1ns and 2s with DJ-Sticha - How to get endorsements or Sponsors for your band,tour,record, etc

Happy New Year, let's all start on a clean slate,silungise la esabhayiza khona last year.In my line of business(music)I've made some stupid mistakes, reckless decisions and some great moves,all in all it was a way of learning manje sekuphuma kimi not to repeat similar mistakes again.
Into engayifunda kakhulu yikuthi uma kunento ethile ongayazi,the best thing to do is to "ASK".

While conducting music business industry panels across the country,I'm often asked one question more than anything else:"How do I get an endorsement?"Other variations include"How do I get a sponsor?" or "How do I get free stuff?"

My philosophy is that if this is your point of view,you're probably already doomed.Sponsors (whether music instrument companies,beer, or clothes, etc.) don't care about what they can do for you.They care about what you can do for them – or rather,what you can do together.So to begin with,you have to switch the mentality from "What can I gain from this?" to "What can we gain from this relationship?" Below are a few things that I recommend in your approach:

Ask, straight up: There's a saying that "the answer is always no until you ask. "In the music industry,there are three kinds of people:those who make things happen, those who wait for things to happen,and those who wonder "what the heck just happened?" Don't wait for an opportunity. Create it by initiating contact,networking,or asking the right questions that will get you a lead, information on how to get a sponsor,etc.Don't be afraid in emailing,calling,or scheduling an appointment to do an in-person presentation on why they should sponsor you.

The Approach: Find a way to be unique,succinct,and intriguing with your initial contact.So why should they pick you or your band out of all of the others? Focus on the company, not yourselves. Offer a new target audience that they weren't reaching, have a unique angle to your music and branding,and they would benefit from working with you. Find a way to explain why you are the "first, the only, the original" of what you do.

Offer an Idea (or 3): Offer an idea right away that the said company could benefit from or that you two could do together to bring more business for everyone.If you are adding value to them from the start,they will be more inclined to listen to you.Make everything more about "we" than just "me."

Try Untapped Industries: Getting sponsors/endorsements is like rolling a snowball: once you get started, it becomes easier and more people will start to pay attention. Often times, if the sponsor you're working with is happy they'll refer other companies to you. To get your start, try companies with less competition. For example, try local businesses that you already frequent and see if they'd be willing to do some cross-promotional marketing. Also, smaller indie music instrument companies are often untapped compared to the big brands you see at Guitar Center.

Use Existing Resources: Have everyone in your band or circle of friends create a contact list of everyone they know: where they work,what position,etc.Use those contacts as a start;their company might not be able to help but they might know someone who can.All things being equal in life,people would rather do business with their friends.

Make it a Sales Call: Treat every contact like you would a sales call because essentially that is what you are doing.Same exact method because you're selling your music, your tour, your band. If you want them to "buy" through giving your product or cash, then you have to give them a reason to. Create a list of the top 3-5 reasons why they would benefit from giving you what you're asking for. Are you providing a good return on investment for them?

Asiyibambe la for today,let's meet again on Wednesday

Asabelane ngolwazi, asikhule emculweni

OkaMpangazitha umtwana uyabonga

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