Three Publicity Hounds have suggestions for Darcie Harris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma who wnats to know how to seek paid sponsors for her ezine. It is geared toward women business owners and executives. She wants help on things such as pricing and how to contact potential corporate sponsors.
From Vic Cherikoff of Kingsgrove, Australia:
“I am continuously approaching sponsors to join my Australian cooking show, Dining Downunder, and I have learned a few things I am willing to share:
“Firstly, there needs to be a shift from the terminology of sponsor to partner company. The first carries the stigma of cost center and money at risk, whereas the second implies shared outcomes, wise investment and mutual effort towards a common goal.
“You need to under-promise dramatically and then over-deliver hugely. However, in under-promising, it is important to clarify exactly what partner companies can expect and when goals are achieved to tell them exactly what has been gained. Then the over-delivery is measured over and above the line and fully appreciated.
“I use the metaphor with my offer of showcasing Australian products to the world as though my partner companies are gaining a virtual marketing and promotions department, not only fulfilling brand building activities in a target market but on the lookout for new opportunities and exposure for their brand.”
From Maya Sunpongco of Chula Vista, California:
“Dottie Walters who wrote SPEAK AND GROWTH RICH also created an audio program called, COMMERCIAL SPONSORS: LEARN TO FIND, PLEASE AND KEEP THEM.
And then there’s Kim Skildum-Reid who has written, THE SPONSOR’S TOOLKIT and “THE SPONSORSHIP SEEKER’S TOOLKIT – 2nd Ed”
From Jamar Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska:
“Prepare for a lot of administrative application work and budget issues that you will run up against because most companies will tell you that they set company budgets the previous year for marketing or sponsorship. So don’t expect to just walk in and get a check, unless you will be delivering nationwide primetime exposure in exchange for the company’s sponsorship of the event, newsletter, etc. Hit the library and check out some books on getting corporate sponsors. You can raise the sponsorship funds if you are committed and prepared.
The Publicity Hound says: Unless you have a big, targeted list, attracting a corporate sponsor might be difficult. If you want to generate revenue from your ezine, start creating information products around your area of expertise and sell them through your ezine, like I do. Some products can be created in just a few hours. And digital products require no up-front investment. Every penny you make is pure profit.