Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hilton Head Spirit
As a youth, I spent many spring breaks on Hilton Head Island so I really like the spirit and tone of this piece about the Heritage tournament and sponsorship.
New York City Opera, Rufus Wainwright and LVMH
We hear that LVMH will be the sponsor of the New York City Opera's opening gala on Thursday, November 5, 2009 with Rufus Wainwright!
New York's Performing Arts at a Crossroads, Crain's
This morning I attended the Future of New York City: New York's Performing Arts at a Crossroads conference presented by Crain's and Columbia University School of the Arts. It was extremely interesting and I have several notes that I will share in the next few days. In the meantime, here is a snippet of a breakout session, The Major Institutions: How Size Matters.
My takeaway: There is a HUGE communication gap between performing arts organizations in New York and corporations.
My takeaway: There is a HUGE communication gap between performing arts organizations in New York and corporations.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Edible Garden Tour
I know that edible garden tours aren't new, but why not create an edible garden tour across the U.S. which would include botanical gardens, local schools, local chefs, and volunteers? Actually, the pieces are already in place. It's just a matter of organizing a smart platform for the tour. Hey, think of it as the traveling "Coachella" for foodies and gardeners! Oh, and don't forget to allocate a percentage of ticket sales to go back to a nonprofit.
Here are possible revenue streams:
- Ticket sales, including VIP tickets
- Sponsorship**: Food & beverage companies, plant/seed companies, financial industry, etc
- Advertising
- Book sales
- Workshops
- Vendor fees
**According to research, "Most food gardeners are women (54 percent); 45 years of age and older (68 percent); college graduates (43 percent); live in the South (29 percent), Midwest (26 percent), West (23 percent), and Northeast (22 percent); and live in households with annual incomes of $50,000 and over (38%), married households (64%), households with no
children at home (67%), and two-person households (40%)."
Furthermore, "Households today are growing their own food for a number of reasons: for better-tasting food (58 percent), to save money on food bills (54 percent), for better quality food (51 percent), and to grow food they know is safe (48 percent). A total of 34 percent of food gardening households say that the current recession or economic downturn has motivated them to grow food this year. When asked how much it has motivated them to grow vegetables, fruit, berries, or herbs this year, they responded “very much” (14 percent) or “a fair amount” (20 percent)."
Here are possible revenue streams:
- Ticket sales, including VIP tickets
- Sponsorship**: Food & beverage companies, plant/seed companies, financial industry, etc
- Advertising
- Book sales
- Workshops
- Vendor fees
**According to research, "Most food gardeners are women (54 percent); 45 years of age and older (68 percent); college graduates (43 percent); live in the South (29 percent), Midwest (26 percent), West (23 percent), and Northeast (22 percent); and live in households with annual incomes of $50,000 and over (38%), married households (64%), households with no
children at home (67%), and two-person households (40%)."
Furthermore, "Households today are growing their own food for a number of reasons: for better-tasting food (58 percent), to save money on food bills (54 percent), for better quality food (51 percent), and to grow food they know is safe (48 percent). A total of 34 percent of food gardening households say that the current recession or economic downturn has motivated them to grow food this year. When asked how much it has motivated them to grow vegetables, fruit, berries, or herbs this year, they responded “very much” (14 percent) or “a fair amount” (20 percent)."
Disney Blogs
The Los Angeles Times reports that The Disney theme parks launched a new blog.
According to Craig Dezern who oversees the blog as vice president of public relations for Disney theme parks, readers are able to comment on posts. He is quoted as saying, “The comments section is not the cheering section.” Well said!
According to Craig Dezern who oversees the blog as vice president of public relations for Disney theme parks, readers are able to comment on posts. He is quoted as saying, “The comments section is not the cheering section.” Well said!
Tell a Gal PAL, The Allstate Foundation's Public Awareness Campaign on Domestic Violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and The Allstate Foundation just kicked-off another public awareness campaign called Tell a Gal P.A.L.®. PAL is an acronym for ‘Pass it on, Act, and Learn’. The campaign is designed to get the public speaking about domestic violence and economic abuse.
In addition, The Allstate Foundation is encouraging people to drop off nearly new women's business suits to benefit survivors from September 28 to October 9 at select Allstate locations across the country. Donated suits will be given to local domestic violence organizations and Dress for Success affiliates to outfit domestic violence survivors with confidence as they enter or re-enter the workforce.
Learn more about the campaign here on Facebook.
In addition, The Allstate Foundation is encouraging people to drop off nearly new women's business suits to benefit survivors from September 28 to October 9 at select Allstate locations across the country. Donated suits will be given to local domestic violence organizations and Dress for Success affiliates to outfit domestic violence survivors with confidence as they enter or re-enter the workforce.
Learn more about the campaign here on Facebook.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
CIGNA Partners with Water for People
CIGNA recently launched the Why Water? Game, and online trivia game which prompts users to answer health-related questions. While players learn facts about health and healthcare as they answer questions, they also help bring clean drinking water to children in developing countries.
The Why Water? Game is part of a larger educational campaign, “Learn4YourHealth,” which works to help make complicated health care information easier to understand.
This is the second year of the the campaign. Last year, trivia game participants earned more than 52,000 days of clean water for children in India, as funded by CIGNA to Water for People.
The Why Water? Game is part of a larger educational campaign, “Learn4YourHealth,” which works to help make complicated health care information easier to understand.
This is the second year of the the campaign. Last year, trivia game participants earned more than 52,000 days of clean water for children in India, as funded by CIGNA to Water for People.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Twitter and Fundraising for Nonprofits
Fast Company has a good piece on Twitter and how nonprofits are using it to raise money, create relationships and build awareness. Check it out here.
Copy This: Mornings with Monet
MoMA is offering their Corporate Members a guided one-hour tour to see Monet's Water Lilies on selected Sunday mornings. This is nothing new in the museum world however, I noticed that they are charging their Corporate Members a fee which is a smart move for several reasons. The most obvious is the money that they will bring in which may cover part of the cost of the event. The next is the perceived value of the event. When you charge a fee, it normally reduces the no-show rate, filters out the weak leads and increases attendance of those who are committed. Finally, MoMA is showing their Corporate Members that they appreciate them by offering this intimate tour and at the same time they understand the value of their offering.
Don't be afraid to charge your Corporate Members. They understand financial sustainability.
Don't be afraid to charge your Corporate Members. They understand financial sustainability.
Arts in Crisis Tour, Michael Kaiser in Wisconsin Part II
I finally got around to watching the rest of the Arts in Crisis tour with Michael Kaiser.
Before I get into my comments, I must say that the reason why I was attracted to the arts and sponsorship is because I wanted to change the way museums developed business with corporations. As for museums, the exhibition sponsorship model is broken. This has been clear for several years. Corporations and museums speak different languages and it is my goal to bridge that gap by applying the consultative selling model and creating innovate packages to achieve mutually beneficial objectives. I hope that the economic crisis will force museums to come up with new revenue models, fresh marketing campaigns and new ways to tap into corporate budgets (Other than corporate foundations).
