Frequently Asked Questions

Products
Sponsors
Marketing Asset Categories
By The Numbers
Private Notes
Publish Sponsor
Technical
General
Administration of My Account / Installation
(View a Product Comparison list)

Products

What is a Product?
A Product can be an event, a season-long series of events or any distinctive entity within your organization. When users create a new Product, the distinction will be made by both name and year. For instance, a sports team may want to create separate entries for Pre-Season Events and Regular Season if the sponsor base is different.

How do I enter a Product?
Select the Products tab, then select the Add Product button to add the entry. SponsorshipPRO+’s wizard feature will guide the user through several simple steps required to build a new Product entry.

How do I change the name of a Product I previously entered?
When you are working in the main Products screen, select either the Edit Year or Edit Name button to change a prior entry.

How do I delete a Product?
When you are working in the main Products screen, select the Edit Name button to delete a prior entry.

How many Products can I have?
You may create as many Products as you like. One of the benefits offered by SponsorshipPRO+ is its creation of a Windows Explorer-like file structure that stores Product files by year, then by name in alphabetical order. This makes for easy archiving and recovery of key information in seconds.

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Sponsors

What is a Sponsor?
A Sponsor is the company or client with whom you will share your final presentation about the benefits of doing business with you.

How do I enter a Sponsor?
Select the Add Sponsor button to begin entering information about the Sponsor, beginning with the year and the name.

How do I modify a Sponsor’s name?
When you are working in the main Sponsor screen, select the Edit Sponsor button to change a prior entry.

Can I include the Sponsor’s logo?
Yes, you can include the Sponsor’s logo by selecting the Add Sponsor button and following the prompts. The imported logo will be prominently displayed in the final presentation in color.

How do I add a logo to a previously entered Sponsor?
If the logo was not included in prior data entry, you may enter the logo at anytime. Or if the logo for a Sponsor changes after it was entered, you may change it easily. When you are working in the main Sponsor screen, select the Edit Sponsor button to change a prior entry.

Is there a limit to the number of Sponsors I can enter?
No, there is no limit to the number of Sponsors you may enter. As mentioned in the Products section above, the software’s unique file structure will make it easy to archive and recover critical file information.

Can I use the same file for multiple sponsors?
Yes, when viewing completed files in the Sponsors tab, you can copy/cut and paste specific files from one Sponsor file to another. To cut/copy and paste, simply highlight the selected file and use the right-click function to cut or copy the file.

If you need to make minor adjustments to text information in the file entry, you should copy the file to its new destination. Then enter the new file by selecting Edit File and make the adjustment in text.

See more FAQ re: importing files under Technical section below

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Marketing Asset Categories

What is a Marketing Asset Category?
Marketing Asset Categories (MACs) are the various types of marketing and media assets that may be offered to sponsors. Examples may include press releases, billboards, radio spots and print advertisements. In the process of creating a presentation, you may select from the list of existing MACs or create custom MACs – whichever allows you to best organize the sponsor’s benefits.

What is a Marketing Asset File?
Marketing Asset Files are the individual files you will upload to the appropriate Marketing Asset Categories to show the sponsor the return on their investment. The files can take several forms, including images, audio and video clips, text documents, and much more.

How do I add a Marketing Asset Category?
To add a Marketing Asset Category to a Sponsor, first go to the main Sponsors screen. Select the sponsor’s name, and then select the Add Category button.

How do I create a custom Marketing Asset Category?
If you don’t find the perfect name that describes a particular Sponsor benefit in the existing list of Marketing Asset Categories, you may create custom categories. To add your own MAC, go to the main Sponsors tab and select either the Add Sponsor button or Edit Category button. Then follow the Wizard prompts.

How do I delete a Marketing Asset Category?
To delete an existing MAC in a completed Sponsors file, you may place the cursor on the target MAC then select the Edit Category button from above. Then select Delete but you should be sure of this step – it is a non-correctable action.

How many MACs can I have per sponsor?
While you can have an unlimited number of MACs for each Sponsor, it’s important that you have enough files to upload to each MAC so as not to have empty categories. MACs are the keys to an effective, well-organized presentation, which means you may want to give some preliminary thought about how best to categorize the information you’re planning to share.

