Succeeding With Sponsorships

• Sponsors re-evaluate their budgets every six months, so you should as well.
• Maintain a running list of potential sponsors, and keep a file on them. Share this information with your board and contacts. Next on everyone’s sponsorship target list: BP — think Philip Morris and Altria post tobacco lawsuits.
• Keep up-to-date with new changes in IRS regulations regarding sponsorship contributions, and document everything.
• Be sure to share your wins beyond your boardroom; you never know where your next sponsorship lead will come from.
• Many consultants in sponsorship offer free consultations to evaluate your current approach and offer new suggestions.
• Consider attending IEG's annual conference each March for those looking for substantial multilevel or multiyear sponsorships.

Sponsorship is not a science — it’s a craft, and you have to be prepared to not take “no” for an answer. Get out there, leverage your mission and create your own success.