I am a mentor for Arts in Crisis because I want to make a difference. I am frustrated with Mr. Kaiser's tour because I don't see it "assisting organizations in need" other than getting people "excited" about short term fixes that just put a band-aid over the financial problem. People who are working in the arts must realize that it is a business and excitement is not a strategy.
Now, having said that, here are my comments that focus on sponsorship, marketing and new revenue models:
* Mr. Kaiser feels that arts organizations have priced people out of the market. Because of that, they must find new revenue to continue to support their growth.
Interestingly enough, I found that it costs less to go to the Opera in Chicago than to a Bears game.
- 2009 Chicago Bears price per-game $68.00 to $350.00
- 2009 Lyric Opera of Chicago price per performance $46.00 to $207.00
By the way, I agree that new revenue must be found but how and where? Excitement is not a new revenue stream.
* Corporate support is usually available to the larger organizations because corporations are generally looking for visibility. I do agree with this and I hope that corporations will shift their thinking away from visibility which is so behind the times (I like the word passe). Savvy sponsors know that it's about achieving objectives and building business.
* It doesn't matter if you are a large or small organization. What matters is prioritization. I absolutely agree with this!
* Mr. Kaiser gave solid advice: think of two things to change about your organization over the next year, and make it happen. I like that this is simple and concrete. So often we get in over our heads because we can't prioritize and focus on key projects.
* In Mr. Kaiser's opinion, most arts organizations spend too much of their time at board meetings talking about money. To curb this, he would stop in the middle of every board meeting an have a performance of some sort. The goal was to remind the board that they are there for the mission, not to visit income statements. And that, my friends, just may be the crux of the arts being in crisis.
Before I get into my comments, I must say that the reason why I was attracted to the arts and sponsorship is because I wanted to change the way museums developed business with corporations. As for museums, the exhibition sponsorship model is broken. This has been clear for several years. Corporations and museums speak different languages and it is my goal to bridge that gap by applying the consultative selling model and creating innovate packages to achieve mutually beneficial objectives. I hope that the economic crisis will force museums to come up with new revenue models, fresh marketing campaigns and new ways to tap into corporate budgets (Other than corporate foundations).
I am a mentor for Arts in Crisis because I want to make a difference. I am frustrated with Mr. Kaiser's tour because I don't see it "assisting organizations in need" other than getting people "excited" about short term fixes that just put a band-aid over the financial problem. People who are working in the arts must realize that it is a business and excitement is not a strategy.
Now, having said that, here are my comments that focus on sponsorship, marketing and new revenue models:
* Mr. Kaiser feels that arts organizations have priced people out of the market. Because of that, they must find new revenue to continue to support their growth.
Interestingly enough, I found that it costs less to go to the Opera in Chicago than to a Bears game.
- 2009 Chicago Bears price per-game $68.00 to $350.00
- 2009 Lyric Opera of Chicago price per performance $46.00 to $207.00
By the way, I agree that new revenue must be found but how and where? Excitement is not a new revenue stream.
* Corporate support is usually available to the larger organizations because corporations are generally looking for visibility. I do agree with this and I hope that corporations will shift their thinking away from visibility which is so behind the times (I like the word passe). Savvy sponsors know that it's about achieving objectives and building business.
* It doesn't matter if you are a large or small organization. What matters is prioritization. I absolutely agree with this!
* Mr. Kaiser gave solid advice: think of two things to change about your organization over the next year, and make it happen. I like that this is simple and concrete. So often we get in over our heads because we can't prioritize and focus on key projects.
* In Mr. Kaiser's opinion, most arts organizations spend too much of their time at board meetings talking about money. To curb this, he would stop in the middle of every board meeting an have a performance of some sort. The goal was to remind the board that they are there for the mission, not to visit income statements. And that, my friends, just may be the crux of the arts being in crisis.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Museum of American Finance, How Did I Miss This?
I don't know how I missed this piece on The Museum of American Finance in The New York Times last month. Laugh, cry or sigh, it's a good read for all of us who have been impacted by the crisis. Check out “Tracking the Credit Crisis” at the museum on 48 Wall Street.
If you can't make it, order the set of five posters online from the "Tracking the Credit Crisis" exhibit.
If you can't make it, order the set of five posters online from the "Tracking the Credit Crisis" exhibit.
Big Brands
Why is it when I hear examples or case studies of established, big brands such as Coca-Cola, P&G and GE I tune out?
Cool Job Opportunity
Oh, how awesome would it be to work with the X Prize Foundation? Just look at their board!
If you are interested, they have an opening for Senior Director, Sponsor Services in Playa Vista, CA. Forgive me if I'm late and this position has already been filled.
If you are interested, they have an opening for Senior Director, Sponsor Services in Playa Vista, CA. Forgive me if I'm late and this position has already been filled.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Start Small
Many organizations start small in order to develop larger opportunities. This is an excellent strategy if you can:
1. Execute flawlessly (over deliver)
2. Constantly nurture the relationship (communicate)
3. Build trust (over deliver + communicate)
4. Identify and articulate the growth opportunities (over deliver + communicate + innovate)
1. Execute flawlessly (over deliver)
2. Constantly nurture the relationship (communicate)
3. Build trust (over deliver + communicate)
4. Identify and articulate the growth opportunities (over deliver + communicate + innovate)
Miller Lite on eBay, Bid on a Legend to Watch Football in Your Home
Miller Lite has a cool auction on eBay where fans can bid to have football legends come to their homes and watch a game with them! The best part is that all proceeds will benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
According to the site, each winning bidder receives the following:
According to the site, each winning bidder receives the following:
- Meet pro football legends! For each auction, a pair of players will show up at the winning bidder’s home to watch the game, talk football and help you taste greatness!
- The players will bring all the complimentary food and beverages anyone could ask for!
- Invite friends and family to share in your “great moment.”
The Sponsor's Speech, Seven Alternatives
How many times have you attended a sponsored event where the sponsor attempts to make a speech and the crowd ignores them? Even worse, the sponsor gets angry at the crowd and insults them.
The next time a sponsor wants to read a speech at an event, suggest alternative ways to better connect with the audience and add value to the experience.
Here are seven ideas to consider:
1. Email the sponsor's message (and thank you) the next day to attendees and those who could not attend.
2. Post pictures of the event on your site/blog/Facebook/Flicker with a message from the sponsor.
3. Highlight the sponsor and the message for a day on your site/blog/Facebook.
4. Mention the sponsor in your next letter or e-newsletter to donors.
5. Suggest that they create a brief and entertaining video to show rather than making a speech. Yes, this is an additional cost but it will engage the audience.
6. If there are gift bags, include a letter from the sponsor.
7. Ask the sponsor to post a video on YouTube and highlight it on your blog.
The next time a sponsor wants to read a speech at an event, suggest alternative ways to better connect with the audience and add value to the experience.