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By The Numbers

What is By The Numbers?
The By The Numbers feature allows you to enter valuable quantitative data for every Marketing Asset file you have selected. This information will be included in the final presentation, which is called The Viewer. Examples of types of data you might include:

• Ratings information
• Impression counts
• Dimensions
• Promotion time periods
• Survey summaries
• Attendance statistics
• Activation measurement
• Contest rules
• ROI summaries

How will the information I enter in By The Numbers be displayed?
The information will be displayed in two forms – in a customized spreadsheet format and in the Viewer final presentation.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the spreadsheet feature.

What do I enter under Description? *
This is the headline, the title of the Marketing Asset you’ve imported and chosen for the sponsor’s presentation. It should be five to 10 words in length.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the feature.

What do I enter under Details?
This is where more a more detailed explanation should be entered about the chosen Marketing Asset. There is plenty of space provided to explain timing of a promotion, radio or TV ratings information, names of key people captured in a photo, measurement information, attendance stats, survey stats – even product sales growth associated to a promotion and that is provided by the sponsor or the agency in advance of the presentation.

What does the Date Range represent?
The date range option is included to provide the user with even greater customization options. If utilized, it will provide additional detail surrounding specific periods of time covered by each Marketing Asset. Some promotional programs involve an agreed upon time segment and this is where that information can be easily identified during the presentation. NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the feature.

What happens if I don’t specify a Date Range?
If no date range is selected, there will be no dates included. It is purely designed as a customization feature.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the feature.

Are impressions required?
No, it is not a requirement. But impressions still represent, to many, the single most understood, available and accepted form of measurement. You can choose to include or not mention this metric on any file that may be imported. The sponsor will only see what you enter so if impressions are not entered the sponsor will not see an empty box.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the feature.

If I choose not to enter anything in the impressions box will it show up as a blank?
No, if you enter nothing then there will no mention of impressions for that particular file in the final presentation to the sponsor. So it will not appear as though something is missing.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the feature.

How can I include metrics or measurement other than impressions?
You may accomplish this by one of two options. First, you can always build a word document or spreadsheet detailing this specific form of measurement and then treat it as you would any other chosen file. Import it and display it for full view in the presentation as an additional benefit for the sponsor.

Second, you can export a By The Numbers report to another destination on your computer and create a special new spreadsheet to include the new metrics with that of the BTN report.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the feature.

How do I create a By The Numbers report? *
This customized report is easily created by selecting the By The Numbers tab and then choosing from drop-down menus representing information entered by the user:

• the Product
• the Sponsor
• all (or selected ones) of the entered Marketing Asset Categories
• the Date Range (if applicable)

The selections made will create a spreadsheet report that will be displayed immediately in a separate window. It can be printed, one page or all. It can also be exported to an accepted delimited tab format program and the default program is Microsoft Excel.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the spreadsheet feature.

Can I preview my By The Numbers report?
Although the report cannot be previewed an example report is available for review by selecting the SEE EXAMPLE icon. Plus, the creation of a report takes seconds and can be either saved or re-created by altering certain file information. So, there is no real reason to preview your report – just create it, view it and either consider it acceptable or in need of additional attention. By closing the page you will be deleting the report.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the feature.

Can I export a By The Numbers report to another spreadsheet program like Excel?
Yes, our convenient Export Data tool allows for easy export to accepted formats such as Excel. The default program is to Excel. This will allow for efficient use of this data for many other uses than just for sponsor presentations.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the spreadsheet feature.

In the exported By The Numbers file the data does not display properly. What can I do?
All the information will line up in the cells created and will display as cleanly as it did in the SP+ spreadsheet. You may have to re-align some of the cells in order to do so. The first step is to widen the cells so the titles are properly displayed. You may wrap the text in a cell by going to Format>Cells>Alignment>and check the Wrap Text box, after highlighting all cells to which you want this step applied.

These two adjustments along with normal margin corrections will help you display the information cleanly.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the spreadsheet feature.

How do I modify By The Numbers data?
The first step is to select the Sponsors tab and point to the Sponsor/Marketing Asset Category and specific file, which may require editing. To edit information for a particular file you previously entered in By The Numbers, select the file name you wish to change and then select Edit File. After you make the desired changes, select OK to save the updated information.

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Private Notes
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the Private Notes feature.

