As we wrap up the first decade of the new millennium and one of the most challenging years for sellers and buyers of corporate sponsorship, I urge you to spend some time reflecting and really putting 2009 behind with greater awareness of how you'd like to move forward.

Selling sponsorship – selling anything – during easier economic times is, well, easier. When times are tough, all our shortcomings show up in technicolor. So what did you see about your operation in '09? Where do you need new skills? A stronger operation? More ideas? More support? Jot your notes now so you can focus on them throughout the new year.

Here are 10 suggestions and areas to consider:

Be able to articulate your event/festival or nonprofit organization’s value to the corporate sector.
Develop an operati...