(2/2) You can demonstrate the ability to promote something by showing them an example with a company that actually sponsors you, and say “you can have this package too, for price X”.
Be patient, don’t act sponsored. It will pay off.
(1/2) To all pros who give away their service to a “sponsor” for free, hoping for a contract next year: STOP. You’re devaluing yourself and others.
Why would a company pay for something next year when they got it for free this year?