We recently connected with Mariah Monique and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mariah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?

The best and worst investment I made as a business owner was starting a network marketing business. It was the best investment because of the personal development and structure I embraced that transformed my employee mindset into an entreprenuer mindset. Additionally, it helped me to define my values and build character such as integrity, grit, and responsibility. It gave language for the burning desire for more I felt internally as an employee. I learned how to effectively budget and became a better steward of my finances. This included me paying off $50,000 of student loan and consumer debt in three years. I grew a love for reading that I had not had prior to entering the personal development system I was apart of. It truly did help me to grow into a woman of strength. While there were great things I learned over the years I believe it was the worst investment due to the amount of time I stayed working at it in the name of consistency when I knew God was calling me to leave. I built my network marketing business for five years and I’d say for the last three of those five years there was a tug on my heart to stop, but the mindset I’d built during that time wouldn’t allow me to just drop it all. I was afraid I would not be successful outside of network marketing. I was afraid to let the people down who I was connected with. I was afraid I would let it go right before the big win. I thought this tug must be a distraction, so when I decided enough was enough, I started my coaching & consulting business to help nonprofit organizations learn how to secure event sponsors. Those skills I learned while doing network marketing transferred well into what I am currently doing and what is on the horizon.

Mariah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Mariah Monique, MPH and I am the founder of The Sponsorship Catalyst. I teach nonprofit organizations how to position themselves to secure corporate event sponsors. This business was birthed out of the disappointment I felt as a sponsor when I’d seek to identify BIPOC organizations my 9-5 could support. During 2020, there was a shift in dollars from organizations/companies who were looking for support causes serving minorities, women, LGBTQI, and more. As a result of this shift, I, along with other colleagues were tasked with finding organizations to support, however, when I would reach out to these nonprofit organizations there was a common thread of lack of knowledge and confidence about sponsorships. So my business really started so I could help already financially marginalized groups take advantage of the shifts that would ultimately put them in the position to build long-term relationships, while continually serving their community. My services include helping nonprofit leaders develop sponsorship decks to present to potential sponsors and to audit existing decks that have not been getting much traction.

My company is different from others because we have experience directly from funders, fundraisers, and coaches. Its a tri-fold perspective we give our clients that often gives them a leap forward.

I am most proud of the work we have done with our clients that have resulted in sponsorships dollars secure ranging from $2,500 – $100,000 and counting. Our clients also feel more confident and knowledgeable when approaching sponsors, which has heightened their chances of getting funding.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I absolutely love reading books! Some of my top titles are The Slight Edge, How to Win Friends and Influence People, No Limits by John Maxwell, Who Moved my Cheese, The Alchemist, and anything written by Og Mandino. All of these books were pivotal to my personal development/leadership. At the core of my managerial style is a people first, business second model. I aim to make sure my staff feel heard and valued as we build the vision God gave me to execute. My entrepreneurial mindset was also shaped by observing other leaders in various industries. It’s like a buffet, you take what you like from each leader that you want to portray and operate in as a leader so you too can become an example of leadership.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source for new clients for me have been speaking engagements, networking at events, and referrals. I actually love speaking and find that the one-to-many model works well for me to educate a large number of people while increasing my chances of securing clients that are ready to work. Networking and building relationships is also a lane I operate in with grace, so when I am out at events I always keep my ears and eye open for opportunities to share with potential clients how I can solve their nonprofit funding gaps.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thesponsorshipcatalyst.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/thesponsorshipcatalyst

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