How to Get a Sponsor and Stay with Them

There has been an exodus of users who believe that sponsors are only out to screw you over. How this rumor ever started, it is a terrible way to turn the Flash industry into a scary industry. While you should be wary of starting a sponsorship with another human being over the internet, you need to remember that sponsors are human.

Treat Your Sponsors Well
Don't be a fake, cheesy developer. Be yourself when you talk to a Flash sponsor. The last thing a Flash sponsor wants is a fake person only dedicated towards earning cash. Talk to them about their interests, life, whatever! They are more than just a website with hyperlinks and games, and a lot of the owners of these websites are really interesting people. Meeting the owners of Kongregate, Armor Games, and some of the leads at AddictingGames was really an awesome thing!

When Sponsor Shopping, Don't be a Jerk
Sponsors are offering you thousands of dollars, and are offering you a sum of money even on-demand at times. Don't act like you don't care, and that you are the center of the world. Contact your sponsors back, even if you do not want to seek a sponsorship with them. Be polite. If you are rude and do not reply to emails when seeking sponsorship, the sponsor may just think you are a flake. A lot of Flash sponsors have some small relationship in the community in one way or another, and if you start to build a bad reputation for not responding to emails or being lame about being a good developer, it's going to get around.

In for the Long Haul
Typically, the longer you stay with a good sponsor, the more they will pay you. When they realize how good of a developer you are, and that you are dedicated to their company, they will want to hold on to you. You'll get to know the sponsor, maybe even become friends with them. It really becomes pleasant making games for a company when you know they pay well, on time, and are increasing your income slowly over time! Eventually, it led me to get a full-time job working at the Flash company!

Sponsors have a lot of work to do, believe me. Just remember to be proper and polite, and treat them like a friend instead of an enemy. For more information about what types of sponsorship, visit the Types of Sponsorship section!