Introduction
As a sports-tech startup founder, you are no stranger to the frustration of waiting for sports brands to give the green light to your proposals. The seemingly endless cycle of polite calls, enthusiastic nods, and comments like ‘super interesting’, only to be met with silence, can be disheartening. This blog serves as a practical guide to help you navigate the intricate system of securing a quick YES from sports brands.
“The hidden leak in your sales process, and how to fix it fast.”
Understanding the Art of the Pitch
1. Choose One Perfect Customer and One Dream Outcome
Many founders fall into the trap of trying to appeal to everyone, which often leads to no one saying yes. Instead, narrow your focus to a specific target customer and a defined goal. Consider, if you could secure just one type of customer this year, who would it be? What one result would make them feel their decision was one of the best of the year?
- One Ideal Customer Profile Sentence
- One dream outcome in numbers
With this clarity, you eliminate months of noise and set a clear path forward.
2. Turn Your Product Into One Clear Offer
Brands are attracted to clarity, not just products. Develop a clear, concise offer that can be communicated in one sentence. This allows the brand to easily understand and advocate for your offer internally.
“We help [specific niche] get [specific result] in [clear time frame] without [big thing they want to avoid].”
3. Build A Pilot So Simple It’s Hard To Refuse
Brands often fear the effort involved in pilots more than the cost. Design a pilot that is simple, short, and requires minimal effort from the brand. This significantly increases the likelihood of a fast YES.
- 30–60 days
- One team, one campaign, or one segment
- One main success metric
Creating a Consistent Lead Engine
4. Stop Relying On Luck: Build A Lead Engine
Founders need predictability, not luck. Establish a robust system to generate qualified conversations consistently. Identify the most effective channels for your opportunities and focus your efforts there.
5. Fix The Only Stage In Your Deal Engine That’s Actually Broken
Sales are often perceived as a single activity, but they consist of multiple stages. Concentrate on identifying and resolving the stage where most deals tend to stall.
- Outreach
- First call
- Proposal
- Follow up
- Close
Commitment and Follow-Through
6. Make A 90-Day Commitment That Actually Changes Your Behavior
Commit to specific actions that will transform your sales process over the next 90 days. This includes targeting the right customers, refining your offer and pilot, and upgrading your systems.
Conclusion
Securing a YES from sports brands isn’t solely about having cutting-edge technology; it’s about clarity, structure, and a repeatable system. When these elements align, success is inevitable.
P.S. I’m offering seven 20-minute Deal Diagnostic calls for sports-tech founders eager to secure three commercial deals in the next 90 days. Reply with ‘Deal’ to secure a slot.
With Love for Sports and Innovation,
CEO, HYPE Sports Innovation
