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I was driving to a breakfast today not far from home. It’s Saturday and normally I wouldn’t be going out, especially not early in the morning - it’s my day for relaxing at home but this breakfast was special because I was a sponsor for the event. And the event was the local council Mayoral Prayer Breakfast - designed to coincide with National Thanksgiving Day.

Sponsorship is often an overlooked opportunity for gaining exposure for your business. Whenever people hear that word they immediately think $$ - lots of it - and dismiss the idea but it really is one worth considering. Not all sponsorships require lots of dollars and some accept payment in kind or in time. In fact, often these are the very things that are greatly valued.

For those reading this blog many are well placed to use their skills and abilities to contribute to local events, as well as events online. The recent Virtual Assistant Convention OIVAC had a steering committee (all voluntary) and a list of volunteers from around the world all pulling together for a common cause. On a local level it gives you the opportunity to get in front of local business people and others for a short time - enough for them to notice that you exist. And one of the themes talked about this morning related to the nature of volunteers and their work in many areas around the country - indeed something to be thankful for. We also prayed for the mayor who was in attendance and it is so good to see her attend these events. It’s not the first Christian event I’ve seen her at and she genuinely appreciates the support of the local churches.

As well as sponsoring the event, I also offered a give away - a book called The Business Mom Guide Book and the Pastor who won it knew of a lady who would benefit from the book so that was good to hear. He was actually sitting next to me and our discussions turned to other things and it appears our sitting together was God designed because there are other things I can assist him with - that are not business related at all. He made a comment that it was a God-incident we were sitting together.

Further I was able to renew old acquaintances with some people I hadn’t seen in a long time from my former church and make new acquaintances - particularly with some key people in my local community. I wasn’t looking to get business immediately - I was simply looking to get my business name into their minds so that next time they, or someone they know, has a need, my name is what comes to mind for them as the solution.

Whilst a lot of business can be conducted virtually these days, it certainly should not dismiss or shove aside the opportunities that surround us on a local level which gets our face in front of others and for a short time, exposure for our businesses that doesn’t have to cost the earth. So, next time you hear of a church related or community event that is coming up why not look to see if there are sponsorships available, or even offer a helping hand - it will be very much appreciated by the organisers and they will come back to you again and again when seeking support. I know, because today’s event I’ve been sponsoring for the past 3 years! KMT

virtual assistants, sponsor, sponsorship, exposure, local business