Sponsorships

Rodney Birditt · Post by **Rodney Birditt** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 4:20 pm

Gentlemen, I need any help that I can get on how to go about getting sponsorships from major companies, when resume is not that great because just starting out again after 5 year illness that has interrupted my fishing career. Will make name for myself in time, but need some sponsors now. Only ask what they can help me with, nothing more. Any help on sponsors or sponsorship would help. By the way illness that put me down for awhile is Chrohn's Disease. By the grace of God it's gone now. And like I tell my friends and fishing partners (I'm Back).

......................
Rodney Birditt Aka: (Fishhead)

JT_BAGWELL · Post by **JT_BAGWELL** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 8:17 pm

Sponsorships are a whole different sector of the bass fishing business. I personally have been fortunate the last few weeks and signed some great sponsorship contracts. The biggest being with Lucky Craft Lures. It took nearly 9 months of communications to finally close the deal.

The key to sponsorship is your ability to differentiate yourself from the other ten thousand people that contact these companies each year. You have to ask yourself what YOU can do for the company. Believe me it better be good.

You have to understand that you are competing against the likes of other anglers such as the members of the Bassin' USA Pro Staff as well as thousands of other successful people in the industry.

Tighter corporate budgets are also a huge obstacle. Companies are spending less each year on their Pro Staffs. This will greatly limit the number of anglers that receive sponsorship.

Trust me what I have said is just the tip of the iceberg.

If you have any further questions feel free to email me and I will get more in depth with you.

johnnie crain outdoors · Wed Dec 11, 2002 5:15 am

Fishhead, Jeremiah hit it right on the head when he said" What can you do for the sponsor?" For sponsorship you need to be a good communicator, call the companie's and talk directly to them, know all you can about their product, always be HONEST, you may have to promise to use their products consistantly. Don't make promises that seem inflamitory, like you're sure you're going to be the next Rick Clunn. State what you expect to do, how and when you can promote the companies product and it's not all about winning tournaments. It's great when you win with their baits or product, but being able to tell the whole story of the win is more important. You must have good communication skills and some formal education. Always look your best and show emotion when discussing the companies products. Keep inj contact with the company, like Jeremiah said, it took him nine months to land his sponsors. Be patient, contact every company you think- you can help-! Be honest about your goals and expectations, and don't expect any company to hand you a blank check, it just isn't going to happen. I hope the best for you, my friend, it's a rough boat ride to the top. Johnnie Crain Iowa Pro Staff.

JT_BAGWELL · Post by **JT_BAGWELL** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 11:35 pm

Guys,

I just wanted to let everyone know that since this post began, I have had lengthy conversations with fishhead. This guy is definately a wonderful addition to the team.

I am definately giving him a five star rating.

Welcome aboard.

Scott Johnson · Post by **Scott Johnson** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 12:24 am

Fishhead,with all the competition out there its getting harder to find solid sponsors.Along with company's not putting out as much money for sponsorships it is tough.You might want to start with some local shops and stores near you,sometimes the smaller co. will tend to do alot for you.It's all about timing also I missed out on a major soft drink co. last year by a few days they have a limit on outside sponsorship and my resume got to them a few days after the last person they could sponsor.There really is no fast way to get them unless you win some big torny's.Good luck in finding some and Iam glad to hear you are back in action its good to hear a story with a happy ending for a change.A bassin pal in Pa. scott

JoeM · Post by **JoeM** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 1:30 am

Fish head- Glad to here your illness is apparently in remission. Now that is good news!

Good luck in your quest for sponsorship. You certainly sound sincere and knowledgeable. Stay with it. These fellas have given good advice. Thanks guys.

6.54BASS · Post by **6.54BASS** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 4:00 am

Fishhead, I'm with ya buddy, I am in a similar process now, and in the finishing stages of a Major deal (More to come later, I hope!). The biggest thing I have come across is how those before us have tried to get companies support. Not only does it hurt your chances by being less than professional, it hurts the next guy as well. I found that the best route is not be demanding on the company, tell them what you expect to do for them (as much as possible), and don't DEMAND anything from them. If you prove yourself, they will see it and it could take you farther. All companies associated with our sport attend shows and such, make yourself available (it's part of your job). Remember, you more than most of us, know there are ways around most any obstacle. Be professional and good luck!

