Sponsorships Lead Small Businesses to Solutions for Success

In challenging economic times, it’s more important than ever to get your company in front of perspective clients. Unfortunately, advertising can be expensive and doesn’t necessarily help you stand out from the crowd. So how can you get noticed by an active audience likely to purchase what you’re selling?

It’s time to get creative. It’s time to try sponsorships.

If you think sponsoring a program or an event is reserved for big companies, think again. An increasing number of small businesses are using sponsorships to get big results. Many organizations, such as Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), have sponsorship opportunities especially tailored to small business needs.

Of all the marketing techniques available to businesses, sponsorships are one of the most under-utilized. It’s an effective way to get noticed in the business community and even target specific industries or companies. Selling IT services? Consider sponsoring a recognition luncheon for fast-growth companies. Developing a new environmental product? Sponsor an event focused on helping companies go green. Own a retail outlet? How about sponsoring a cocktail reception or a networking event?

One of the prime benefits of sponsorships is they can be customized to fit your company’s needs – and get your message out to an engaged audience. Consider the benefits that can be included in your package:

• Speaking Opportunities. Share with the audience information about your company and product. With hundreds of eyes glued to you at a podium, it’s a powerful way to deliver your message.
• Branding and Signage. Your company’s logo is included on marketing materials sent to hundreds of prospective attendees and is one of the first and most prominent signs participants see when entering the event. Often, you can also distribute materials or set up a table with information about your company – talk about product placement!
• Recognition. Event leaders take the time to publicly recognize your company and to thank you for your commitment to quality programming.
• Cross Promotions and More. Sponsorships lend themselves to a range of creative partnerships between your company and their organization. Ask the organization to find the right solutions to meet your business needs.

Sponsorships deliver a quality audience that’s hard to find in other marketing areas. GLI events attract business leaders and office decision-makers from a variety of industries. The audience is focused and interested in what the business has to offer. They attend events to learn and network, putting them in the right mindset to discover your product.

Sponsorships can help small businesses find solutions and target your audience in a manner and method that leads to success; so invest a few minutes of your time to learn about the possibilities. With marketing dollars scarce in the current economy, sponsorships are one of the best returns on investment you’ll make this year.