Can an association’s corporate sponsorship program succeed without collaboration on staff?

I don’t think so!

I heard this story recently: An association’s Program Director suggested to the association’s Sponsorship Director a dynamic, popular association project that might have sponsorship potential.

The Sponsorship Director reported back to the Program Director a few weeks later: “I couldn’t find a sponsor.”

In this scenario, the lack of cooperation between colleagues was evident:
🔵 There was no dialogue on the project’s value to the association and its members
🔵 There was no exploration of how this project might align with the interests of a current year-long sponsor
🔵 There was no mutual trust or respect.

Collaboration entails cooperation, communications, coordination, accountability, and commitment – elements crucial for success.

Without staff collaboration, an association risks missing out on valuable sponsorship opportunities. Failing to demonstrate teamwork could mean “leaving money on the table” – a disservice to the association and its sponsors.

Successful sponsorship programs thrive on collaboration among staff members.