The Inches: A Podcast About Sports Sponsorship
The Inches: A Podcast About Sports Sponsorship
Nick Lawson & Rich Franklin
Welcome to The Inches, a podcast that looks at how digital is changing the sports sponsorship & marketing game. Each week we dive into the struggles and issues we face in the sports and event sponsorship space.Hosted by Nick Lawson & Rich Franklin.Nick is the co-founder of SQWAD, a digital sponsorship activation company that works with some of the biggest sports teams in the world to help them bring ROI & engagement to their in-stadium activations.Rich is the Sr. Director of corporate partnerships for the Oakview Group, Acrisure Arena, and AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds. He has over 30 years of sponsorship sales experience in the sports and radio broadcast industry.Jump in and take a listen as we navigate through some of the toughest and most challenging aspects of the sponsorship business!
Rookie & The Vet: 2024 Super Bowl & Sponsorship Episode
Love this episode each year, and 2024 SB brought some interesting items and trends.On this episode of The Inches, we dive into how RIch & I saw the Super Bowl this year from a Sponsorship lens.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Feb 16, 2024
43 min
Rookie & The Vet: How to manage problem clients in sponsorships
We've all had them. Sometimes great clients will turn into problem ones quickly. It is always on us in sponsorships to help guide them through the tough positions they sometimes put us in.But how can we specifically do that for each type of difficult client?In this episode, we dive into Rich's four most common problem clients we see in sponsorship and how to manage each to success for both sides.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Feb 2, 2024
41 min
Rookie & The Vet: Staying Connected with Sponsors after the sale
You did it. You closed that prospect. Now they are a bonafide sponsor of your team. The work is over now...right?Nope. In partnerships, it is critical to stay connected with them throughout the year if we want a shot at keeping their business.But what are the best ways to do so without feeling transactional?On this episode of The Inches, we dive into a few key ways you can authentically stay connected to your new sponsors throughout the year.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Jan 26, 2024
27 min
Rookie & The Vet: How To Successfully Do Prospect Research In Sponsorship
Research in sales is key. We can't go into a pitch with little to no understanding of our prospect's business or vision.But how much is too much research? When does it become overkill?We dive into a listener's question to answer how to think about and execute successful research on your prospects in sponsorship.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Jan 12, 2024
33 min
Rookie & The Vet: Our 2024 New Year's Resolutions for Sponsorship
New Year's Resolutions are a funny thing. While a great way to reset the year, we also somewhat look to predict what is important to us for the upcoming year.So what about sponsorship in 2024?Here are our biggest resolutions for 2024 that your team should be looking out for to increase your results in the sponsorship industry.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, VP of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Jan 8, 2024
29 min
Rookie & The Vet: Navigating Long Term Contracts in Sponsorships
In sponsorships, our job is to generate revenue for our organization through the value we bring to brands.Long-term contracts help us guarantee that revenue across multiple.But how can we drive more long-term contracts with our sponsors? Even better, can we get our 1-year contracts to sign long-term ones?In this episode, we dive into the ins & outs of long-term contracts and how you should be thinking about them in your sponsorship sales.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, Sr. Director of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Dec 15, 2023
44 min
Rookie & The Vet: 3 Must Ask Questions to Help Set Sponsor Expectations
If we can't understand what a sponsor is measuring us on, how can we expect to drive results for them?Many times though, they won't come out with it. We have to be able to drive the full picture of their expectations for the partnership out of them.On this episode of The Inches, we dive into 3 questions you should be asking before every partnership begins to help you maximize results and manage expectations.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, Sr. Director of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Dec 8, 2023
33 min
Rookie & The Vet: How to think about in-kind/trade in sponsorships
Trade & in-kind is a part of sponsorship life. And while there can be some benefits to receiving them, there can be consequences if you take too many of them.But how can you manage expectations when your prospect offers up trade instead of cash?In this episode, we dive into how to handle in-kind offers from sponsors, and a few ways you can monetize if you do take them.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, Sr. Director of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Nov 17, 2023
45 min
Rookie & The Vet: How to Tweak your Follow-Up Strategy to Close More Deals
They say it takes 7-10 touchpoints to close a prospect on average. But lately, it seems like follow-ups have fallen flat in sales strategy.So how can you tweak your strategy to make sure your follow-ups don't make you feel like a pest?In this episode, we dive into the perfect follow-up strategy and mindset you can follow to close more deals with sponsorship prospects & renewals.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, Sr. Director of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Nov 9, 2023
43 min
Rookie & The Vet: How to Deal with Sponsor Misalignment
Whether it is on ideals or outcomes, our sponsors must be aligned with our team and fanbase before we sign them.But what happens if we find misalignments for a prospect? What if it is a huge deal financially for our team?In this episode of The Inches, we dive into how to handle sponsor misalignment and how you can work through the roadblocks.--The Inches Podcast is a podcast that looks at sports & event sponsorship and how digital is affecting the industry and landscape. Hosted by Rich Franklin, Sr. Director of Partnerships at the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Nick Lawson, Co-founder of SQWAD.
Nov 3, 2023
39 min
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