A sponsorship is a win-win
situation. Both parties have to get something out of the deal. You will be dealing with businesses, which ultimately are in
business to make money. It is very critical that you are able to give
back to your sponsors helping them achieve their goals.
There are several contributing factors to obtaining endorsement sponsors. It isn't as easy as sending a letter or talking to someone on the phone. Ideally, it starts within you.
Appearance contributes to your marketability. You need to maintain a good appearance in the public's eye, such as no smoking, no drinking, no cussing, and be clean and neat. Choose wisely when, where, and how you act. Remember, people
want to believe they know you well from what they see, It does not
really matter who you are as a person if someone perceives you as
something different, that is who you become to them, and that "perceived person" is the one that is representing the sponsors.
Are you marketable? What makes you unique? Large/small structure, old, young, female, race, hair color, voice, tattoos, and the list goes on! Everyone is unique in their own way. Looks are not the only thing to consider with marketability. You need to have people skills, and be able to control yourself in situations. Ask yourself these questions and find what makes you marketable. This is your selling point.
Now you are ready to tackle the industry.
I feel that there
is so much opportunity with companies that aren’t related to fishing, and even
more so since the economy is tough and companies are forced to stretch their
advertising dollars more than ever.As far as
sponsoring an angler it can make a lot of sense.More often than not companieshaven’t been introduced to this type of
advertising before.
Writing down on a piece of paper, the companies, that I
believe in, I ask myself, what products do I use, what do I like, what am I
familiar with, what do I need, and can the company benefit from sales in the
areas I fish?
For each company write down what you can do for them to help
them to increase sales.Ideas could
include: TV coverage, radio, logos on your vehicle, articles
you may write on the internet and in print, logo on
jerseys, events, personal website, speaking engagements, public appearances, having a good and working relationship with media and outdoor writers, fishing tournaments that will give you good visibility when you do well, etc. Won Bass, US Open tournament, FLW, Bassmasters, to name a few.
A good place to start is with the reps
of the products, most of them have a pro staff. That staff is
generally just product; but this is a good place to start. As your
sponsorship relationship grows, you may have to the opportunity to work
with the marketing and promotions manager to obtain a sponsorship with
monetary value. Most companies have a budget each year for marketing
and promotions.
Your odds go way down by sending out a resume to companies, they probably receive thousands. My suggestion for businesses in and out of the fishing industry, is to get to know the marketing and promotions managers.
This is all a starting point to getting on the pro staff. "How to retain and keep sponsors" will be coming up within the next 30 days. Check back soon, it will include research stats on mobile billboards and outdoor advertising.