I own an online business specifically focusing on individuals who reside or work with two more pets. My business is seeking sponsorships to oversee business expenses. I’m seeking guidance on how to request businesses to be my sponsors.

Hi Gloria,

When looking for corporate sponsors, you need to keep a couple of things in mind... First of all, you want to find sponsors whose businesses or mission or vision matches or mixes well with yours.  Since your business focuses on pets, you'll want to look for businesses that also focus on pets - or their owners.

Secondly, the first and most important question sponsors are going to want to know is, what's in it for them?  Why should they sponsor you?

When you're answering this question, it's really important that you focus on results, and quantify and provide specific details.  For example, you'll want to tell them (briefly):

What your platform is...

Who your audience is (give numbers, percentages, demographics, etc.)

What sponsors are going to get for their sponsorship (are you going to include them in all your advertising? Add a link, banner and logo to your Website? Write a media release announcing the sponsorship?)  

They also want to know how you're going to help them achieve their goals.

Some things to keep in mind when creating your proposal - keep it short. (4 pages if you're well-known in your field and have credibility, a platform and a good-sized mailing list,  5 pages if not.)

Keep the focus on them, not you.

Make a list of different types of sponsorship opportunities or participation levels.

Make it fun.

Include different ways for employees, family members or the community to get involved too.

Create a solid marketing plan to keep your company - and your sponsors - in the news.

Hope this helps - good luck and let us know how it goes!

Warmly,

Cheryl Antier

Hi Gloria, 

Good advice from Cheryl.  It would also help if you put all of the information into a very concise and easy to follow presentation.   (It doesn't have to be a fancy powerpoint presentation, but the more you are able to paint a picture for them, the more effective you will be.  Always remember to keep things as simple as possible, yet get the point across. 

Nice Comeback Alive