Here are seven ideas to consider:
1. Email the sponsor's message (and thank you) the next day to attendees and those who could not attend.
2. Post pictures of the event on your site/blog/Facebook/Flicker with a message from the sponsor.
3. Highlight the sponsor and the message for a day on your site/blog/Facebook.
4. Mention the sponsor in your next letter or e-newsletter to donors.
5. Suggest that they create a brief and entertaining video to show rather than making a speech. Yes, this is an additional cost but it will engage the audience.
6. If there are gift bags, include a letter from the sponsor.
7. Ask the sponsor to post a video on YouTube and highlight it on your blog.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sponsorship Tools
We have a plethora of tools that help us build our knowledge of sponsorship. What I think is missing is a systematic way to apply those tools.
Arts in Crisis, Michael Kaiser in Wisconsin
Yes! I finally found a video from Michael Kaiser's Arts in Crisis tour. The reason that I'm so happy about this is because I am a mentor for Arts in Crisis and I missed his appearance in New York because it was sold out.
So, Michael spoke in Wisconsin back in August. Here it is for those of you who are interested.
I only got half way though the presentation, but here are my comments so far:
- As far as I heard, there isn't a concrete solution to the crisis for arts organizations who must raise more money. As far as I'm concerned, this was a "pep talk" to get everyone excited. This isn't a bad thing, but excitement can only take organizations so far.
- His best quote was, "We are in the business to do exciting things."
- Michael also said, "What creates revenue for arts organizations is great art communicated by great marketing." Hmmm, is that a new business model?! Would that fly if I had to report quarterly results to my share holders?
- Arts organizations should plan out 4-5 years in advance.
Oh, if only that were possible for so many large and small organizations, it would make business development so much easier!
I will listen to the rest of the presentation this week. In the meantime, here are nice comments from an attendee.
Also, check out this discussion on The Chronicle of Philanthropy about new ways for arts organizations to finance their operations.
So, Michael spoke in Wisconsin back in August. Here it is for those of you who are interested.
I only got half way though the presentation, but here are my comments so far:
- As far as I heard, there isn't a concrete solution to the crisis for arts organizations who must raise more money. As far as I'm concerned, this was a "pep talk" to get everyone excited. This isn't a bad thing, but excitement can only take organizations so far.
- His best quote was, "We are in the business to do exciting things."
- Michael also said, "What creates revenue for arts organizations is great art communicated by great marketing." Hmmm, is that a new business model?! Would that fly if I had to report quarterly results to my share holders?
- Arts organizations should plan out 4-5 years in advance.
Oh, if only that were possible for so many large and small organizations, it would make business development so much easier!
I will listen to the rest of the presentation this week. In the meantime, here are nice comments from an attendee.
Also, check out this discussion on The Chronicle of Philanthropy about new ways for arts organizations to finance their operations.
Friday, September 18, 2009
McDonald's to Give Away Free Commuter Passes
Once they get the details ironed out, it sounds like McDonald's promotion of the new Angus Third Pounder burger will be a hit with their target audience:
"On Sept. 23, McDonald's is giving away free commuter passes and coupons for its new Angus Third Pounder burgers, a spokesman for the event told "Going Public."
Ben Lincoln of GolinHarris said McDonald's will be giving away about 4,000 coupons and 4,000 transit passes at 10 commuter stops in Chicagoland during the morning commute.
"On Sept. 23, McDonald's is giving away free commuter passes and coupons for its new Angus Third Pounder burgers, a spokesman for the event told "Going Public."
Ben Lincoln of GolinHarris said McDonald's will be giving away about 4,000 coupons and 4,000 transit passes at 10 commuter stops in Chicagoland during the morning commute.
Lincoln didn't know the specific stops but said the giveaways will occur at CTA and Metra stations. McDonald's will give away one-way transit passes for CTA riders, and will pay for Metra riders to go into the city, Lincoln said, but the details on the Metra fares are unclear.
Lincoln couldn't say what time Wednesday's giveaway will start and end. Similar giveaways will be occurring in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Denver and D.C.
The Angus Third Pounder is the first new burger introduction for McDonald's since 2001."
AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas
The Dallas Center for the Performing Arts closed a deal with AT&T for naming rights!
Earlier this week, The Dallas Center for the Performing Arts and AT&T "announced a naming agreement today for the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
“Our relationship with AT&T, the global leader in communications, will place us at the forefront of the performing arts world in utilizing cutting edge technology to enhance our patrons’ experiences at the Center," said Mark Nerenhausen, president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. “AT&T not only provides vital support that advances the Center’s educational, cultural and civic mission, but also frees us to focus our energies on programming, raising capital funds, building our endowment and raising funds toward programming and operations."
This comment (taken from The Dallas Morning News) by William Chipps of IEG made me laugh: "I don't see any negatives," he said. "It's not like they're aligning with Enron."
Earlier this week, The Dallas Center for the Performing Arts and AT&T "announced a naming agreement today for the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
“Our relationship with AT&T, the global leader in communications, will place us at the forefront of the performing arts world in utilizing cutting edge technology to enhance our patrons’ experiences at the Center," said Mark Nerenhausen, president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. “AT&T not only provides vital support that advances the Center’s educational, cultural and civic mission, but also frees us to focus our energies on programming, raising capital funds, building our endowment and raising funds toward programming and operations."
This comment (taken from The Dallas Morning News) by William Chipps of IEG made me laugh: "I don't see any negatives," he said. "It's not like they're aligning with Enron."
A Knife in My Wall Street Journal
I was reading The Wall Street Journal's DealBook section this evening and a knife fell out! My heart dropped. Did it get me? Who put this knife in there?
Well, it turns out that this was just a very clever ad insert to promote Quality Meats, Maloney & Porcelli and Smith & Wollensky.
I don't know who designed the knife insert, but it really is brilliant. It is a thick paper stock that is shaped exactly like a knife. The blade was pointed down so when it fell out of the paper, I thought I was going to get stabbed.
The words on the knife blade say: "Stealing business from your competitors requires killer instincts." I couldn't help but open the piece to see who was behind it. On the inside it reads: "Also, steaks. Giant steaks. The private dining rooms at Quality Meats, Maloney & Porcelli and Smith & Wollensky have seating for 3-300 guests; perfect for stealing any kind of business. Book now and you'll even get a set of steak knives to commemorate the occasion." The other side has the contact information for all three restaurants and a contact name to arrange private dining.
It's wonderful to see this sort of creativity!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Clinique, Whiter Teeth with Lipstick
I was reading the new issue of Vogue today and noticed the two-page spread from Clinique about their "specially designed lipstick colours" that "create a contrast that brightens your smile."
Wow, this is brilliant marketing. By taking shades that they already had in production, they spun the message to deliver value: a lipstick that provides color and whiter teeth.
Check out the site to see the before and after lipstick demonstration. Now, which shade to buy...
Wow, this is brilliant marketing. By taking shades that they already had in production, they spun the message to deliver value: a lipstick that provides color and whiter teeth.
Check out the site to see the before and after lipstick demonstration. Now, which shade to buy...
