If you're gearing up for your first sponsor meeting and feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, you’re not alone. The latest episode of the Sponsorship Warehouse Podcast is like a friendly guide through this crucial step. Ali and Kari, with their combined 20+ years in the sponsorship world, share their tips on how to ace that initial meeting with a potential sponsor.
Read through a summary of our top tips below:
Get Ready to Shine
So, you’ve got a meeting with a potential sponsor—awesome! But before you dive in, a little prep goes a long way. You want to come across as polished and professional, so spend some time researching the company’s recent news and goals. Tailoring your pitch to fit their current focus makes you look like you’ve done your homework. Don’t forget to revisit your initial outreach to remind yourself of the key points that caught their attention. And be ready to pivot your pitch based on their responses; some meetings will dive into the details, while others might zoom in on the budget.
Make a Real Connection
Even in a virtual world, building a personal connection is still key. Start off by showing genuine interest in the sponsor’s work. Maybe mention a recent project they’ve done or ask about their current challenges. This helps set a friendly tone and shows you’re interested in working together, not just making a sale. Instead of jumping straight into your pitch, use this opportunity to understand their needs and goals better.
Roll with the Punches
Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. You might find yourself chatting with someone who isn’t the decision-maker, for example. Use this as a chance to build relationships and gather useful info for the future. And with virtual meetings now the norm, be prepared for quirky moments like calls from a paddleboard or unexpected interruptions. Staying professional and adaptable will help you navigate these new challenges with ease.
Wrap It Up Right
When it’s time to wrap up, make sure to do it with style. Summarise the main points of the discussion and outlining any next steps. This recap helps keep everyone on the same page and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks. Let them know what you’ll send next and by when—it keeps the momentum going and shows you’re organized. A follow-up thank-you email is also a nice touch to reinforce your professionalism and keep the conversation going.
Talk Money with Confidence
Discussing money can be a tricky part of the process, but handle it with transparency. Bring up the financial aspects subtly, perhaps by talking about budgeting cycles and financial planning. Setting clear expectations early on helps prevent any surprises down the road.
The first sponsor meeting is your chance to start building a great partnership. With a bit of prep, a personal touch, and a knack for handling surprises, you’ll set the stage for a successful collaboration.
If you're ready to explore how we at b2b can help you develop and launch successful sponsorships, or if want to learn more about our training and mentoring, get in touch at hello@thesponsorshiptoolkit.com, for a free 15 minute consultation with one of our experts.
You can also listen to the full episode on YouTube below:
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