What is Private Notes?
The Private Notes feature allows you to enter source material for all of the By The Numbers entries, forming your own personal backup manual. A customized spreadsheet can be created simply by selecting from the four information drop-down bars.

The spreadsheet can then be printed or exported to save in Excel for future use. The goal is to provide you with a secure area to store important data, such as:

• Reference material
• Ratings assumptions
• Sources for sensitive information
• Methodology used in arriving at numerical estimates or values
• Metrics applied to the valuation process

This is a special feature designed to provide those making a post-event presentation with a spreadsheet layout of information that may be important to the sponsor but may not be necessary to publish in the presentation.

One of the main benefits of the SponsorshipPRO+ system is its “build as you go” design. Therefore, Private Notes is also a great way for you to refresh your memory on key aspects of fulfillment that you may have entered long before the final presentation to the Sponsor.

How do I modify existing Private Notes entries?
The first step is to select the Sponsors tab and point to the Sponsor/Marketing Asset Category and specific file, which may require editing. To edit information for a particular file you previously entered in By The Numbers, select the file name you wish to change and then select Edit File. You can make the adjustments on this page. After you make the desired changes, select OK to save the updated information.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the Private Notes feature.

How do I create a customized Private Notes report?
This customized report is easily created by selecting the Private Notes tab and then choosing from drop-down bars representing information entered by the user:

• the Product
• the Sponsor
• all or some of the entered Marketing Asset Categories
• the Date Range (if applicable)

The selections made will create a spreadsheet report, which will be displayed immediately in a separate window. It can be printed, one page or all. It can also be exported to an accepted delimited tab format program and the default program is Microsoft Excel.
>strong>NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the Private Notes feature.

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Publish Sponsor

What does the Publish Sponsor tab do?
This tab is where the information is gathered to create the customized presentation for your sponsor. You will see that the simple process combines a selected (and completed) Product file with a selected (and completed) Sponsor file.

I selected Publish Sponsor and completed the process. Now I realize I left some information out of the presentation. Can I go back and add more information to the presentation and re-publish?
Yes, simply go in to the desired Sponsor file, select the Edit function tab and make the adjustments. Then just go through the Publish Sponsor steps again. You will have to name the new presentation something different than the first version. You should always go in and delete presentations that will not be used, to save valuable disk space.

What is the Output Color? *
It provides you with the ability to customize an output presentation with any of five different background shades. This is the last option in the Publish process. NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the Output Color feature.

Can I preview the final presentation before I publish?
No, but it only takes a few seconds to publish and if you see something you want to change you may simply go back in, make the change and re-publish. Be sure to delete all unused or outdated presentations to save valuable disk space on your local machine or network.

I have a problem re-playing a presentation that has been burned onto a CD (or DVD).
Due to the specific instructions and details provided by each manufacturer, we cannot provide support for the process of burning onto output discs. You should consult the support options provided by the manufacturer of the burner hardware and software.

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Technical

What types of files can I include in my presentation?
The SponsorshipPRO+ suite of products will support most commonly used file types, including the following:
Images: bmp, jpg, gif, tif, png, swf
Audio: wav, mp3, wma - *
Video: wmv, mpg, mpeg, avi, mov - *
Text: pdf, doc, xls

* NOTE – Only SponsorshipPRO+ is designed to import these file types.

What about memory and resources used by SponsorshipPRO+?
SponsorshipPRO+’s unique file structure provides easy access to important presentations, but several simple guidelines should be followed to preserve disk space. First, after a presentation is published it should be saved to a server or burned to an Archive CD or DVD to get it off the local machine. Also, unused or outdated presentations should be deleted as soon as possible.

Finally, it may become important to move the master Data file containing all work done in the Admin section (imported files, etc.) off to a server or to a CD/DVD master. This should be done periodically as folder and file size can add up dramatically over time. You can keep an eye on this by visiting Program Files>SponsorshipPRO+>Data in Windows Explorer.

How many files can I upload per sponsor?
The only limits are relative to the capacity of the output medium you choose. We have built-in capacity guides for both CD and DVD output, which will show the total file size of a sponsor file as it is being developed. This will alleviate the chance of exceeding the capacity of the particular disc you may use for output.

Is there a recommended file size?
There are recommended file sizes for the input of graphic images. The recommended size for imported images is 575 x 367 pixels.