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
$100,000 Grant to Charity Cars
Charity Cars won the $100,000 grant as a result of the ClicktoEmpower campaign from The Allstate Foundation!
Connecting the Dots
My passion for sponsorship began when I was in San Francisco working for SeniorNet as the VP of Business Development and PR. In this capacity, I built innovative sponsorships marrying corporate and nonprofit goals for the benefit of of the end users. The model was so successful that it exceeded even the best case studies of brand loyalty such as NASCAR and the Olympics.
Why are we all still so resistant to leverage the Internet and social media to create mutual value?
Every sponsorship package should include a 360 degree experience that goes beyond the physical event, the physical exhibition, and the physical race.
Why are we all still so resistant to leverage the Internet and social media to create mutual value?
Every sponsorship package should include a 360 degree experience that goes beyond the physical event, the physical exhibition, and the physical race.
Sales, Pain
Your Success is Our Success
The key to long-term partnerships is the mindset of "your success is our success."
Contracts are very important and necessary in establishing boundaries and deliverables. However, don't use contracts to "nickel and dime" your partner. Know why? They will move on and they will remember how you handled the relationship.
It's all about collaboration to achieve certain goals together.
Contracts are very important and necessary in establishing boundaries and deliverables. However, don't use contracts to "nickel and dime" your partner. Know why? They will move on and they will remember how you handled the relationship.
It's all about collaboration to achieve certain goals together.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Reporting for Volunteer Duty
A friend of mine who is an attorney at a very highly respected international consulting firm is having his birthday in a few weeks. He decided that it would be good to give back so he contacted a local non-profit to see what they had to offer for 35-40 professional people. Guess what they came up with? Clean the basement.
I think this is a missed opportunity by the non-profit. If you have 35-40 people who are willing to donate their time on a Saturday afternoon, wouldn't you put together a project that was mutually beneficial? Maybe ask them to think of a new revenue stream, ask them to work with you to put together an outline for a case study, ask them to write a list of people that they would introduce you to, ask them to provide feedback on collateral.
Yes, we can all go and clean the basement (I hate cleaning basements), but the non-profit missed the opportunity to turn 35-40 individuals into fans, donors, connectors and potential board members.
I think this is a missed opportunity by the non-profit. If you have 35-40 people who are willing to donate their time on a Saturday afternoon, wouldn't you put together a project that was mutually beneficial? Maybe ask them to think of a new revenue stream, ask them to work with you to put together an outline for a case study, ask them to write a list of people that they would introduce you to, ask them to provide feedback on collateral.
Yes, we can all go and clean the basement (I hate cleaning basements), but the non-profit missed the opportunity to turn 35-40 individuals into fans, donors, connectors and potential board members.
Seth Godin's Post Today
Seth has a great post today about non-profits and fear of change. Check it out here.
A bit from Seth's post today:
"If you spend any time reading marketing blogs, you'll find thousands of case studies of small (and large) innovative businesses that are shaking things up and making things happen. And not enough of these stories are about non-profits."
A bit from Seth's post today:
"If you spend any time reading marketing blogs, you'll find thousands of case studies of small (and large) innovative businesses that are shaking things up and making things happen. And not enough of these stories are about non-profits."
Monday, September 14, 2009
Never Read a Blog?
Over 12 million American adults currently maintain a blog.
Do any of you have friends and/or colleagues that have never read a blog? I have several who, due to their profession, should both read AND write blogs. The reason...no time. Huh.
Do any of you have friends and/or colleagues that have never read a blog? I have several who, due to their profession, should both read AND write blogs. The reason...no time. Huh.
What Happens When You Lose? US Open
Tennis can be a very lucrative sport for the top-ranked players. The top players make money off of sponsorship deals, public appearances and prize money.
But what happens to their brand when they lose (There have been a lot of upsets at this year's US Open: Sharapova; Roddick; Safina and Federer.)?
The answer may be "nothing" if they are smart at structuring sponsorship deals. For example, Federer has a 10-year contract with Nike, in which he earns $10 million every year, plus other deals totaling nearly $28 million. Maria Sharapova earned an estimated $22 million from sponsorships in 2008.
Not bad for not always winning.
But what happens to their brand when they lose (There have been a lot of upsets at this year's US Open: Sharapova; Roddick; Safina and Federer.)?
The answer may be "nothing" if they are smart at structuring sponsorship deals. For example, Federer has a 10-year contract with Nike, in which he earns $10 million every year, plus other deals totaling nearly $28 million. Maria Sharapova earned an estimated $22 million from sponsorships in 2008.
Not bad for not always winning.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
LentSpace, In the Meantime
LentSpace is a temporary art project that creates an "in the meantime" activity for vacant sites (awaiting future development) in a downtown New York City block between Canal, Varick, Grand and Sullivan Streets.
From e-flux:
"The inaugural exhibition at LentSpace, entitled Points & Lines, on view through the end of 2009, features work by eight international artists with seven art works: Olivier Babin, Olga Chernysheva, Eli Hansen & Oscar Tuazon, Graham Hudson, Tobias Putrih, Ryan Taber, and Corban Walker. Sitting in the center of a temporarily donated development site, which in turn is open to the public during set visiting hours, Points & Lines finds itself in the precarious position of being not only a guest, but also a host. In an attempt to playfully tease out some possible implications of this dual-identity, Points & Lines presents seven art installations that each refer to different issues of boundary and demarcation."
From e-flux:
"The inaugural exhibition at LentSpace, entitled Points & Lines, on view through the end of 2009, features work by eight international artists with seven art works: Olivier Babin, Olga Chernysheva, Eli Hansen & Oscar Tuazon, Graham Hudson, Tobias Putrih, Ryan Taber, and Corban Walker. Sitting in the center of a temporarily donated development site, which in turn is open to the public during set visiting hours, Points & Lines finds itself in the precarious position of being not only a guest, but also a host. In an attempt to playfully tease out some possible implications of this dual-identity, Points & Lines presents seven art installations that each refer to different issues of boundary and demarcation."
Pop-Up Agency, RKCR/Y&R Local
I love how the London based ad agency RKCR/Y&R opened a pop-up shop "with the aim of bringing marketing and communications advice to the shop keepers and stall owners of Camden Town."
Not only is it innovative, but it is also a great way to log face time with interesting people that will hopefully result in more out of the box thinking.
Check out their blog where they post updates and talk about the neighborhood stores and local characters.
Not only is it innovative, but it is also a great way to log face time with interesting people that will hopefully result in more out of the box thinking.
