Here's a way to make some money....

Red Kaiser

12 years ago

Thanks for the share Brian! Just one of those things to add to our ever growing arsenal on client acquisition.

Thanks

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Aaron Doud

12 years ago

How has this worked out for you?

I just picture the organizations wanting money from you. So you would be 30% off plus have that extra cost. All to get some leads?

You could do the same thing without the costs involved by targeting the sponsors and cold calling like normal.

30% off is nice but you still have to sell me on how your service will help me and if you can do that normally and get 100% of what you charge why wouldn't you just do that.

Save the percents off for when you need to close a client who is a hard close. 30% off the first year when paid in advance can really get someone on board who you can tell wants to buy but price and risk is holding them back.

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Aaron Doud - Sales & Success

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Brian Boyd

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Aaron Doud

How has this worked out for you?

I just picture the organizations wanting money from you. So you would be 30% off plus have that extra cost. All to get some leads?

You could do the same thing without the costs involved by targeting the sponsors and cold calling like normal.

30% off is nice but you still have to sell me on how your service will help me and if you can do that normally and get 100% of what you charge why wouldn't you just do that.

Save the percents off for when you need to close a client who is a hard close. 30% off the first year when paid in advance can really get someone on board who you can tell wants to buy but price and risk is holding them back.

You're right- once you offer 30% (or so) upfront that leaves you nothing in the case of a hard close.

Doing this might get you no new clients, it might get you one or two or whatever...I do it because nobody else in my area does- it gets my foot in the door and allows me to introduce myself to other small business owners in my area. I really believe in networking and keeping relationships alive...They might say no now but yes in the future- especially after they get to know me a little.

It's just a different approach to lead gen/client acquisition..

Brian

Thanks

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sandalwood

12 years ago

Brian,

In part you said:

Go to your local organizations that oversee these teams (little league baseball organization or the high school athletic department, etc.) and tell them you want to make things sweeter for their sponsors- you will ADD MORE VALUE to becoming a sponsor...For example, you will provide your services to all sponsors of little league teams for 30% off (or something like that)...

What's in it for these organizations. They already have a ton of people who will sponsor their events. You come along and offer absolutely no money and they are supposed to accept your offer? I don't see how. To them it will probably look like a cheap attempt at getting leads by using them.

Let's face facts. They don't know you from Adam's house cat but you are asking them to give you a recommendation because you are offering a discount. Why would they care that you are offering a discount? It is their reputation on the line and if you prove to be a flake, oops!

I'm lost with this line of thinking. Can you explain it a little better?

Tom

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Brian Boyd

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by sandalwood

Brian,

In part you said:

Go to your local organizations that oversee these teams (little league baseball organization or the high school athletic department, etc.) and tell them you want to make things sweeter for their sponsors- you will ADD MORE VALUE to becoming a sponsor...For example, you will provide your services to all sponsors of little league teams for 30% off (or something like that)...

What's in it for these organizations. They already have a ton of people who will sponsor their events. You come along and offer absolutely no money and they are supposed to accept your offer? I don't see how. To them it will probably look like a cheap attempt at getting leads by using them.

Let's face facts. They don't know you from Adam's house cat but you are asking them to give you a recommendation because you are offering a discount. Why would they care that you are offering a discount? It is their reputation on the line and if you prove to be a flake, oops!

I'm lost with this line of thinking. Can you explain it a little better?

Tom

Tom-

I like to do things that nobody else is doing...It works for me.

You are assuming that "they already have a ton of people who will sponsor their events" - not true at all, at least where I live...My offer provides additional incentive for people to become sponsors....That's why they care.

However, I see your point...Good thing I'm not a flake

And it probably also doesn't hurt that I have good reputation and know a lot of people where I live. The key for me was to get in on the ground level with like minded businesses that were trying to improve their brand and grow their business...As they grew so did I.

Brian

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Alex Makarski

12 years ago

All sports team need more sponsors. If you can create a package that helps them get more sponsors, you'll be welcome there. Not sure if 30% off is going to be palatable enough though because they have no gauge to measure the value of what you do anyway. If you could throw in some freebies and show them that by sponsoring a team they get so much more back, you'll probably get better traction.

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Brian Boyd

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Alex Makarski

All sports team need more sponsors. If you can create a package that helps them get more sponsors, you'll be welcome there. Not sure if 30% off is going to be palatable enough though because they have no gauge to measure the value of what you do anyway. If you could throw in some freebies and show them that by sponsoring a team they get so much more back, you'll probably get better traction.

Totally agree- more sponsors are always welcome so anyone that can help make sponsorship more appealing is worth their weight in gold...I've actually been on both sides of this because before I started my marketing biz I was employed in college athletics (this is where I got the idea initially

)

Anyway, some great services that you can add on in addition to a discount are things like a few free blog posts or free graphics that they can use (if you offer internet marketing services)...These are just small things that add additional value.

Brian

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Marketinc Solutions 12 years ago

You will have to adjust your approach.

Did I read it correctly, "approach non-profits, get donor/sponsor list, directly solicit to them"....???

As a former Vice President of a 50 Year Old Youth Sports League I dont know if I can agree with this approach. Even if you get involved with the organization, obtain the list on your own and then start soliciting - still don't really agree (but I understand that's a gray area, which I have used before and it does work)

Great idea though and if your intention is to actually help the organization while also gaining some potential leads, then go for it!!! offer the services for FREE to the organization in return for ad space or other opportunities.
- Thanks
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sandalwood

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Brian Boyd

Tom-

I like to do things that nobody else is doing...It works for me.

You are assuming that "they already have a ton of people who will sponsor their events" - not true at all, at least where I live...My offer provides additional incentive for people to become sponsors....That's why they care.

However, I see your point...Good thing I'm not a flake

And it probably also doesn't hurt that I have good reputation and know a lot of people where I live. The key for me was to get in on the ground level with like minded businesses that were trying to improve their brand and grow their business...As they grew so did I.

Brian

Brian,

Glad it is working out for you. The part about not being a flake, IMHO, seems to be what sets you apart. Your rep is everything and even YELP can't take that away in your local community

.

Good luck and I hope you make a bundle.

Tom

Thanks

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abinjoy

Banned 12 years ago

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mnall01

12 years ago

I can see there being some value in this strategy as a foot in the door. The pitch becomes even easier I would think. When approaching the sponsors, you have some common ground. You both are working to help the school/sports team/ other non-profit. People like to deal with people who have common interests and goals. If for nothing else, this would be a good spin to get the conversation started.