Let’s be honest—partnerships can be one of the most powerful ways to grow your business, but they’re also one of the trickiest to get right. I’ve seen this time and time again: companies pour resources into sponsorships and partnerships only to feel like they’re not getting the return they deserve.
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about three challenges I see most often—and how you can tackle them.
Misaligned Goals
A lot of partnerships start with good intentions but crumble because both sides aren’t working toward the same outcomes. Maybe your partner is focused on short-term visibility, but you’re aiming for long-term customer loyalty. This disconnect creates frustration for everyone.
What you can do: Make sure both teams agree on success metrics right from the start. Take the time to set clear KPIs and revisit them regularly. Good communication is the foundation here.
Underprepared Teams
I hate seeing this, but so many sponsorship teams are set up to fail—they just don’t have the training or tools they need to manage these relationships effectively. The result? Missed opportunities and partnerships that never reach their potential.
What you can do: Invest in your team. Teach them not just the technical skills but the art of negotiation, relationship-building, and storytelling. A skilled team can turn any partnership into a powerhouse.
Complicated Processes
Overly complex workflows and poor communication are silent partnership killers. If every decision needs five levels of approval, or if emails go unanswered for weeks, you’re going to lose momentum.
What you can do: Simplify. Put systems in place to streamline approvals and make communication clear and efficient. CRM tools can be a lifesaver here.
Now, here’s where BrandFelt Activation comes in. This is exactly what we do—we help companies like yours build sponsorship and partnership teams that thrive. We offer tailored training programs to equip your team with the skills they need to align goals, communicate effectively, and create partnerships that actually deliver results. And we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your sponsorship strategy becomes one of your business’s biggest strengths.
So, what’s stopping you from building a team that converts? Let’s make this happen together.
Schedule a connection call with us!
Happy Activating!
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