Check out their blog where they post updates and talk about the neighborhood stores and local characters.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
C of BRIC
Take a look at this post on Harvard Business that talks about China's luxury consumer market. Key points include brand loyalty even in the financial crisis, and the use of the Internet to better understand luxury products.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Back in SF, a Fun Post
Ah, the good old days of the Internet boom in San Francisco! For me it was 1998 - 2003
- Everything was in "stealth mode" even on the # 6
- We all had to sign an NDA just to enter an office
- Everyone had stock options (we all know what happened there)
- Some of us partied on the rooftop
- We all paid way too much for our flats
- We all read Crossing the Chasm
- I had to have the latest issue of The Industry Standard before boarding a flight
- F*@#$d Company became an obsession
- Webvan was the best thing to come along since Kozmo.com (where I consistently ordered 1 bottle of Diet Pepsi and1 bag of Newman's Own Pretzels)
- New acronyms were created by the second
- 111 Minna
- Willie Brown (enough said)
- Red Room, Zebra Lounge, Tonga Room, La Rondalla, Enrico's, The End Up, Deborah Hampton, Venus Superstar
- Petfinder.com
- Everything was in "stealth mode" even on the # 6
- We all had to sign an NDA just to enter an office
- Everyone had stock options (we all know what happened there)
- Some of us partied on the rooftop
- We all paid way too much for our flats
- We all read Crossing the Chasm
- I had to have the latest issue of The Industry Standard before boarding a flight
- F*@#$d Company became an obsession
- Webvan was the best thing to come along since Kozmo.com (where I consistently ordered 1 bottle of Diet Pepsi and1 bag of Newman's Own Pretzels)
- New acronyms were created by the second
- 111 Minna
- Willie Brown (enough said)
- Red Room, Zebra Lounge, Tonga Room, La Rondalla, Enrico's, The End Up, Deborah Hampton, Venus Superstar
- Petfinder.com
Not Just a List of Benefits
Sponsorship is not a list of benefits. As sellers, we must be able to articulate that sponsorship is is about emotion, connection, relationship building, and an effective platform to support marketing objectives.
Finding the Next Sponsor on eBay
The English soccer team, Plymouth Argyle came up with an interesting way to sell sponsorship. They posted the opportunity to sponsor the September 27 championship match on eBay.
Here is the listing on eBay:
We are offering the fantastic opportunity to sponsor Plymouth Argyle's Championship match with Nottingham Forest at Home Park on Sunday, September 27.
The game will be shown live on SKY TV with a 1.15pm kick-off. This is a unique opportunity to get your company maximum branding exposure in front of a live national television audience in the region of 480,000 viewers (estimated TV audience based on 2008-09 season).
For this match you can benefit from brand advertising on no fewer than six perimeter advertising boards - all of which will be visible on TV.
Match-sponsorship is our most high-profile package at Home Park with hospitality for up to 24 people.
Your schedule for the day:
Here is the listing on eBay:
We are offering the fantastic opportunity to sponsor Plymouth Argyle's Championship match with Nottingham Forest at Home Park on Sunday, September 27.
The game will be shown live on SKY TV with a 1.15pm kick-off. This is a unique opportunity to get your company maximum branding exposure in front of a live national television audience in the region of 480,000 viewers (estimated TV audience based on 2008-09 season).
For this match you can benefit from brand advertising on no fewer than six perimeter advertising boards - all of which will be visible on TV.
Match-sponsorship is our most high-profile package at Home Park with hospitality for up to 24 people.
Your schedule for the day:
9.30am - Meet and greet with Champagne Reception in Argyle's famous Chisholm Lounge
10am - Stadium tour and a look behind the scenes - including the changing rooms
11am - Pre-match brunch is served
1pm - Six representatives from your party will be invited onto the pitch to form a guard of honour for the arrival of the teams - you may even be on live TV
2pm - Half-time refreshments
3pm - This is your opportunity to select your Argyle man of the match, who will be officially announced to the crowd at full-time
3.30pm - Your man of the match will be brought to you to receive their champagne and present you with a memento of the day
The match sponsorship package also includes:
Six VIP car-parking spaces
Complimentary match programmes for all the guests
A full-page programme advert
Recognition of match sponsorship on Argyle TV for five hours of match-day broadcasts on more than 50 TV's around the stadium
Your presentation photos will appear in the next match-day programme and you will receive a photographic record of your day
Inclusion in all the match coverage on Argyle's official website www.pafc.co.uk
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Update, ClicktoEmpower
Here are the results as of Tuesday of the ClicktoEmpower Campaign:
Charity Cars 45%
YWCA 41%
Safe Horizon 10%
Family Justice Centers 4%
Charity Cars 45%
YWCA 41%
Safe Horizon 10%
Family Justice Centers 4%
Platform to Differentiate
How can you provide a platform for companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors?
Available for Freelance, Project Work or Job Opportunity
I belong to several discussion groups in LinkedIn where I see a lot of people promoting their services. Recently I saw a posting for someone stating that she was a "professional available for freelance and project work or a great job opportunity."
The three options that she presents: Freelance, Project Work and Job Opportunity are so different and they send mixed messages. People (buyers) often make decisions based on identity and expertise.
I would suggest that this person establish a firm identify with a strong point of view and demonstrate her expertise through case studies and/or proof points.
The three options that she presents: Freelance, Project Work and Job Opportunity are so different and they send mixed messages. People (buyers) often make decisions based on identity and expertise.
I would suggest that this person establish a firm identify with a strong point of view and demonstrate her expertise through case studies and/or proof points.
UBS Closing Midtown Gallery, Cost Cutting
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Big Ad Gig, Entries Are In
All of the entries are in for The Big Ad Gig. Looks like they ended up with 49 videos. Check them out here.
MoMA Mixx Sponsorship, Alternative Approach
It is easy to critique and not offer alternatives. So, here is a group of questions and suggestions that may help in crafting a unique sponsorship opportunity around MoMA Mixx.
1. Answer these questions:
- Why is the series unique?
- What can you do online to extend the reach and create a 306 experience?
- Is there an opportunity for product licensing? Possibly creating a box set or capturing the music/art in some way?
2. Find out if this would be of value to your audience. If so, capture that information. A short survey on surveymonkey could be a great tool to prove to a prospect that this is something that people want. It's an effective way to show the prospect that they would add value to the customer experience. It's also a nice way for the sponsor to communicate the series to the public.
3. Put together a scenario (tell a story) as to how you think this will play out. Listing benefits doesn't help anyone to visualize the larger picture.
4. Remember, sponsorship isn't about logos, it's about interaction, involvement and engagement with the audience. Make sure you get that message across.
1. Answer these questions:
- Why is the series unique?
- What can you do online to extend the reach and create a 306 experience?
- Is there an opportunity for product licensing? Possibly creating a box set or capturing the music/art in some way?
2. Find out if this would be of value to your audience. If so, capture that information. A short survey on surveymonkey could be a great tool to prove to a prospect that this is something that people want. It's an effective way to show the prospect that they would add value to the customer experience. It's also a nice way for the sponsor to communicate the series to the public.
3. Put together a scenario (tell a story) as to how you think this will play out. Listing benefits doesn't help anyone to visualize the larger picture.
4. Remember, sponsorship isn't about logos, it's about interaction, involvement and engagement with the audience. Make sure you get that message across.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Washington Redskins Sue Fans Over Ticket Contracts
This is an excellent way to lose fans...sue them for not being able to pay for their long-term contract.
