SIX months into your sponsorship, where are you REALLY at?

Is your sponsorship relationship working as well as it could be?

It’s great to be supported by a brand or business but how well is the sponsorship working now that the dust has settled and the initial flurry of activity has ended?

Take our Rider’s QUIZ to find out… and be honest!

B. I’m tagging my sponsors in all my posts so that they can see I’m active.

A. I’ve promised to deliver 2 to 3 pieces of social media content per month but it’s not really happened.

C. I’ve learned so much more about the company and have actually bought more products from them!

A. What with riding, managing horses and my day job – I just haven’t had the time to do anything much.

B. I’ve not heard anything from my sponsors since we agreed the sponsorship. I’m not sure if they are happy with what I’ve been doing for them.

B. I’ve introduced 3 new customers to buy their products but I’m not sure my sponsor knows this.

B. I’m out competing most weekends wearing my sponsors branded gear.

A. I’m just not sure what more I should be doing at this stage?

B. I’ve grown my own followers since promoting their brand and my audience is really engaged.

A. I’ve run out of creative ideas for content – I mean, how many times can you shout about one product?!

C. I’ve shared my personal discount code which resulted in a bunch of new orders.

B. I’ve been approached by other brands who have seen the content that I’m putting out to support my sponsor.

A. The product isn’t really what I expected, it’s just not working for me.

B. I can’t keep up with all the social media trends and any content I’m producing is taking me ages!!

B. I’ve lost confidence in promoting the brand. I’ve seen more riders being sponsored by the brand who are doing a far better job than me.

C. They are being so supportive of me and I’m excited about this season ahead.

C. We’ve been planning how we are going to work together more this year to promote the brand.

B. My horse has been injured and I’m not riding at the moment. So, there’s not much I can do to promote the brand for now.

C. I’m super proud to be supporting the brand and have been asked about their products from lots of my friends and followers.

B. I feel that I’ve done enough, the value of the products given to me doesn’t really warrant me doing much more.

A. No one from the company has been in touch to ask me to do anything for them since we agreed the sponsorship 6 months ago!

C. Love the product, love the brand and love working with the company!

C. I’ve used this opportunity to collaborate on a campaign with another sponsor of mine and they are delighted.

C. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the brand more and feel much more confident in promoting their brand now.

C. I’ve been asked to create more content and work together more this year which has resulted in me going from brand ambassador to a supported sponsored rider.

A. It was fine to start with but I need help now!

Check your Results!

Mostly A’s – You’ve done a great job in securing sponsorship but it’s unlikely to continue if you are unable to meet your obligations. If you’re struggling to keep up with social media – reach out for some help. Keep in touch with your sponsors directly and make it personal. Pick up where you started! There’s lots of ways to show that you are supporting your sponsors check out – 55 ways to support your sponsors.

Mostly B’s – It sounds like you are doing a good job but your relationship needs nurturing. When was the last time you emailed or called your sponsors to let them know what you’ve been up to or share your plans for the season. Find out the best way to keep in touch and be proactive, whether that’s a regular email, direct message, or a phone call. It’s not enough to just tag your sponsors in your social media posts whatever your level of riding. Take a look at The Equestrian Rider’s Social Media Content Planner filled with lots of tips and prompts to help you plan your social media for 365 days!

Mostly C’s – Your relationship is working well and it sounds like you’re a great ambassador for the brand. Bear in mind that if you’re situation changes and your value as a sponsored rider increases that it may be a good time to chat about increasing the value of your sponsorship and working together more. If you’re lucky enough to be supported by multiple brands, why not set up some collaborations this year?

Finally,

The best sponsorship relationships are those that put in the time to keep in touch and that works both ways! Don’t sit around waiting for the other party to get in touch – make it happen!

Whether you are an equestrian business or a rider, if you need help managing your sponsorship relationships to get the value you deserve, get in touch and ask me how.