Colin Quinn’s Post

How many sponsorship deals are still done with no real strategic foundation behind them? The deals where the brand perhaps hasn't been involved in sport before, and gets a little bit carried away when a rights-holder approaches them with something that looks exciting and "too good to turn down" ? I won't name them but a few years ago I was working on general marketing and comms with a global drinks brand, which was doing very well. Out of nowhere, a very famous Premier League football club managed to pitch a partnership deal to the marketing director, and without a whole lot of thought going into it, they signed on the dotted line. We all tried to make the best of it with some hasty retro-fitting of a positioning for the partnership and an activation plan, but it was pretty obviously not a great fit for the brand, wasn't embraced internationally and didn't get renewed. It basically became an expensive and poorly targeted media buy. In contrast, I've worked with brands that decide to invest the time up front to really work out what they want to achieve from sponsorship, before they even look at any specific opportunities: - What problem are we trying to solve? - What audience are we trying to reach? - How does this audience interact with sport? - What elements of our brand do we want to reinforce? By investigating these questions (especially if your brand is new to sponsorship) we can create a solid framework for identifying the kind of properties and activation strategies that are going to be a good fit, rather than just randomly reacting to the next proposal that lands in the inbox.

Fantastic read by Jenna Martindale that helps show the power of sports in advertising. Media plays a big part in helping brands connect with their audience (indirectly or directly), and what better way to do it than by putting yourself in the heart of what makes us all sit around the TV, listen by the radio, or read up on the papers to know how "our team" is doing? If you're a business owner looking to grow your brand, don't skip out on this one.

I really appreciate this article and the challenges they highlight around sponsorships. Sponsorships can be valuable, but realizing their full potential is often a challenge. Whether it's a national brand or a local business, leveraging sponsorships across all marketing channels—especially through paid and organic social campaigns—extends reach and impact. Promoting events and partnerships across multiple channels maximizes exposure and brand alignment. Don’t just stop at the event itself—ensure your sponsorship thrives across all your touchpoints to drive continued awareness and goodwill. https://lnkd.in/gbhzCdKM

Sports sponsorship can be a secret weapon for brand growth. 10 ways it helps: 1. Boosts Brand Awareness Sponsorship puts your brand in front of millions. • Your logo on team jerseys • Ads during game broadcasts • Social media impressions Visibility leads to recognition. 2. Enhances Brand Image Aligning with sports teams boosts your brand's image. • Fans associate your brand with their favorite team • Positive emotions from sports transfer to your brand • Builds trust and credibility A strong image attracts loyal customers. 3. Engages Target Audience Sports fans are passionate and engaged. • Interactive fan zones • Exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access • Contests and giveaways Engagement builds a strong connection with your audience. 4. Drives Sales Sponsorship can directly boost sales. • Special offers for fans • In-stadium promotions • Online store tie-ins Fans love to support brands that support their team. 5. Provides Networking Opportunities Sponsorship opens doors to valuable connections. • Meet industry leaders at events • Partner with other sponsors • Collaborate with athletes and influencers Networking leads to new business opportunities. 6. Increases Media Exposure Sports events attract massive media coverage. • Your brand featured in news articles • Mentions in sports blogs and podcasts • TV and radio shout-outs Media exposure amplifies your reach. 7. Generates Content Sponsorship provides endless content opportunities. • Behind-the-scenes videos • Interviews with athletes • Game highlights and recaps Content keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. 8. Builds Community Sponsorship helps build a community around your brand. • Fan meet-and-greets • Community events and activities • Support for local sports programs A strong community fosters brand loyalty. 9. Enhances Employee Morale Sponsorship boosts employee pride and morale. • Company tickets to games • Employee participation in events • Team-building activities with sports themes Happy employees are productive employees. 10. Delivers ROI Sponsorship delivers a strong return on investment. • Increased brand awareness and sales • Enhanced brand image and loyalty • Valuable business connections Investing in sports sponsorship pays off big time. Ready to elevate your brand? Let’s explore how a partnership with the Minnesota Timberwolves can drive your business growth and deepen your connection with fans. jenna.martindale@timberwolves.com #sportssponsorship #sportspartnership #branding #marketing #brandawareness #sportsactivation