Even worse, the photo of the 73-year old grandmother crying that ran in the Washington Post because she is being sued by the Redskins.
Could you possibly come up with a better way to alienate fans?
Even worse, the photo of the 73-year old grandmother crying that ran in the Washington Post because she is being sued by the Redskins.
Could you possibly come up with a better way to alienate fans?
Land of Ah's, Speech for Harvard Business School by Buffy Filippell
"We in the sports business are creators of the dream-like moments in which we come together as one. We connect you to someone else. We are connected to each other. It doesn't matter where you start. It's the circle of life; the circle of our life."
The quotation above is taken from a speech for Harvard Business School by Buffy Filippell. It is wonderful and insightful, even if you are not in sports sponsorship.
Take a look at the entire speech here
The quotation above is taken from a speech for Harvard Business School by Buffy Filippell. It is wonderful and insightful, even if you are not in sports sponsorship.
Take a look at the entire speech here
MoMA Mixx Sponsorship Proposal
Recently I commented on MoMA Mixx and mentioned that they are looking for sponsorship for their new dance party series. I also posted several times about moving away from lists of benefits and working with prospects to craft mutually beneficial packages.
After I read the MoMA Mixx proposal for sponsorship, I decided to look at this through the eyes of a sponsor. First, here is the MoMA Mixx proposal:
"Beginning this fall, The Museum of Modern Art will be host to the premier art and music party series in New York City. MoMA MiXX, presented by The Junior Associates in association with Flavorpill, will pair major artists with world-class musicians or DJs. At each dance party, both the DJ and the artist will spin a set of music that has been influential in their lives and work—a “MoMA mix” that will be available for download on the Museum’s website. Proceeds will support exhibitions at MoMA.
WHAT: Attendees will include contemporary art lovers; people from the art, fashion, and music industries; and other young artists and professionals. Some 1,500 guests are expected for each event.
Musicians, DJs, and artists under consideration to perform include:
Marina Abramović, Laurie Anderson, Matthew Barney, Beck, Sanford Biggers, Björk, David Bowie, Tracey Emin, Brian Eno, Terence Koh, Rachel Harrison, Spike Jonze, Nate Loweman, Steve Martin, Takashi Murakami, Adam Pendleton, Lou Reed, Stefan Sagmeister, Russell Simmons, and Cindy Sherman.
WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art
WHEN: Kickoff Event: Saturday, September 26, 2009 8:00 p.m.–midnight
The inaugural year of MoMA MiXX will include two additional events, dates to be determined in late winter and spring.
OPPORTUNITY: Lead sponsor at $75,000 per year; other levels available
SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS
•Sponsorship credit on related invitations
•Sponsorship credit in any related advertising
•Sponsorship credit in related signage
•Sponsorship credit on MoMA website
•Sponsorship credit on press release
•Select number of complimentary tickets to each event
•Opportunity to create promotional material in consultation with MoMA to generate visibility in connection with the sponsorship
•Additional privileges to be determined with the sponsor"
This is what I see as typical corporation ABC:
- $75,000 for three events
- 3 events, first event is on a Saturday so my employees and clients who don't live in the city may not attend.
- 1,500 expected who are willing to pay $75
- How is this different than any other music series?
- Musicians, DJ's and artists haven't been finalized
- Tone: Open bar, dance party
- MoMA, great brand
- In association with Flavorpill, which I assume will give me a larger network to tap into
- Need to know more about advertising, marketing and publicity plan
- Is there a plan for social media?
- What is the plan to keep momentum going on this series?
- What kind of signage and where?
- Site stats, demographics?
- What does credit on the site mean? If a link, it's not worth anything to me
- Can we build out a mini-site?
- How many complimentary tickets will I get?
- How many invitations will go out? Email or Printed?
- If they do get 1,500 per series, that is roughly $16.50 per person
- Can my company have exclusive access to the artists/musicians? Possibly pre-event?
- Can I have a VIP area for my company?
- How can I spin this as a way to "give back to the community" as opposed to throwing a party?
- Why was this created? Did members ask for it? I'm looking for passion points and ways to add value to the customer experience.
- Would I be the exclusive sponsor?
As you can see, there are many questions that need to be answered and some of them show that corporation ABC may not understand the value of this offering.
By titling this as a "proposal" it is likely that prospective sponsors will view this as the same old pitch (they all sound alike) that doesn't offer a solution or meet their goals.
The proposal doesn't address the unique value proposition and because they state the price upfront, it allows the prospective sponsor to immediately put a cost per person on the series.
The real opportunity: The series isn't fully developed so there is a huge opportunity to craft something spectacular and unique that will deliver value for MoMA, the sponsor and the participants.
After I read the MoMA Mixx proposal for sponsorship, I decided to look at this through the eyes of a sponsor. First, here is the MoMA Mixx proposal:
"Beginning this fall, The Museum of Modern Art will be host to the premier art and music party series in New York City. MoMA MiXX, presented by The Junior Associates in association with Flavorpill, will pair major artists with world-class musicians or DJs. At each dance party, both the DJ and the artist will spin a set of music that has been influential in their lives and work—a “MoMA mix” that will be available for download on the Museum’s website. Proceeds will support exhibitions at MoMA.
WHAT: Attendees will include contemporary art lovers; people from the art, fashion, and music industries; and other young artists and professionals. Some 1,500 guests are expected for each event.
Musicians, DJs, and artists under consideration to perform include:
Marina Abramović, Laurie Anderson, Matthew Barney, Beck, Sanford Biggers, Björk, David Bowie, Tracey Emin, Brian Eno, Terence Koh, Rachel Harrison, Spike Jonze, Nate Loweman, Steve Martin, Takashi Murakami, Adam Pendleton, Lou Reed, Stefan Sagmeister, Russell Simmons, and Cindy Sherman.
WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art
WHEN: Kickoff Event: Saturday, September 26, 2009 8:00 p.m.–midnight
The inaugural year of MoMA MiXX will include two additional events, dates to be determined in late winter and spring.
OPPORTUNITY: Lead sponsor at $75,000 per year; other levels available
SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS
•Sponsorship credit on related invitations
•Sponsorship credit in any related advertising
•Sponsorship credit in related signage
•Sponsorship credit on MoMA website
•Sponsorship credit on press release
•Select number of complimentary tickets to each event
•Opportunity to create promotional material in consultation with MoMA to generate visibility in connection with the sponsorship
•Additional privileges to be determined with the sponsor"
This is what I see as typical corporation ABC:
- $75,000 for three events
- 3 events, first event is on a Saturday so my employees and clients who don't live in the city may not attend.
- 1,500 expected who are willing to pay $75
- How is this different than any other music series?
- Musicians, DJ's and artists haven't been finalized
- Tone: Open bar, dance party
- MoMA, great brand
- In association with Flavorpill, which I assume will give me a larger network to tap into
- Need to know more about advertising, marketing and publicity plan
- Is there a plan for social media?
- What is the plan to keep momentum going on this series?
