Re: Sponsorship Help!

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Shenoa Lawrence

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Nov 6, 2012, 1:26:40 PM11/6/12
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I'm also curious to hear other space manager's perspectives on this.  We started out with a few sponsors right out of the gate when we opened in June, under a "one-time only" availability, called the Founding Sponsor. These are companies we'd developed relationships with who wanted to support our vision from the get go.  We have a special level of acknowledgement for them, the Wall of Fame, where they appear alongside a list of Founding Members.  We asked for $500, and some gave that and others gave up to $1500.  For those who gave more, we made up benefits as we went along, extra day passes, t-shirts (to be printed, of course), etc. This was not as well thought out as I would have liked, but it's what we did, and our sponsors seem happy with it.  I think that's because we try to involved them as much as possible, offering a year of Basic membership with the sponsorship gave us the excuse to have them coworking with us occasionally and be involved with events.

One other sponsorship option we have is the "Internet Sugardaddy" - one of our member companies bought us 6 months of business class internet, they receive acknowledgement on our wifi login page and in a few other spots.

So far, involvement has been our guiding principle.  I'm in the middle of retooling our sponsorship options, so that's why this comment intrigued me.  I'd like to continue the involvement aspect, but I feel like I'm looking for a more robust sponsorship options set, without going into the realm of plastering logos all over our space.

Shenoa Lawrence
Room to Think
http://rm2think.com

Rena Tom

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Nov 6, 2012, 1:55:43 PM11/6/12
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We obtained sponsors for about 85% of our furnishings. They are listed on our site but the biggest benefit is that people love to shoot pictures within the space and then post them, and then their friends/followers ask about the sofa/rug/light fixtures. 

We also tell the sponsors they can throw an event in the space (like a product launch) or otherwise do something for our members. Our membership truly is our most valuable thing to offer so getting in front of them is a draw for our sponsors, and we guide them as to what kind of events are appropriate. For example, our lighting sponsor is hosting a launch party for a new line made in collaboration with a local designer. The party is for our members only and also includes a panel discussion about creative collaborations, which is part of our purpose and charter. 

Rena
Makeshift Society, SF

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Anca Mosoiu

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Nov 6, 2012, 1:58:03 PM11/6/12
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This is such a timely topic - we're about to launch a crowdfunding campaign and I was waffling about putting sponsorship opportunities on there.  I think we'll do that.  Thanks all!

Anca.

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Anca Mosoiu | Tech Liminal

TCS

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Nov 6, 2012, 2:22:52 PM11/6/12
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We've had a good run for sponsors around our renovation project.  And most recently, a University partnering with us.  And they came with CASH as a sponsor!
When I come up for air from the renos, I'll post a bit on establishing that relationship and sponsorship in general.  Key for us was keep it local, make it a community project and promote them a lot! You'll see 2 sponsors in our banner slide slow on our site.
Good times!

Chad


Chad Ballantyne



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