Securing a title sponsorship in the sports industry involves several key steps: 1. Identify Potential Partners: Research companies that may be interested in aligning their brand with your sport or event. Look for companies that share a similar target market and branding objectives. 2. Craft a Compelling Proposal: Develop a comprehensive sponsorship proposal outlining the benefits and exposure the sponsor will receive. Highlight the unique selling points of your sport or event, such as audience demographics, reach, and engagement opportunities. 3. Offer Customization: Provide flexibility for potential sponsors to tailor their sponsorship package to meet their specific marketing goals. This may include branding opportunities, activation possibilities, and exclusivity rights. 4. Showcase Value: Clearly communicate the return on investment for sponsors, including metrics such as brand visibility, media exposure, audience engagement, and lead generation. 5. Negotiate Win-Win Agreements: Work closely with potential sponsors to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements that meet their marketing objectives while providing value for your sport or event. 6. Deliver on Promises: Once a sponsorship agreement is in place, ensure that all agreed-upon benefits are delivered as promised. Maintain clear communication with sponsors throughout the partnership. By following these steps and demonstrating the value of your sport or event as a sponsorship opportunity, you can increase your chances of securing a title sponsor in the sports industry.

This BizBash article perfectly captures the essence of why outdoor activations are a golden opportunity to connect with audiences. Here's why summer sponsorships reign supreme: Captivated Crowds: People are naturally drawn outdoors in the summer, creating a prime opportunity to engage a wider audience. Festivals, fairs, and sporting events provide the ideal launchpad for your brand to shine. Searing Brand Impressions: Sunny days often translate to lasting memories. Interactive sponsorships that spark joy and connection become unforgettable brand associations. Larger-than-Life Engagement: Outdoor spaces allow for expansive activations that can't be contained indoors. Think big, bold experiences that truly immerse potential customers in your brand story. Ready to take your brand to the next level this summer? Let's chat about how Tandem Partnerships can help you craft the perfect outdoor sponsorship activation to connect, engage, and leave a lasting impression on your target audience. Email us now at info@tandempartnerships.com #SummerMarketing #ExperientialMarketing #BrandActivation

❗ ❗ The sports sponsorship industry has a BIG problem ❗ ❗ I recently spoke to a Marketing Director at a global brand. Over the last 12 months, they received an estimated 500 sales proposals. Delivered cold, and in most cases, with no tailored data-driven reason to speak. There could be some hidden gems in this huge pile of options, but they simply don't have the time to analyse them all. The industry is in huge need of a centralisation in decision-making, rather than a sales heavy flood from rights-holder to brand side. Leaving too many match-up's to chance, gut feel, or chairpersons whim. It's MADNESS 🤯 Millions of dollars are wasted in time and resource on the sales side, with a mountain of clutter created on the brand side. 🤦♂️ But why is the sponsorship industry still rooted in an approach that provides minimal opportunity for brands to find the right opportunity for their EXACT needs? Why are developments in the data and tech space focussing on identifying sales signals rather than insights to back up WHY the brand are a right fit from a marketing perspective? If you are a brand looking at sponsorship - keep your analysis focussed on what matters to YOU. 👍 YOUR target audience, rather than a fanbase. 👍 YOUR marketing objectives. 👍 YOUR key marketing touchpoints. 👍 YOUR brand values. 👍 YOUR budget. After all, this how marketing spend is planned in every other vertical. 💡And now for the signs of positive change💡 I am thrilled to see brands benefitting from a fresh approach - using Luscid insight to bring reason and logic to their sponsorship planning 👏 👏 I am proud of the forward-thinking and progressive agency partners harnessing our technology to deliver a truly agnostic and centralised approach for their clients 👏 👏 I am inspired by the rights-holders taking a strategic approach with us, in exchange for a spray and pray one 👏 👏 Come on everyone. We MUST do better. We CAN do better 💪 Does any of this sound familiar? Let's chat 📞 #sponsorship #sportssponsorship #sportsandentertainment #partnerships #sportsmarketing #adtech #sponsorshipinsight #sponsorshipresearch

