This is the time of year when it seems like every organization is having a golf tournament for one cause or another. Of course, every golf tournament – and every golf course – is looking for sponsors. Have you ever been a sponsor?
If your potential customers are golfing in the tournament, you should be a sponsor. As always, if you are going to do it, you should do it right. The rule of thumb: treat it like a trade show, and the golfers are the trade show attendees.
Here are some things to keep in mind before you head for the golf course:
- Make sure you and your signage are weather proof.
- Have something at your hole that will help people remember you.
- Hand out samples of your product – if you can. Don’t waste money on chips or candy.
- Give away promotional items with your company logo – if you can.
- Keep it fun; it really isn’t a business setting.
- Take something to provide you with some shade.
- Always get up and greet the golfers like they are coming into your business.
Here are some things NOT to do:
- Don’t hide in your display, come out and greet people.
- Stay off your phone.
- Don’t give away alcohol (unless you work for a brewery or winery)
- Keep it light; don’t go into a sales pitch. You can always follow up with interested people after the tournament.
If you are going to sponsor a tournament, make sure the golfers are your target market. This actually holds true for anything you sponsor. Otherwise, you are wasting your time and resources.