Easy place to find sponsors
Here is an easy place for athletes, teams, podcasts and coaches can find sponsorship opportunities: your local network.
You may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of local companies, business owners and supporters who can sponsor you at the $5,000 to $10,000 level.
As a sponsorship asset, you just need to let these people know that you are open for business and how they can begin the conversation with you.
Here are 3 ways to do that:
Build your warm leads list: First, go through every business card, email contact and person who you have been introduced to over the years. Include your local dentist, insurance agent, car dealer, doctor’s office, bank, credit union, etc. Compile these names and emails into a spreadsheet.
The Friends and Family Round: Second, include “family & friends” and people who have supported you along the way. While they may not all be the directors of marketing for major brands, there’s a good chance that they know someone in their network who is willing to support you as a business sponsor. Many of an athlete’s best deals will come from the “friends and family” round of asking for sponsorship.
Sending the email: Third, once you have your list, below is an example of how you can position the “ask” for sponsorship. The purpose of this email is to see who replies and says, “Hey, I’d like to introduce you to a few people I work with who I think would be interested. Are you and your team free next week for a meeting?” Start to talk to your list of potential sponsors and let them know that you are starting to formalize your partners for the next year and want to extend them an opportunity to be involved. Below is an example of how you could position this via email:
"Hi Friends!
Hope the year has been going well for you. I am excited for the upcoming year as well as many new community projects I am planning for the Olympic season. With that said, I am beginning to lineup my potential brand sponsors who I will be partnering with on these projects during and after my Olympic journey.
If you have time and are interested, I'd love to setup a call in the coming week or two and share more of what my team has planned for sponsorship packages. We would love to find a way to make you part of my team this year and beyond.
Let me know and we can get something in the calendar soon. Appreciate your support - thank you!
Athlete Name"