- What kind of signage and where?
- Site stats, demographics?
- What does credit on the site mean? If a link, it's not worth anything to me
- Can we build out a mini-site?
- How many complimentary tickets will I get?
- How many invitations will go out? Email or Printed?
- If they do get 1,500 per series, that is roughly $16.50 per person
- Can my company have exclusive access to the artists/musicians? Possibly pre-event?
- Can I have a VIP area for my company?
- How can I spin this as a way to "give back to the community" as opposed to throwing a party?
- Why was this created? Did members ask for it? I'm looking for passion points and ways to add value to the customer experience.
- Would I be the exclusive sponsor?
As you can see, there are many questions that need to be answered and some of them show that corporation ABC may not understand the value of this offering.
By titling this as a "proposal" it is likely that prospective sponsors will view this as the same old pitch (they all sound alike) that doesn't offer a solution or meet their goals.
The proposal doesn't address the unique value proposition and because they state the price upfront, it allows the prospective sponsor to immediately put a cost per person on the series.
The real opportunity: The series isn't fully developed so there is a huge opportunity to craft something spectacular and unique that will deliver value for MoMA, the sponsor and the participants.
Music Events With Higher Prices
Two New York museums, The Guggenheim and MoMA have developed new music and dance series with higher price points than previous music events.
MoMA Mixx is new dance party series that brings together Museum patrons and the arts community. Hosted by The Junior Associates, MoMA MiXX pairs a musician and/or DJ with a major artist. Both the DJ and the artist will spend time behind the turntables, spinning the music of their choice.
Tickets are $75 including open bar.
The Guggenheim launched It Came From Brooklyn Concert Series which showcases Brooklyn's emerging and established talents in the fields of music and literature. Each program takes place in the rotunda and features live bands, literary readings, and comedy. Audiences also have the opportunity to visit select sections of the museum.
Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for non-members. No open bar here.
The first It Came From Brooklyn caused a bit of confusion (Why Does Tonight's It Came From Brooklyn at the Guggenheim Cost $40?) and didn't seem to sell out at full price but hopefully the next series in September will generate more revenue.
It will be interesting to see how the MoMA Mixx will turn out. I have a feeling that it will do better simply because of the open bar. Also, MoMA Mixx is seeking a lead sponsor to come in at $75,000 per year.
MoMA Mixx is new dance party series that brings together Museum patrons and the arts community. Hosted by The Junior Associates, MoMA MiXX pairs a musician and/or DJ with a major artist. Both the DJ and the artist will spend time behind the turntables, spinning the music of their choice.
Tickets are $75 including open bar.
The Guggenheim launched It Came From Brooklyn Concert Series which showcases Brooklyn's emerging and established talents in the fields of music and literature. Each program takes place in the rotunda and features live bands, literary readings, and comedy. Audiences also have the opportunity to visit select sections of the museum.
Tickets are $40 for members and $45 for non-members. No open bar here.
The first It Came From Brooklyn caused a bit of confusion (Why Does Tonight's It Came From Brooklyn at the Guggenheim Cost $40?) and didn't seem to sell out at full price but hopefully the next series in September will generate more revenue.
It will be interesting to see how the MoMA Mixx will turn out. I have a feeling that it will do better simply because of the open bar. Also, MoMA Mixx is seeking a lead sponsor to come in at $75,000 per year.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Creative Problem Solving
So many times we walk into a meeting (having done our research) thinking that we have the perfect solution and then the prospect tells us something completely different.
It is crucial that those who sell sponsorships have the ability to problem solve and offer creative packages to prospects.
It is crucial that those who sell sponsorships have the ability to problem solve and offer creative packages to prospects.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The New York Times Covers Harvard's Clothing Line
I commented on Harvard University's licensing deal to produce "preppy" attire a month ago. Today, The New York Times has an article about it. Check it out here.
Gift Bags
I came across this piece on Bloomberg about the ever shrinking gift bag due to the lack of sponsors and the economy.
Post-Lehman Galas Give No Tiffany as Gift Bags Shrink (Update1)
By Patrick Cole
Aug. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Guests at the Parish Art Museum's 2005 summer gala received a limited-edition bag from Coach Inc. This year, Kelsey Grammer, Joel Grey and some 500 other attendees got a nylon bag, a journal and a cookbook.
Even the bottles of Estee Lauder perfume and Hampton & Co. neckties left on diners’ chairs couldn’t lift the cloud of the gala’s 25 percent budget cut and the failure to attract a corporate sponsor.
“It’s clearly an indication of the correction in the economy,” said Terrie Sultan, the Southampton, New York-based museum’s director.
Since the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. last September, the gift bag, a nonprofit’s way of saying “thank you” for buying a gala ticket, has gotten simpler and even vanished for many events this year as corporate sponsors reduce their support or back out entirely.
In a survey of professional fundraisers and consultants by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University released this month, about 86 percent of the 188 respondents said that the economy is having a “negative or very negative impact” on fundraising this summer.
About 60 percent believe the economy will continue to affect their work the rest of this year, and fundraisers for arts, culture and humanities organizations are “less confident” about the current conditions for giving, the survey said.
‘Community of People’
“The fun of a gala event is the community of people who are coming together, and that is more important than the things they are receiving such as a journal or a notepad,” Timothy L. Seiler, director of the philanthropy center’s Fund Raising School, said in a phone interview.
Before the economy tanked, common donor gifts at galas included custom-made Kate Spade bags, pricey anti-wrinkle cream, splits of Moet & Chandon Champagne or a $250 gift certificate toward the purchase of a $1,000 wristwatch at a Tourneau LLC store.
At Whitney Museum of American Art fundraisers, bags cradling a Tiffany & Co. bowl could trigger elbowing and shoving by patrons fearful that they’d miss out, said Bret Silver, the institution’s former director of marketing and events.
More recently, dance aficionados who paid as much as $2,500 to see Mikhail Baryshnikov at his arts center's gala in April got a T-shirt with a lavender-colored ribbon around it. Urban Stages Theater, an off-Broadway company, nixed the goody bag at its 25th anniversary gala in May and placed baseball caps on chairs.
No Longer Needed
“I don’t feel they’re necessary anymore,” said Silver, now Jazz at Lincoln Center’s chief officer of external relations, who eliminated gift bags and even a CD as gifts at the nonprofit’s May fundraisers. “In these times, the most effective use of the staff’s time is raising money on programs, not putting together gift bags.”
For the Aug. 1 Southhampton Hospital Foundation’s “Centennial Celebration,” Brooks Brothers didn’t repeat as the event’s lead sponsor but still contributed $50,000 in gift cards. Honorary chairman Christie Brinkley donated items from her jewelry and sunglasses lines.
The gift bags, which included Brinkley’s products, $100 Brooks Brothers gift certificates for the men and some DVDs and CDs, were “very good,” Kathy Lucas, the foundation’s director of special events, said in a phone interview.
