The “Sponsorship” Debate Continues
September 13, 2008 – 12:33 am | by Daryl TayThe continual frustrations over Social Media Breakfast | Singapore are really getting on my nerves, moreso because I’m here in Canada and can’t be on the ground dealing with things.
Here’s the thing for everyone who wants to partner with us for any Social Media Breakfast | Singapore: Go pick up Join The Conversation by Joseph Jaffe (my review here), and understand the idea of community, dialogue and partnership, and then we’ll talk.
We are not a business. Your venue is not the be all and end all. We don’t need to impress anyone with our venue. When you bring up money or revenue, you demonstrate that you don’t understand partnership.
You demonstrate that you are no different from any other business that wants to broadcast your message in a one way communication method.
You demonstrate an extremely myopic view on the short term, instead of an investment in the future.
You demonstrate that you don’t understand the importance of relationships in the new world.
You demonstrate that you want to be involved in this new space, but you bring the old mentality with it. And the Web 2.0 crowd sees through that.
Maybe this post will dissuade people from offering to “sponsor” future breakfasts, in all honesty, I hope it does. Companies who read this and still feel there is value to be reaped by partnership and don’t dictate terms, will be exactly the type of companies we want to partner with.
At this rate, the next Social Media Breakfast | Singapore will be a picnic with sandwiches. And you know what? I have a feeling that may benefit the community even more.
Tags: community dialogue partnership, corporate sponsorship, join the conversation, joseph jaffe, social media breakfast singapore
8 Responses to “The “Sponsorship” Debate Continues”
By Chin Wei Chong on Sep 13, 2008 | Reply
Hey Daryl, it is unfortunate that we are not able to provide the venue this time round. They are all fully booked!
Let’s work together to book the venues way in advance in future so that you guys don’t have to worry about getting a place. Hopefully, we can continue to be a key partner of SMB.
Cheers.
By Daryl Tay on Sep 13, 2008 | Reply
@Wei Chong: No worries! Honestly, if every partnership could be like NHB’s, it would make life so much easier for us. I think this time we had to move time schedules around, but otherwise we should usually have a date for you guys two if not three months in advance, like the last time.
By Walter on Sep 13, 2008 | Reply
Hi Daryl,
I am asking some of the other attractions if they are willing to sponsor a venue for the social media breakfast. They may be a little more eclectic than your usual spaces but should be interesting enough though. Will let you know.
By Shivya on Sep 14, 2008 | Reply
The Social Media Breakfast | Singapore sounds like an event I’d love to be part of. Is it by invitation only? Is there a way I could get in?
By Shivya on Sep 14, 2008 | Reply
Hey, just realized that you’re a fellow SMU blogger
Good to see you here. I want to keep track of your blog, but can’t seem to figure out how to add you to my roll!
By Daryl Tay on Sep 15, 2008 | Reply
@Walter: Thanks, Walter. Eclectic is fine! I guess we’re not really focusing on getting “awesome” venues so sometimes when the other party tries to position themselves as some unique offering, it doesn’t really add value.
By priscilla on Sep 21, 2008 | Reply
Sounds frustrating for you guys.
You really don’t need some fancy places, the idea is for the group to get together to discuss social media issues and not to visit some attractions …
By Daryl Tay on Sep 24, 2008 | Reply
@Priscilla: It is. I guess it’s hard for others to understand it’s not about the fancy place because that’s what we’re so used to in Singapore. It is a perk, but not the main selling point. Latest news is that we finally got one (thanks to Walter). Look out for the announcement soon!