Connecting SMBs with the Denver Broncos

The Broncos Business Pick was a unique partnership opportunity that was developed with the Denver Broncos and Marketing 360 (through Top Rated Local) to support top rated local SMBs.
My Primary Role:
VP of Creative Services
Time Frame:
Oct. 2017 - Aug. 2022
Project Summary:
As VP of Creative Services at Marketing 360, I helped develop the Broncos Business Pick program to provide small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with access to Broncos branding, helping them enhance their visibility and local presence. The program offered exclusive marketing opportunities, including the use of team logos and promotional assets, to amplify brand recognition. By aligning SMBs with the Broncos' strong community presence, the program fostered business growth and deeper connections with local fans.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead the strategy and creation of all the digital and print assets for the program, and worked with key stakeholders to solve for program messaging, coordinating dates and deadlines, as well as getting brand approval.
  • Executed the end-to-end design process, from initial concept to final design, ensuring the program adheres to brand guidelines while offering a visually appealing and cohesive experience for the small business owners.
  • Designed and developed assets and web-integrated solutions for the program, allowing for the involved SMBs to have the ability to showcase that they were Broncos Business Pick.
  • Gathered feedback from key stakeholders and shareholders, facilitate design reviews, and iterate on the design to address concerns, improving the app’s overall quality and user experience based on the feedback received.

🏆 Wins & Important Callouts:

150+ SMBs
In the first year we saw an immense amount of traction, signing up over 150 SMBs into the program.
In-the-Stadium
This program offered a great opportunity for Marketing 360 to push it's brand into the Broncos Stadium through signage, print, and more.
↗ Brand Reach
This program launch also helped with Marketing 360 brand reach, as we saw a lot of interest and activity with the new product offering.
Huge Event!
We had a great showing at our event in which 100+ SMB owners attended, and networked with the team.

🗒️ Project Overview:

The Broncos Business Pick is an innovative initiative designed to bolster local businesses through unique partnership opportunities with the Denver Broncos. This program not only facilitates valuable connections but also emphasizes managing relationships that align with the Broncos’ brand values of teamwork, community, and excellence. Participants will have the chance to showcase their offerings at a dedicated networking event, fostering collaboration and growth among small businesses. By joining forces with the Broncos, local entrepreneurs can enhance their visibility while contributing to the vibrant Denver community.

🆘 The Problem:

Connecting small businesses with the Broncos Business Pick can be challenging due to the need to evaluate a program price that aligns with both the Broncos' brand and the budgets of local entrepreneurs. Ensuring that all partnerships uphold the integrity of the Broncos brand requires careful vetting and consistent communication, which can complicate the approval process. Additionally, monitoring and managing the types of small and medium-sized businesses involved is crucial to maintaining a cohesive and reputable program.

Questions we asked when starting out:

❓ How would we get SMBs excited about this opportunity?
❓ How can we ensure the Broncos Brand would be used appropriately?
❓ How would we work through approvals with various stakeholders?
❓ What web platforms could we introduce our web solution on?
❓ How would we monitor and manage social collateral?

💡 Our Solution:

The primary goal of the Broncos Business Pick solution was to develop a strong partnership with the Denver Broncos that enhanced community engagement and support for local businesses. This involved vetting SMBs into the program, creating and gaining approval for impactful social assets, and running targeted marketing campaigns to amplify their visibility. Additionally, we aimed to develop a user-friendly web application that could be integrated into the clients' sites, streamlining access to program benefits and further strengthening connections.

Goals for the Program:

✅  Orchestrate an exhilarating event for the Broncos Business Pick program, bringing together local entrepreneurs and Broncos fans for a night of networking, collaboration, and unforgettable community spirit.
✅  Create vibrant and engaging social assets for the Broncos Business Pick program, empowering SMBs to showcase their brands and connect with the community in a dynamic, visually captivating way.
✅  Launch an innovative web application for the Broncos Business Pick program, providing SMBs with a dynamic platform to connect, collaborate, and showcase their offerings to a broader audience with just a few clicks.
✅  Streamline an approval process for all key stakeholders, ensuring swift collaboration and buy-in while fostering an environment of innovation and shared vision for the Broncos Business Pick program.

🧭 Branded Collateral:

I developed program collateral that required alignment and approval from multiple stakeholders, including social posts, website assets, and an interactive AR-like feature designed to enhance user engagement. The collateral was strategically crafted to boost brand visibility and connect with the target audience, ensuring consistency across platforms. Collaborating with stakeholders, I integrated feedback to create assets that were both visually compelling and interactive, ultimately increasing user participation and brand affinity.

💻 Website Integration:

I helped develop the Broncos Business Pick web app to help small and medium-sized businesses seamlessly integrate a Broncos-branded trust badge on their websites. This feature enhances credibility and builds a sense of community by associating businesses with a well-known local sports team. By showcasing their affiliation with the Broncos, SMBs can strengthen customer trust and highlight their support for local initiatives.

📅 Broncos Business Pick Event - The Broncos Business Huddle:

We hosted the Broncos Business Huddle event at Empower Field, bringing together Broncos alumni, the Broncos team, local SMBs, and Marketing 360 for a large networking and collaboration experience. The event fostered valuable connections, with SMBs gaining insights from both marketing experts and legendary Broncos figures. This unique gathering at the iconic stadium provided businesses with inspiration, marketing strategies, and a sense of community within the Denver area.

✨ Results & Takeaways:

The launch of the Broncos Business Pick has seen rapid adoption among various small and medium-sized businesses, reflecting a strong interest in collaboration with the Broncos brand. Our annual event attracted a large gathering, providing a vibrant platform for networking and fostering meaningful connections within the community. Overall, the program has not only strengthened relationships with the Broncos but has also positively impacted local businesses, enhancing their visibility and support in the Denver area.
150+ SMBs
In the first year we saw an immense amount of traction, signing up over 150 SMBs into the program.
In-the-Stadium
This program offered a great opportunity for Marketing 360 to push it's brand into the Broncos Stadium through signage, print, and more.
↗ Brand Reach
This program launch also helped with Marketing 360 brand reach, as we saw a lot of interest and activity with the new product offering.
Huge Event!
We had a great showing at our event in which 100+ SMB owners attended, and networked with the team.
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