You may have heard of mentors who can guide you and offer advice on your career development. But have you considered finding a sponsor, who can advocate for you and open doors to new opportunities? A sponsor is someone who has influence and power in your field, who can vouch for your potential and connect you with key decision-makers.
A career sponsor could be a senior colleague at your workplace or industry who is well-respected and influential. In case you’re wondering why you need one, Sponsors will speak positively of your work, make you noticeable at work, defend your reputation, and ensure the progress of your career.
Having a sponsor can boost your visibility, credibility, and confidence, and help you achieve your career goals faster. But how can you effectively find and leverage a sponsor for your career without understanding what career sponsorship is?
Understanding Career Sponsorship
Sponsorship is very active and interventionist in nature. Unlike mentors or coaches, sponsors put their reputation on the line to advocate for you. They create opportunities by recommending you for roles or projects and publicly endorsing your potential.
Sponsors are usually senior figures within an organization who recognize your capabilities and are willing to champion your growth. If you want a sponsor, it’s also something you need to show you truly deserve. After all, a sponsor is putting their credibility at stake for you, so it’s important to prove their choice was right.
How can you find and leverage sponsors for your career?
The following provides a few tips on how to find and leverage a career sponsor.
- Identify your goals
Before you start looking for a sponsor, you need a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your career. What are your short-term and long-term aspirations? What skills and experiences do you need to develop or showcase? What challenges or barriers do you face? Having a vision for your future will help you narrow down your potential sponsors who should align with your goals and interests.
It is important to understand exactly what you want to achieve in your job or profession. This means having clear goals and knowing where you want to go. When you know your goals, it becomes easier to find someone who can help you reach them. So, take some time to think about what you want in your career before you start searching for a sponsor.
Take the time to reflect on where you see yourself in the future and what achievements you aim to accomplish. Whether it’s advancing to a leadership position, transitioning to a different industry, or honing a particular skill set, having a clear understanding of your objectives will guide you in finding potential sponsors who align with your goals.
- Research potential sponsors
Once you have a list of possible sponsors, you need to do some research on their background, achievements, network, and reputation. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, to find out more about their career history, current role, and professional affiliations. You can also ask your colleagues, peers, or mentors for referrals or recommendations. You want to find a sponsor who has the authority, credibility, and access to help you advance in your career.
Conduct thorough research to identify influential figures within your industry who align with your career goals. Look for individuals with a track record of supporting professionals in your field. Engage with their content, attend events where they participate, and demonstrate genuine interest in their work to build a meaningful connection. A sponsor who shares similar values is more likely to advocate for your career growth authentically and provide guidance that aligns with your personal and professional ethos.
When seeking sponsors, avoid selecting individuals who mirror your own traits. Instead, seek out those with diverse approaches, backgrounds, or perspectives. When challenges arise, consult each sponsor, leveraging their diverse insights to formulate your own solutions.
- Build a relationship
Finding a sponsor is not a one-time transaction, but a long-term relationship that requires trust, respect, and mutual benefit. You need to build rapport with your potential sponsor by demonstrating your value, skills, and potential. You can do this by seeking their feedback, advice, or guidance on specific projects or issues. You can also offer your support, appreciation, or recognition for their work or achievements. You can also look for opportunities to meet them in person, such as at events, workshops, or conferences, and follow up with them regularly.
Show your potential sponsor that the relationship is a two-way street by actively seeking ways to contribute to their success. Demonstrating a commitment to mutual benefit not only strengthens the relationship but also positions you as a valuable collaborator, fostering a sense of reciprocity that enhances trust and partnership.
Building relationships with these potential sponsors is key, so be ready to invest in the relationship and be committed to growth, learning, and maintaining a good character for opportunities to come your way.
- Ask for sponsorship
When you feel that you have established a strong connection with your potential sponsor, and that they are aware of your goals and capabilities, you can ask them for sponsorship. You need to be clear, confident, and respectful when you make your request. You need to explain why you are seeking their sponsorship, what you hope to gain from it, and what you can offer in return. You also need to be prepared for rejection, and have alternative options in case they say no.
When asking for sponsorship, be clear on your ask and why you are looking for their support. Find a way to ‘co-create’ your action plan to build engagement, and take ownership to follow up and lead the conversation. Imagine yourself as a one-person company and get ready by creating a pitch deck. This will ensure that your presentation is clear, achievable, and profitable for both parties.
- Maintain the relationship
Once you have secured a sponsor, you need to maintain the relationship by delivering on your promises, exceeding their expectations, and keeping them updated on your progress and achievements. You also need to be open to their feedback, suggestions, and challenges, and act on them accordingly. You also need to show your gratitude, appreciation, and loyalty to your sponsor, and acknowledge their role in your success. You also need to be ready to reciprocate the sponsorship, by helping others in your network or field.
It is also important to establish a regular cadence for your meetings, be it monthly or quarterly. Take the initiative to schedule time to discuss your current achievements, roadblocks, and aspirations. Given that your sponsor is likely to be busy with their own responsibilities, it falls upon you to be proactive in managing this relationship. The more you develop the relationship, the more involved you’ll be in each other’s professional or personal lives.
Finding a career sponsor hinges on visibility and value. Excel in your domain and share your successes; let your work speak loudly. Network strategically within and outside your organization, focusing on genuine connections rather than transactions. Be open to feedback and adaptable to change. Remember, potential sponsors are observing from afar, assessing your impact and leadership potential. It’s not just about seeking a sponsor, but also about being the kind of professional a sponsor seeks.