You're facing technical delays in episode releases. How do you inform sponsors effectively?

Imagine you’re a diplomat at a negotiation table! Communicate transparently, provide a new timeline, and reassure them of your commitment to delivering quality content.

There are two key things you need to consider before reaching out to your sponsors about a technical delay. First, determine how severe the delay is and how long it will take to resolve. Next, try to predict how this delay will impact your sponsors. Consider the timing of their sponsored messages, the objectives of their campaigns, and any promotional activities that are tied to the episode release. Once you have a better understanding of how the delay will affect your sponsors, you can propose solutions that align with their goals and maintain a positive partnership.

You approach your sponsors with empathy and clarity when informing them of any technical delays. Make sure to explain the technical issues in a way that is easily understood by non-technical people, and avoid using confusing jargon. When discussing the delay, be sure to apologize and acknowledge the inconvenience. It’s also important to be upfront about your plans for resolving the issue and provide a realistic timeline of when the problem will be fixed and the episode will be released. By following these tips, you can help maintain positive relationships with your sponsors, even in the face of unexpected setbacks.

Reach out to your sponsors as soon as you are aware of the delay. Clearly explain the nature of the technical issues and provide an estimated timeline for resolution. Early communication shows your sponsors that you are proactive and respectful of their investment, helping to maintain trust and confidence in your partnership.

Offering solutions is crucial when informing sponsors about a delay. By proposing alternatives, such as rescheduling the sponsored message or offering additional promotional value, you’re demonstrating that you’re committed to maintaining the worth of their investment. Proactively seeking out solutions shows you value your partnership and are dedicated to the success of their campaign.

Keep and compensation in-terms of additional value for them in your back pocket. Making it right with a like-for-like replacement should be your first approach, but have a proposal ready that delivers some additional value for them if their reaction warrants it.

Being responsive is one of the most important things you can do when communicating a delay to sponsors. It shows that you’re professional and that you’re invested in maintaining their trust. By providing a direct line of communication, you’re making it easy for them to reach you if they have questions or concerns, which helps them feel like they’re a valued part of the process. Being responsive also shows that you’re on top of the situation and that you’re committed to resolving the issue as quickly as possible. By keeping your sponsors informed and engaged, you can help to minimize the impact of the delay and maintain a positive relationship with them.

There’s a lot of great information here, especially the point about following up with sponsors regularly. I know that sponsorships can be a lifeline for podcasts, so it’s important to maintain good relationships with them. When a technical delay happens, it can be easy to focus on the immediate crisis and forget about the people who are counting on you. But it’s crucial to keep sponsors in the loop every step of the way. Consistent communication will help you maintain their trust and confidence.

Consider holding a brief retrospective meeting with your sponsor to have them input into the learnings. Having a sponsor voice in that process will help you learn how to better handle this when it happens next.