Although I don’t smoke I somewhat think of the day we capture a “big” sponsorship deal as the time when I’ll exude mixed emotions. On one hand complete excitement and the exhilaration of conquering the initial business part of the equation. On the other hand, an anxious feeling of the unknown and the immediate realization of the task at hand…. ROI! Considering this game is very much about business, from the board room to the race track, back to the board room I think of the board room as my hot rod when not competing at the race track. This vehicle is very much exciting due to the immense competition for attention and the all important green back, although without a helmet and a uniform of a different persuasion from my sponsor laden fire suite.

When courting a perspective marketing partner my team and I tend to create full scale marketing initiatives. With these well laid plans we develop a relationship with our work which morphs into a full blown addiction. Although we enter each “perspective” opportunity with optimism, we also understand the likely hood of the deal moving from the perspective, to the actual realm.

In my estimation the act of “drag racing” articulates from the art of “gettin’ it done in the board room!” At times there is something to be desired when the “big wig” meeting concludes and other times there is euphoria. Albeit subdued the feeling of certainty at times enters the equation of uncertainty, and… well, all variables. Such was the case recently, where we all but signed on the dotted before our efforts were acknowledged with the ever-present “NO”. “Chasing deals” is comparable to looking for that elusive .01 of a second or 5 mph. Not impossible by any stretch of the imagination but hard fought where the victor gets to enjoy the bellowing smoke of a hand rolled stogie…

Until next time… Live fast, drive hard!!!