How do I import files?
The SponsorshipPRO+ Wizard process makes it easy for you to import or upload files. When you are creating your presentation, simply follow the Wizard’s prompts to browse your local computer or network to locate the file you wish to import.

Can I import multiple files at a time?
No, you must import one file at a time. You can copy and paste files (by using the right-click function) that may be applicable for multiple sponsors. See the similar question in the General section.

Will the file names be visible to the Sponsor in the final presentation?
Yes, the file names will be visible in the final presentation. If this presents problems of any kind, you may re-name the file before you import it.

When I am importing images, or any file for that matter, I’d like to be able to see the file to make sure it is the one I want. Can I open the file before I go through the process of importing the file?
Yes, when importing the file you will select Browse. Simply highlight the file in question and right-click. Then select Open and the file will display in a new window.

What are the minimum system requirements for SponsorshipPRO+?
Operating System: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP
Memory: Minimum 64+ MB, recommended 128+ Mb
Disk space: Enough space to accommodate a copy of all files imported
Video: 800 x 600 (Admin application), 1024 x 768 (Viewer application)

Why can’t I import eps or ai files?
Both of these file types are commonly used in the printing process and are linear in design, meaning they are typically very large files. We recommend that desired image files be converted to one of the accepted file types (see above) before being imported into a presentation.

Both CDs and DVDs have storage capacity maximum levels. How will I know if a presentation is approaching capacity?
We have built-in capacity guides for both CD and DVD output, which represent the total file size of a sponsor file at any given time of its development. These helpful guides are visible in the Sponsors tab to the right of all existing Sponsor files.

I am experiencing problems installing the software or the download is unsuccessful. What are some of the possible problems?
Some of the possible problems:

• The installer could be corrupted during the downloading process – re-start the process again.
• There may not be space available on your drive to expand the installer into the default TEMP directory – try clearing this folder and freeing up hard drive space.
• There could be a software conflict with third party software – try and identify the conflict and disable the third-party software until the download is successful.
• Virus software might misidentify the downloaded file – try setting your protection software to accept the download and try again.

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General

What is the Maintenance Plan?
The Maintenance Plan is available to organizations that purchase either SponsorshipPRO+ or SponsorshipPRO. It allows all users the advantages of direct live connection to Support Professionals, access to upgrades as they occur, priority pricing on future versions, advanced forms of FAQ and a special FAQ Forum area at the Web site and much more. It’s available in the Support section.

How long does it take to create a SponsorshipPRO+ presentation?
This depends simply on the degree of complexity you desire for the presentation. Remember that the best presentations are composed over time and with proper planning much of the input can be completed before the event takes place. A good rule of thumb is that more time spent in creating the presentation usually will result in a more robust result for the sponsor.

How will the sponsor view the final presentation?
The presentation can be viewed on any computer equipped with standard software players and programs. As seen in the Publish Sponsor area of FAQ, presentations can be burned onto CD, DVD or posted to a Web site. Ideally your organization will make the initial presentation in the post-event sales meeting, and the sponsor will return frequently.

How do I purchase SponsorshipPRO+?
Purchasing products or additional Seat Licenses is easily done in the Purchase section.

Can SponsorshipPRO+ be shared across multiple computers?
As a general rule the current products are designed for use on single machines. There are plans underway to develop a server-based product in the future. In the meantime, work done on one computer can be transferred to another computer by copying the entire Data folder from the first machine to the software program folder. Be sure to copy (not cut) the Data folder, save it to a shared drive or to a disk, and then paste it over the Data folder on the target machine. This will be found by going to SP or SP+ in Program Files. The Data folder contains all entered and imported information so be very careful during this process if you do not have backup copies made.

Can I use the same files for multiple sponsors?
Yes, when viewing completed and expanded files in the Sponsors tab, you can copy/cut and paste specific files from one Sponsor file to another. If you need to make minor adjustments to files, it is recommended to follow this step, then enter the new file by selecting Edit File and make the adjustment.

What are Pro Tips?
Pro Tips are a special user instructional feature, which will pop-up in certain situations. They may also be accessed at anytime by selecting the Pro Tips button in the lower-left hand corner of most screens. Pro Tips may also be disabled or enabled at anytime.
NOTE – only SponsorshipPRO+ offers the Pro Tips feature.

