a secret?

I really need to know what it is now... haha

Anybody know?

 

[Digbeth Court]

Why is this sporting event a secret?

I really need to know what it is now... haha

Anybody know?

Maybe the Hunger Games?

 

[PDRD]

He must be entering a team in the football world cup, maybe he needs £££ to buy a place like Qatar?! ;-)

 

[Steve Sellers]

It cant be the worlds second biggest sporting event as this is the FIFA world cup, number 1 being the Olympics.

 

[2013comp]

It cant be the worlds second biggest sporting event as this is the FIFA world cup, number 1 being the Olympics.

I am just quoting what the event organisers competitors document state.

Also I haven't put details on the forum because I don't want people thinking I'm trying to approach businesses on this forum. I am only trying to get advice not offer a sponsorship opportunity.

Thanks to those who have pm'd me. You have been great help

 

[Jet Virtual]

Why is this sporting event a secret?

I really need to know what it is now... haha

Anybody know?

Maybe it's a chess tournament and he's embarrassed because most people don't think it's a sport.

 

[2013comp]

Maybe it's a chess tournament and he's embarrassed because most people don't think it's a sport.

If only I was that smart to compete in a chess competition....

 

[EICIC]

Would it break rules to name the sport?

Off the top of my head Tour de France, Rugby League world cup are this year.

You don't seem to be asking for a lot of money - perhaps you are splitting the sponsorship opportunity too much.

 

[2013comp]

Would it break rules to name the sport?

Off the top of my head Tour de France, Rugby League world cup are this year.

You don't seem to be asking for a lot of money - perhaps you are splitting the sponsorship opportunity too much.

I just didnt want people on this forum thinking im asking them....you know the type.... guys can you look at my website and tell me what you think....

It's the World Police and Fire Games 2013 for those who are interested.

 

[coupaw]

I have sent you a pm

 

[MrCloser]

It's the World Police and Fire Games 2013 for those who are interested.

The no1 deal breaker for me in any business proposal is overhyped and innacurate information. no offence, but I've never even heard of it.

Maybe downplay the '2nd biggest sporting event' bit and try to find it's unique selling advantages... What Rolex , Red Bull and other mainstream brands might not want could be a good niche for law enforcement or fire protection products which will be seen by a very targeted audience.

Don't quote me here , just guesswork and layman's opinion but there will likely be someone here that will know about corporate sponsorship.

Good luck with the sponsorship and event !

 

[adamconant]

Hello,

After searching the internet for advice, I came across this forum. I am not a business owner, just another wage slave, however have ran a few side businesses before in my past (nothing on a major scale).

This year I am competing in the 2nd Biggest Global Sporting event. I am currently looking for Sponsorship and after contacting a number of companies the response has been the same.... We would love to help but due to current economic climate etc etc etc.

As business owners, can you tell me what is the best way to approach companies?

The process starts with finding a contact who is a decision-maker within the company, such as the CEO, CTO, or CFO. Alternatively, begin communicating with someone who can successfully carry your message to a decision-maker, such as a mid-level executive or manager. The next step is choosing the most effective way to introduce your business intention. Thought you have already done this before.
For me, I reommended my friend to engage business with gas electric oven manufacturer named Vatti vatti-china.com/ProductsType/Electric---Gas-Oven.htm

 

[2013comp]

It's the World Police and Fire Games 2013 for those who are interested.

The no1 deal breaker for me in any business proposal is overhyped and innacurate information. no offence, but I've never even heard of it.

Maybe downplay the '2nd biggest sporting event' bit and try to find it's unique selling advantages... What Rolex , Red Bull and other mainstream brands might not want could be a good niche for law enforcement or fire protection products which will be seen by a very targeted audience.

Don't quote me here , just guesswork and layman's opinion but there will likely be someone here that will know about corporate sponsorship.

Good luck with the sponsorship and event !

Just because you havent heard of it doesnt mean it isnt the 2nd biggest Global event.

10,000 competitors from 70 countries and 57 sporting events makes ot the 2nd biggest global sporting event.

but thanks anyway

 

[Digbeth Court]

Just because you havent heard of it doesnt mean it isnt the 2nd biggest Global event.

10,000 competitors from 70 countries and 57 sporting events makes ot the 2nd biggest global sporting event.

but thanks anyway

With all due respect though, I can see the point he's raising. When sporting events are described as "big" - especially from a business/sponsorship point of view - it's the size of audience or viewing figures that are being talked about. The FIFA World Cup final only has 22 competitors from 2 countries in 1 event, but to the sponsors, it's huge.

With that in mind, when you're approaching businesses you're best being up front about describing the Games, and the kind of spectators it attracts; honesty will be appreciated over bluster. And MrCloser's advice seems sound to me - companies selling products and services related to things fire protection would surely be the best to target for sponsorship.

Good luck.

 

[2013comp]

With all due respect though, I can see the point he's raising. When sporting events are described as "big" - especially from a business/sponsorship point of view - it's the size of audience or viewing figures that are being talked about. The FIFA World Cup final only has 22 competitors from 2 countries in 1 event, but to the sponsors, it's huge.

With that in mind, when you're approaching businesses you're best being up front about describing the Games, and the kind of spectators it attracts; honesty will be appreciated over bluster. And MrCloser's advice seems sound to me - companies selling products and services related to things fire protection would surely be the best to target for sponsorship.

Good luck.

Thanks

I had contacted a weapons manufacture in the UK and they got back to me appearing to be very interested, just got to put pen to paper so fingers crossed.

Thanks for everyones support