Events Company?

Question

I'm looking to get sponsors for upcoming events for a brand new, niche market events company. At the moment, our focus is on finding material objects to give away as prizes etc. although monetary sponsorship would not be turned down!

We have been aiming at businesses who have similar target markets as ourselves, but we are having trouble getting responses from companies. Is there any way to increase our success rate?

In our proposal, we have been including a little about the company, the particular event, why we think they are an apporpriate sponsor, what we are seeking from them and what we can offer in return - tickets to our event, and free advertising on our website, printed advertising, radio interviews and on the night verbalisation.

I could really use ANYONE'S suggestions on this - we've got another event coming up to help us make up for the shortfall of our launch.

Answer 1

Er... you could ask a businessman /businesswoman?!

Answer 2

would help alot if you described the exact niche target market you were after...

Answer 3

Marketing and getting sponsors is not always easy. Persistence and loads of patience is needed, as you have already discovered. Some marketing tips:

1. Direct mail. Prepare a well-crafted brochure and send it to your target markets in Sunnyvale. Find a vendor in your area renting mailing lists of business establishments or take the time and go over the yellow pages and get their contact information. You can read more of how to use direct marketing strategies here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/di...

2. Publicity. Publicity can oftentimes be more effective than advertising. Not only is it cost-effective (oftentimes you are paying for nothing), but also people are apt to remember an article about your business rather than advertising. People find a write-up or special feature about a business more credible and objective than a paid advertising. Publicity also reaches a wider audience: if you are lucky, the national media might even pick up your story. Contact an editor of your local newspaper and pitch your story. Read the article "Leverage the Power of Publicity for Your Small Business"

http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol27/levera...

3. Press releases. Send out press releases through your local newspapers about your business. Whether it is about your story or about a sale you are offering, press releases can be very good exposure for you. You can read more about how to harness press releases for your business here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/pu...

4. Use the Internet. The Web can be your online brochure. You can use it to refer your potential clients for more information about your business; and it could also generate clients for you directly. Some of your potential clients may be looking to the Web for a floral designer, and you need to have a strong presence there as well.

5. Network. Join and be active in your local business organizations, chamber of commerce, etc. Increase your visibility in the community. You can find more information on networking here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/ne...

6. Word of mouth. This is the best form of advertising for your business - afterall, it is free. Read "Secrets of Word Of Mouth Marketing" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol154/wordo...

7. Cold calling. I think this is one of your best bet, especially if you have already been sending proposals to prospective sponsors. Here are some practical tips to increase your cold calling success http://www.powerhomebiz.com/blog/2006/05...