Potential in youth entrepreneurs

MORNINGSIDE – Experts in the marketing and sponsorship industry deliver a masterclass to young creative entrepreneurs on securing sponsorships at the Artraction Media Like Minds panel discussion.

December 7, 2019

Chante' Ho Hip 1 minute read

Gluph director Andrew Robertson and NBA Africa's associate vice president of partnerships and business development Mark De Lieburne join the panel discussion on how propose sponsorships. Photo: Chante' Ho Hip

Artraction Media delivered a masterclass to young creative entrepreneurs on sponsorship at its Like Minds panel discussion at the Business Exchange.

The digital experience design agency is well-known for its panel discussions as it equips young entrepreneurs with first-hand guidance and knowledge from within a specific industry at no cost.

According to founder Matthew Rolls, Like Minds aims to provide young creative minds with a platform to get involved with a new way of thinking about the future and make valuable connections. “The purpose of our discussion on sponsorships is to clarify, demystify and have a frank conversation on what is taken into consideration when big business looks at a sponsorship proposal.”

Mtunzi Jonas provides the perspective of a corporate business and what they look out for in proposals. *Photo: Chante’ Ho Hip*

The panel, led by Capital Invest Africa director Thongwane Namane, gave attendees a reality check on the work of sponsorships as panellists told the story as it is. Proudly SA’s chief marketing officer Happy Ngidi said all you need to do is dress up and show up and you’ve already done half the work. “We’ve had a proposal get declined because someone did not come in looking presentable. Look professional, not like you just walked in from the club.”

Happy Ngidi gives young entrepreneurs a real perspective on the processes of a proposal at Proudly SA. Photo: Chante’ Ho Hip

Namane added that as an ambitious creative, you need to do your research and go the extra mile. “As a creative business you have to be prepared to go the extra mile, you have to be able to tailor-make every situation you come across to survive. You basically have to sleep with one eye open. You may have met me today but you cannot stop thinking, changing and evolving.”

Absa’s general manager of sponsorships Mtunzi Jonas believes that the magic is in the proposal’s planning when it comes to sponsorships, particularly with bigger firms and organisations. “Most organisations have a long procurement process, so if you have some dates for next week, you’re looking at at least a two-month wait to get on the programme or the payroll.

“As a tip, go through an agency that is already in with the organisation, it can simplify and quicken the process.”

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