Just a quick question for all of you. Is it a good idea to get into sponsoring local sports in your city to get your name out in addition to other advertising? Good networking or not? Look forward to your responses.

I just signed up for an ad on score sheets at my favorite golf course. I figured it couldn't hurt and it wasn't that expensive. I may not get business directly from it, but it is a good way to get our name out there.

When i was a mortgage broker I actually sponsored a little league team, and it worked very well, because I was at every game, which meant that I would secure the people calling in. Also, I made sure the receptionist new to direct the calls my way.

Here is an article you might want to read regarding marketing for real estate agents.
http://www.rismedia.com/wp/2007-03-15/ho...from-your-team/

Over the years I have sponsored many little league teams for my kids and nephews. I also sponsor a mens softball team. Over the years it has more than paid for itself.

b

I have thought about doing this but never looked into it. What does it cost to sponsor a team?

your looking at 800-2000

I sponsored a softball team this year. I didn't get any direct business, but my website traffic went way up for a period of time. I will consider doing it again.

I sell mostly waterfront homes and condos (Lake Of The Ozarks,MO) and I am one of the sponsors of a Poker Run:
http://www.powerboatparty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=582
Different kind of "sports" advertising but Poker Runs are a very big deal here and the boating community has been very, very, good to me

b

I am firm believer that we as real estate brokers do need to try a variety of advertising options.

Our real estate team here in Minnesota has sponsored teams before. Can I say we sold a certain number of homes directly from that advertising? No, probably not.

But as we know, building a brand or getting our phones to ring is a combination of a number of different souces.

I would give it a shot!!

oceanside, what does "b" mean???

I was a major sponsor of another successful poker run again this year:
http://www.midwestboatparty.com/pokerrun/

Lot of loyal clients have came from supporting the boating industry.

I sponsored a littl leage team and I tell you. The 150.00 that I speant got me so much more recognition than a 1,000 dollar newspaper advertisement.

probably because "bump" is too long to spell

Sponsoring a little league team is more a "feel good activity" than it is a reason to get business. That said, I have received much business from participating in "feel good opportunities". Some things are more important than money.........do it and feel good that you are helping your community at the same time.

If you have the cash to do it, go for it, but don't expect immediate results. Advertising like this takes time to pay off.

I had a Neighbor (2 miles away) who had a couple of Racing Cars that he took around on a circuit throughout the North-East, Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Mid-West. I think he carried a Pit Crew of 12 or so, that he must have paid, fed and housed on the road.

He wanted me to help sponsor him by purchasing ad space on his Cars and on the outsides of the Trailers that were used to cart those cars around the country. It was $10,000 for the ads or $20,000 with a 2% piece of any purse; but I don't know anything about racing (except when I get speeding tickets).

So, I decided to pass, as I really couldn't see there ever being much of a connection between my little Logo and Phone Number on one of his Rigs and somebody out in Indiana or Tennessee wanting to buy some peace and quiet in a quaint place like Vermont. I suppose stranger things have happened . . . . but I saw it as a proverbial "Long Shot", and told him as much.

Well, my Neighbor couldn't accept the rejection and got all cranky, storming off in an undignified huff . . . . and then put his Pick-Up into a hidden ditch under the SnowBank a short ways down the road, and had to come walking back to ask me to call a Tow-Truck. What a Guy !

I didn't even smile . . . . that's discretion. I did let him use my phone. I try to always be an optimist. He's probably famous now, and I missed a real opportunity. You never know. I could have gotten some good leads off his Pick-Up while it was in the Ditch . . . . you never know ? Each situation has to be thought through.

Its not a bad Idea, for the right price. My only experience was with a kids sports team. My name and logo were on the uniforms and I got to hang out a sign for each game. I also got a contact list for the parents. Being that I knew the coach and a few of the kids on the team it was not creepy.

I would show up once in a while to "support" the team and drop off trinkets to the parents. I once brought water bottles to the kids. I've lent out chairs to those we had no chairs. All the time talking to the parents and getting my face out there. On occasion I would email the list to let them know that I will be providing the team snack and drinks. I even emailed the other coach to let him know that snacks are on me also.

It was more of a time commitment. All told I spent maybe 300 bucks for the season. I got a cheap certificate at the end of the season and 2 buyers. It was worth it to me.

So did you continue it the next and following years ?

I have some where we paid to be a sponsor for a Road Race, or a Fishing Derby. It continues for years, and you become a regular supporter.

I just don't like it when they start invoicing me as if I have to do it and it ceases to be a voluntary activity; but a requirement.

for me it comes to roi...if it works, go for it. try most htings once if they make sence. if they don't work, dont do it again.

most important...when you get leads ask this>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> mr. buyer, how exactly did you find out about my services?

then make a note...if they come from one souce over another...put more into that and less into the another.