My question is not listed here. Who do I contact for more information?
If your question cannot be answered here you may proceed with one of the following three options. 1) If you have a Maintenance Plan in effect you may log-in and gain access to our Live Connection or you may consult the FAQ Forum to see if another user has submitted a question like yours. 2) If you do not have a Maintenance Plan you may visit our Contact Us section and review your options there. 3) Your best option may be to consult the User’s Guide (look for SponsorshipPRO+ in Start>Programs).

Can I use SponsorshipPRO+ on a Mac?
No, the products are built to support only Windows-based systems in their initial design. Future versions could be developed to work on a Mac system.

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Administration of My Account / Installation

Where does my Organization Name appear?
The name entered when the product is purchased will appear in both The Admin and The Viewer applications. It is very important that proper attention is given to the selection of the name entered.

What are the steps required during registration?
You will be asked to register the first time you try to launch the software. At that time you will be required to enter the following information:

• The serial number, which was emailed to you or your administrator on the account
• The Organization Name, which was emailed to you or your administrator on the account
• A Description term, which can either be your name or your computer's description such as "Tom's laptop." This will allow us to identify your registered Seat License with the user or computer that it is installed upon.

I forgot my Password. How can I obtain this information?
You may click here, the forgot log-in area offers assistance for those with lost passwords.

How do I add additional Seat Licenses (purchase additional downloads)?
You may purchase them in the Purchase section at www.sponsorshippro.com.

Why would I need to add additional Seat Licenses (purchase additional downloads)?
Seat Licenses can be added for lots of reasons. A Seat License is needed to install SponsorshipPRO+ on each computer. So, if your organization adds a sales rep, outfits some members of the staff with traveling notebooks, or a senior staff member decides he or she wants to add SP+ to their laptop for the first time, a Seat License would be required. At the time of purchase each organization is provided with three and given the opportunity to order more. Additional Seat Licenses can be added at anytime in the Purchase section.

Can I re-install the software again if there are problems during the installation phase?
Yes, if there are problems during the download process you can try and re-install it again but you’ll need to contact us for assistance. If you have issues of this type you may contact us at support@sponsorshippro.com

I have successfully used the product but need to reinstall the software. How do I save the work I've done so far?
You can save all work done in the Admin module (files imported to build sponsor presentations) by saving the entire Data folder to a server, to a DVD/CD or alternate source. After you have re-installed the new software version you may copy the old Data folder into the new version through Windows Explorer (Copy it — do not Cut it). When the prompt appears suggesting that a folder named “Data” already exists, select “Yes to All” so that the old files will be introduced to the new version. You should see the old Data files when you first launch.

You should always save your finished presentations to a Master Backup CD or DVD, which preserves hard disk space.

Why would I need to reinstall the software?
There are several reasons why software reinstalls may be necessary such as when your organization upgrades the operating system, or if a computer is lost or damaged. Keep in mind that once a Seat License is used a new one will need to be used for any installation, whether new or reinstall.

Where can I learn more about Seat Licenses and how they work?
A Seat License is another way of referring to a computer registration. So when each computer is registered to install the software your organization will be activating one of its allotted Seat Licenses. By visiting the Products section of our Web site you can learn more about Seat Licenses, their purpose, costs and how they work. Basically they are inexpensive security measures put in place for protection of both eBS and its customers.

What is the difference between download assistance and technical support?
Download assistance is provided by eBS for product purchase, download, order status, and returns. We will assist you from the beginning of the ordering process until the successful completion of your download. Your download is complete once your product’s installation file has been delivered to your computer.

eBS Technical Support is available at no charge for those customers who have purchased the Maintenance Plan. We can be contacted for assistance with any issue that occurs after the download process is complete, including problems with installation, product configuration, or product use. For those who have not elected to purchase the Maintenance Plan, the User’s Guide and this FAQ area will provide the most detailed information or answers, or you may send a question via email from the Technical Support area at www.sponsorshippro.com

How do I change my Organization Name?
An Organization Name Change can occur only with our assistance and is only allowed once per account. If your organization has been acquired or changed its name, your designated Administrator for the account should go to the Support section of the Web site and send written correspondence explaining all details. We will forward an email with instructions back to the sender.

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