🌟 Unlock Your Brand’s Potential with Our Sponsorship Management Services 🌟 Are you looking to take your brand to new heights? Partner with us for exclusive sponsorship opportunities across a wide range of high-profile events, both locally and nationally! We specialize in sponsorship management services, connecting brands like yours to carefully curated events, festivals, and conferences that align with your values and business goals. Whether you're an individual sponsor or representing a corporate entity, we’ve got tailored solutions that maximize your exposure and impact. 🔹 Why Partner with Us? By registering your company or personal brand with our network, you gain access to: ✅ Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities at upcoming events across multiple industries ✅ Customized Marketing & Branding Solutions to ensure you stand out ✅ End-to-End Sponsorship Management, from planning and activation to post-event analysis ✅ Premium Networking Access with decision-makers, influencers, and key stakeholders ✅ Future-Focused Growth with early access to exciting events and future collaborations 📅 We work with a wide range of events across different sectors—whether it’s cultural, sports, corporate, or community-driven festivals. Our goal is to ensure your brand achieves its maximum potential, while fostering long-term relationships within our growing network of sponsors. 🔗 Get Started Today! Register your company or personal brand with our sponsorship network and start making a difference at the events that matter. 📩 DM or contact us at 360acbs@gmail.com for more information. Let’s work together to create unforgettable experiences and elevate your brand visibility! #SponsorshipOpportunities #BrandVisibility #CorporateSponsorship #EventSponsorship #FutureGrowth #MarketingSolutions #SponsorshipManagement #Networking #BusinessOpportunities #360acbs

🚨 Attention Brands with Sponsorships 🚨 Do you know if your sponsorships are truly working? 🤔 - Are you meeting your goals and KPIs? - Should you cut some partnerships or double down on others? - Are you speaking to the right audience? - Are your activations resonating, or could they be more effective? At WickedThink Marketing, we specialize in evaluating sponsorships across properties, teams, and individual athletes. With decades of experience in brand marketing and sponsorship management, we can help you uncover what’s working, what’s not, and where the untapped potential lies. 🎁 I’m looking for one brand in the endurance space to provide a FREE sponsorship review/analysis—no strings attached. (Seriously) Here’s what you’ll get: (plus lots more) ✅ A deep dive into your sponsorship portfolio. ✅ Recommendations on where to cut, improve, or expand partnerships. ✅ An evaluation of your activations to ensure maximum impact. ✅ Insights into reaching and engaging the right audience. I’m offering this because I’ve been in your shoes—managing multiple sponsorships, balancing limited budgets, and fielding endless proposals. It’s overwhelming, and hiring an agency to help often feels out of reach. This is my way of paying it forward. My goal? To leave you with actionable takeaways that help you make better decisions, streamline your strategy, and maybe even position you as the rockstar in the boardroom. Let’s work together to make your sponsorships truly deliver. 🚀 If you're interested, please send me an email at keith.meyer@wickedthink.com or DM me here and i'll do my best to be fair in choosing who gets the freebie. #Marketing #Sponsorship #BrandStrategy #SportsMarketing #WickedThinkMarketing

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞? As a marketing manager, I understand that companies today need more than visibility; they need engagement and real connection with their audiences. Which is why I focus on partnering with drivers who go beyond simply displaying logos. They create meaningful relationships with their audience and the brands they represent. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭: 𝟏. 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 These drivers are actively involved in their partnerships by creating content, engaging with fans in activations, and working to showcase brands in a genuine way. 𝟐. 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 The series and events they compete in aren’t limited to small, local tracks —they bring in 5,000 to 50,000+ engaged fans per event in-person and close to 1 MILLION in online viewership. 𝟑. 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Every driver I work with has a unique background that connects with fans on a personal level. Their stories resonate, and when they align with a brand, that connection extends to their followers. This authenticity drives higher engagement for the brands they partner with. 𝟒. 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 No tiered sponsorship packages! Our focus is on creating partnerships tailored to your goals. Whether it’s through in-kind product support or leveraging your marketing budget to its fullest, we’re committed to building partnerships that deliver results. With opportunities ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, you don’t need a massive budget to see a substantial return on your investment. If you’re looking for a sponsorship that goes beyond standard logo placement and delivers real, measurable value, let’s connect.📩 I’d be happy to explore how we can work together to meet your marketing goals.