“I think it’s nice when people can go home with something,” said Lindsay Lever, the manager of the American Cancer Society’s annual “Taste of Hope” event, who gets calls all year from companies offering their products for gift bags. “To get rid of gift bags would be a mistake.”
Post-Lehman Galas Give No Tiffany as Gift Bags Shrink (Update1)
By Patrick Cole
Aug. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Guests at the Parish Art Museum's 2005 summer gala received a limited-edition bag from Coach Inc. This year, Kelsey Grammer, Joel Grey and some 500 other attendees got a nylon bag, a journal and a cookbook.
Even the bottles of Estee Lauder perfume and Hampton & Co. neckties left on diners’ chairs couldn’t lift the cloud of the gala’s 25 percent budget cut and the failure to attract a corporate sponsor.
“It’s clearly an indication of the correction in the economy,” said Terrie Sultan, the Southampton, New York-based museum’s director.
Since the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. last September, the gift bag, a nonprofit’s way of saying “thank you” for buying a gala ticket, has gotten simpler and even vanished for many events this year as corporate sponsors reduce their support or back out entirely.
In a survey of professional fundraisers and consultants by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University released this month, about 86 percent of the 188 respondents said that the economy is having a “negative or very negative impact” on fundraising this summer.
About 60 percent believe the economy will continue to affect their work the rest of this year, and fundraisers for arts, culture and humanities organizations are “less confident” about the current conditions for giving, the survey said.
‘Community of People’
“The fun of a gala event is the community of people who are coming together, and that is more important than the things they are receiving such as a journal or a notepad,” Timothy L. Seiler, director of the philanthropy center’s Fund Raising School, said in a phone interview.
Before the economy tanked, common donor gifts at galas included custom-made Kate Spade bags, pricey anti-wrinkle cream, splits of Moet & Chandon Champagne or a $250 gift certificate toward the purchase of a $1,000 wristwatch at a Tourneau LLC store.
At Whitney Museum of American Art fundraisers, bags cradling a Tiffany & Co. bowl could trigger elbowing and shoving by patrons fearful that they’d miss out, said Bret Silver, the institution’s former director of marketing and events.
More recently, dance aficionados who paid as much as $2,500 to see Mikhail Baryshnikov at his arts center's gala in April got a T-shirt with a lavender-colored ribbon around it. Urban Stages Theater, an off-Broadway company, nixed the goody bag at its 25th anniversary gala in May and placed baseball caps on chairs.
No Longer Needed
“I don’t feel they’re necessary anymore,” said Silver, now Jazz at Lincoln Center’s chief officer of external relations, who eliminated gift bags and even a CD as gifts at the nonprofit’s May fundraisers. “In these times, the most effective use of the staff’s time is raising money on programs, not putting together gift bags.”
For the Aug. 1 Southhampton Hospital Foundation’s “Centennial Celebration,” Brooks Brothers didn’t repeat as the event’s lead sponsor but still contributed $50,000 in gift cards. Honorary chairman Christie Brinkley donated items from her jewelry and sunglasses lines.
The gift bags, which included Brinkley’s products, $100 Brooks Brothers gift certificates for the men and some DVDs and CDs, were “very good,” Kathy Lucas, the foundation’s director of special events, said in a phone interview.
“I think it’s nice when people can go home with something,” said Lindsay Lever, the manager of the American Cancer Society’s annual “Taste of Hope” event, who gets calls all year from companies offering their products for gift bags. “To get rid of gift bags would be a mistake.”
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Filling a Key Position
Are you having a hard time filling a key position? It could be because you don't know what you are looking for.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Sponsorship Sales, Working Together
Move away from presenting a prospect with a list of sponsorship benefits. Your approach should be to work together with the prospect to craft a mutually beneficial package that achieves key goals.
Leveraging a Brand
Hats off to Maison Prive, the New York private-chef service that capitalizes on their experience at the restaurant Per Se. There are plenty of private-chef services out there but wouldn't you pay extra for that Thomas Keller perfection/brand?
From New York Magazine:
"The rich don't disappear during the recession; they simply cower and await the revolution. And while cowering, they still need to eat. Enter Maison Privé, a private-chef service founded by Jennifer Scibelli and James Vellano, two chefs who found love on the line at Per Se and now bring "Michelin quality dining into your home." They come into your kitchen, charge you money ($70 an hour), cook for you, and no one has to see you eat truffles. Also, it's a deal.
From New York Magazine:
"The rich don't disappear during the recession; they simply cower and await the revolution. And while cowering, they still need to eat. Enter Maison Privé, a private-chef service founded by Jennifer Scibelli and James Vellano, two chefs who found love on the line at Per Se and now bring "Michelin quality dining into your home." They come into your kitchen, charge you money ($70 an hour), cook for you, and no one has to see you eat truffles. Also, it's a deal.
According to James, "Everything is completely custom, to make sure they get exactly what they want. We do our best to source organic, sustainable products, but some people don't care, so then it's much cheaper. It can be as low-end as you want — hamburgers and cheeseburgers — or high-end." Below is a fourteen-course meal the two prepared for a recent dinner party in Greenwich, Connecticut (obvi!). Cost per person: $260. Compare that to the Per Se tasting menu, and you get five more courses for fifteen fewer dollars. Most important, you don't have to expose yourself to the scorn of the masses!"
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Experience is Everything
I took a stroll down Fifth and Madison Avenue today and visited amazing brands such as Gucci, YSL, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. Doors were opened for me, conversations were struck, compliments were made, clothes were tried on without pressure. Such temptation to buy that Balenciaga perfect coat that fit like a glove at Barneys.
Then I turned the corner and went to Bloomingdales on Lexington and 60th. Absolutely amazing how the experience and presentation hypmotizes you to buy or not to buy. No offense against Bloomingdales, but the experience was about mass amounts of people, poor displays, pressure selling, and a feeling of haste that made the merchandise look cheap compared to the boutiques on Fifth and Madison Avenue.
Experience is everything.
Then I turned the corner and went to Bloomingdales on Lexington and 60th. Absolutely amazing how the experience and presentation hypmotizes you to buy or not to buy. No offense against Bloomingdales, but the experience was about mass amounts of people, poor displays, pressure selling, and a feeling of haste that made the merchandise look cheap compared to the boutiques on Fifth and Madison Avenue.
Experience is everything.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Complex Sale
A Complex Sale is one in which a number of people must give their approval or input before the buying decisions can be made.
- As defined in The New Strategic Selling, 28.
- As defined in The New Strategic Selling, 28.
The Big Ad Gig, Only 3 Entries So Far?
Are there really only three entries for the Big Ad Gig? The deadline is September 7. Maybe there will be a flood of participants at the last minute.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Copy This: Community Foundation Challenge
On August 18, The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan launched an online challenge to raise operational support for arts and culture. They secured nearly $4.8 Million (in less than 12 hours) that will go to 75 local organizations.
Read more about this successful campaign on The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan's website.
Take the Personality Quiz on L.A. Times
This personality quiz using images is kind of fun. Take the short quiz here on L.A. Times.
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