If I was a Sponsor

Posted on May 15th, 2009 by tim bursch. Filed under business, ideas.

I like being involved in sports with my kids. I get to spend time with them and help a group of kids learn some good life stuff.

So, what’s the deal with team sponsors? My experience has been that they make a donation to the League, get their name on the uniforms, and then take a picture with the team at the end of the season. End of story. So, have you ever visited Jimmy’s Barber Shop because you saw the name on the back of a jersey? Me neither. So what’s the point of sponsors then?

If I was a sponsor:
- I would write out the mandatory check and get my name on their stuff.
- I would ask to meet the coaches and ask what they need help with.
- I’d show up. Be at some practices and games.
- I’d buy a big water jug for the team. Kids always forget water bottles. Why not help with the basics?
- Bring treats for the kids and parents one night.
- Ask permission to take pictures or hire a photographer for the team. Make a slide show for them.
- Help throw the end-of-season party at your business. Make it memorable.
- Give out valuable coupons at the end of the season.

Yes this would cost some money and time. And the audience is only 12-15 families. But then they tell their friends. Someone emails the coupon to a friend. You get the point.

What if this happened with more sponsorships? I think a small business could sponsor a few teams a year but why not start with just one, spend less than the last ad you used that didn’t work, AND become a new fan or create a new one. Now, why am I not doing this? Good question.

What would you add?

Image Credit: Photo2217

Suzanne Sergis

Excellent idea. It's the kind of small, homegrown idea that we sometimes don't think of when looking for bigger and better ideas. It's also the kind that do work, in the people sense. We accumulate many online/virtual relationships but it's the face to face, local person to local person ones that bring us back to simpler times.