Bryan Hinton

Rodney Birditt · Post by **Rodney Birditt** » Thu Dec 12, 2002 5:37 am

Gentleman,
I thank each and every one of you especially jeremiah Bagwell whom I have spoken on the phone with and have had many instant message conversations with, probaly to him to lengthy. I have come to understand , by you my fellow fisherman that for a sponsorship that I must be able to show the company that I am willing to sacrafice many more hours to them besides fishing tournaments by becoming a salespersons for my sponsors at seminars and shows when possible. I look forward to the 2003 BFL tournaments either in Bulldog or Bama haven't made my mind up yet. and meeting possibly some of you. Also I am excited to be on the Alabama ProStaff and am looking forward to helping Brendan make his dream come true about this site and it's potential in the fishing world.
again thanks to each and everyone of you. get used to my name ya going to get tired of hearing it spoken at tournaments (LOL). Hey I gotta be a little ****y because I'm in the presence of you PROS
Again thank ya'll
(****) Sounds like Rocky

Sincerely Yours.
Rodney Birditt Aka: (Fishhead)

MMT · Post by **MMT** » Sun Dec 15, 2002 3:30 am

Guys, I see it from both sides of the spectrum. I own my own bait company and am always being asked for sponsorships. I also am sponsored by several companies and shops so I know what it is like to try to land a sponsor. First, when you approach a sponsor, you need to establish what you can do for that sponsor. After all you need them to NEED you. Don't go in with an arrogant manner and make demands. 9 out of 10 guys who write me about sponsorships are out of their minds and usually quite high on themselves. That is an instant turn off and I usually delete their messages before I even finish reading them. Companies are looking for honest gentlemen to represent them, approach things in that light and you will find a few that take you in!

brianc · Post by **brianc** » Tue Dec 17, 2002 3:35 am

I think one misconception a lot of competitors have is that the key to sponsorship deals is tournament wins - winning doesnt hurt but there is much more to it than that - in fact, you dont have to win much at all to gain sponsors if you can present yourself in the right fashion. Its all about business and I think you are making a committment to be more business-oriented about your sport when you start dealing with sponsors. Consequently, you have to act in a business-like fashion. I believe some of the keys are:

1.) You have to be able to communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing - even email contact should be polite and well-written. A good grasp of the english language, minimal use of slang and polite mannerisms are all important - think of it as the process one goes through when trying to land a job.

2.) You have absolutely got to be a good sport - you need to have your happy face on at every event no matter how you fared - nothing ruins a guy quicker than acting like a jerk or being unfriendly after a bad event. Make yourself visible congratulating those who may have done better.

3.) Know the product - think of yourself as a salesman, you want to know as much about what you are selling as possible. The ultimate goal of sponsor is to increase their customer base, leading to more sales and consequently more revenue. On the same hand, do not try to overstate the value of the product - the bass angling community especially is too knowledgable about the market to buy into a "magic bait" or a "perfect boat".

4.) Offer the sponsor something they may not get everywhere, such as 24-7 advertising. Build a website and offer space there, offer to put a decal on your truck or boat, and make sure you have a patch visible on your tournament attire.

5.) Follow-up - make sure you thank your sponsor(s) at the end of the season. Highlight and share with them your successes - I like to send them a photo with their logo displayed in a frame after a good win or finish. Let them know you are out there getting it done for them.

6.) Dont let it go to your head - another turn off is being too arrogant. Its easy to get that "professional air" about yourself when you start getting people to let you represent them. Stay grounded or you will kill your reputation both locally and in the angling community - word travels fast.

If you're dedicated and put the time in, winning will come - I feel its the things listed above that will set you apart when it comes to acquiring sponsors. After all, I bet every single one of you can think of at least one person you know, or compete against, who wins a whole lot of events but who you would NEVER consider letting represent YOUR product. I know I can.