All Annotations of Sponsorship Tips[Preview]

saved byAyoom . on 2007-02-07

• WHY? Why should a company give you anything? I hear this all the
  time: I’ve won a few tournaments, so isn’t that enough? If you haven’t already
  guessed, the answer is No. Companies could care less how many local tournaments
  you’ve won. All they really care about is how you are going to market their
  product.
• 
  So what is the first step? The answer is simple: Get Involved! Getting sponsors
  doesn’t happen in a week’s time, and they aren’t about to work with somebody
  that doesn’t do things outside of just fishing tournaments. Fishing alone isn’t
  enough. Get involved with Online forums. Help participate with weigh-ins. Go to
  outdoor expos and seminars, things of that nature. Become a figure in the
  fishing industry.
• 
  Another idea is to build yourself a website. A website is a great tool for
  promotion opportunities. Not only are they inexpensive to create, they are
  accessible to millions of people.
• 
  So you think you’ve built yourself a decent resume? How do you go about
  approaching somebody? I would recommend starting off small. Maybe you know a
  local bait dealer or tackle company. Go to them and offer your services. Offer
  to hand out brochures/flyers. Talk to them and be open with ideas. They might
  not want to give you money but may offer you some discount tackle or products.
  Don’t turn things like this down. This is where it all begins.
• Start building a
  relationship with them and it will benefit you in the long run with a good
  reference
• 
  Ok, now you’re ready to approach that potential monetary sponsor. What’s your
  game plan? The first thing you want to do is find the correct person of contact.
• I’ve found that you are typically looking to speak with the
  Director of Sales and Marketing or a Sales Manager.
• Remember that you are
  basically trying to become and independent promotional contractor for their
  company, so act and speak professionally.
• BE PREPARED when you call to speak
  with them. Give them a little background information on yourself and why you are
  calling.
• Give them the option of a face to face meeting for your proposal, or
  offer that you email them your cover letter and resume.
• Try not to do your
  proposal over the phone unless they initiate it!
• 
  Also, just like In a job interview. Don’t come out right away and discuss money.
  It will be an immediate turn off and odds are the potential sponsor won’t be
  interested.
• they will inevitably bring up the question one way or
  another – “What are you looking for in return?”
• Don’t be afraid to
  show them a list of your fishing expenses however.
• Include tournament entries,
  food, lodging, fishing tackle, list things of that magnitude.
• Be open to
  negotiations and come up with an agreeable sum that benefits both parties.
• 
  Last but not least, keep your word. If you promise a sponsor that you plan on
  doing something. Do it.
• If they want you to hand out flyers or whatever, it’s
  your obligation to get it done.
• If for some reason something comes up that you
  can’t fulfill your obligation, call your sponsor and work on something else to
  take its place. BE PRO-ACTIVE!!!