Corporate Sponsorship

There are plenty of businesses out there who would love the kind of exposure Dragon Boating can give them, but they might not have the means to put together their own team. If you think you're team would love to represent a company on the water (and get some fees paid in return) then put together a proposal and start approaching people. Here are some tips that could help you reach your goal:

• Look for companies that are a good fit with your team, for example if your team love getting together for a few drinks, apporach your favourite bar; or look at the businesses the people in your team work for and find out if any of them are interested;
• Know what you want from the business and what you can give them in return, BEFORE you apporach them. It's a good idea to write it all down so they can see it itemised;
• Don't just turn up in people's workplaces to discuss money without making an appointment, and remember presentation is everything!
• Be passionate. You love this sport and you're willing to work hard to keep paddling. Share your enthusiasm with them - it's one of your strongest sales techniques.
• Don't ask for too much - you don't want to get greedy and ask for too much, they might not want to sign up to sponsor you for another year if you do this.
• And finally, represent your sponsor with pride and professionalism. You're not just going out there as a Dragon Boat team now, you're presenting someone elses business too: so do it well!