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Sponsorship Question

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 6:57 pm
by Spookin'Em43
I Fish for Humboldt State University in the FLW College Series, and we are currently seeking sponsors, and I had a question regarding that.

We have already picked up a couple sponsors, but they have been mainly through connections. I am not complaining whatsoever about that though. I am Very happy about what we have received and I am very honored to represent the sponsors we have.

What I am wondering though, is what is the best way to get out and pick up sponsors kind of on your own? I have sent emails to so many companies, but have heard nothing back. I understand that, I imagine companies get flooded daily with emails about sponsorships. Can any of you pros/sponsored anglers out there give me any pointers to trying to get sponsorships? I am new to the sponsorship thing and not sure if its better to have companies approach you, etc.

Myself, and my team are very eager to get out there and represent some companies while out on the water, and any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!
Derrick Hicks
HSU FLW Bass Team

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:06 pm
by mvanguilder
Derrick, you guys need to think outside the box as for sponsors. They are hard to come by with the economy but they are there. Sunscreen, car dealerships, concrete companies, etc. Use your connections with any company that you know of. Its all about advertising and they dont have to be fishing related. Its how you represent the companies, what you'll do for them first then what they will do for you. Follow these companies up with a phone call besides emails, this is more personable. Get a website going, show how you can advertise a company on your website. I was a college grad and had a bunch of buddies that could set up a website for a very minimal price or even free.

Mike Van Guilder

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:11 pm
by Spookin'Em43
Definitely understanding the economy part! Thanks for the tips with non-fishing related companies and the website idea!! Thanks for all the info, I will start applying it to what we are doing!

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:18 pm
by LawDog
Just another angle to look at. I fish with the Gilroy Bassmasters, a small club south of San Jose. We sponsor the San Jose State team. We cant give them a ton of money but a lot of the club members donate them equipment and take them out fishing. I'm sure there a plenty of clubs in the north of the state that would be willing to donate stuff to support your club. And on a closing note....GO SPARTANS!!!!!!

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:23 pm
by Spookin'Em43
That would be pretty cool, ill look into it and see if I can find some clubs up here, and San Jose has got a pretty good team, look forward to competing with them this year! Go Jacks! :lol:

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:58 pm
by DAN360V
Derrick, gaing sponsors is never easy. Networking is a major key, use every resource available to you(friends,internet,email,etc)go to the sports shows, have resumes prepared and introduce your self. Look for new company startups, and company trying to gain exposure in your area. When you aproch a potential sponsor always think R.O.I (return on investment) the company you are going after will want to know what they are getting for thier dollar. Be persistant and get use to hearing no, but dont get discouraged!Figure a way to make your self marketable.
When you get that sponsor one of the most important things to do is keep a good relationship with the company that decides to sponsor you. Many guys will promise a sponsor the world and when it come time to fulfill thier oblagations they flake or dont represent themselfs in a professinal mannor.
Its also very simular to applying for a job, the best canadate gets it. Once the sponsors learn you are good guy and stand up person, more sponsors will follow. All these guys that run company's know eachother and they do talk! Iam very fortunate to have been able to build most of my sponsorships through referal by another angler or sponsor, and once I get that deal I am damn sure I do my best to keep that realationship on good terms and do whatever I can to help them!

Overall be a good person, do whats right by the sponsors, stay persistant and try to keep a high standard for your self! It takes 10 years to gain a good reputation in this sport and only 10 days to ruin it! Best of luck with your seach! Im sure you will be sucsessful!

Dan Wells

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 8:22 am
by Spookin'Em43
More shows would help, unfortunately living behind the "Redwood Curtain" most of the year I have to drive some to get to shows. I really wish I could meet people personally though, because I am a very respectful guy, and I am very professional and intellectual and I know that I can make a big impression just by meeting someone in person.

When you say resume, what are they looking for on this resume? Past tournaments, work experience, education? Or is it something that is a strictly fishing related resume?

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 3:29 pm
by Terry Smith
Spookin'Em43 wrote:I really wish I could meet people personally though, because I am a very respectful guy, and I am very professional and intellectual and I know that I can make a big impression just by meeting someone in person.
I met Derrick at the Delta Pro Teen tournament two years ago and he left A lasting impression on me.What he says about himself is very true!!! Hope the best for you in the future!!!!!!!

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 4:20 pm
by Spookin'Em43
Terry Smith wrote:
Spookin'Em43 wrote:I really wish I could meet people personally though, because I am a very respectful guy, and I am very professional and intellectual and I know that I can make a big impression just by meeting someone in person.
I met Derrick at the Delta Pro Teen tournament two years ago and he left A lasting impression on me.What he says about himself is very true!!! Hope the best for you in the future!!!!!!!
Thank you for the support Terry, and the Chatter Bait you gave me at that tournament!! Hopefully soon I will be able to share my experiences with some more companies and get mine and their names out there! :D

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 4:47 pm
by fish_food
Have you called Chico about a potential team sponsorship yet?

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Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 5:09 pm
by Spookin'Em43
No, I have not, but if they would be a company interested I would love to contact them.

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 8:58 pm
by fish_food
He sponsored these bums so it's definitely worth a shot...

Image
Image

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:07 pm
by calfisher71
A few things about sponsorship. If you are looking at Fishing companies there are a few different kinds of sponsorship programs.
Tackle sponsors who sponsor x amount of products.
Pro Staff, may include products and a discount.
VIF programs x amount of product at x cost per year.

Cash sponsors are the toughest to come by period.

Mike Van Guilder and Dan Wells say it best! Start local any companies you know?
Any relationships with these people?

Thats your best angle for cash sponsors start small.

You have to ask alot and be ready to here NO! Thats ok it's part of this getting sponsorship.

Have a resume, have a target list of sponsors,big companies have already been hit. Have website exposure "western Bass" "www.rbbassfishing.net". Have a resume for a Job include your fishing career and accomplishments.

Create a sponsor seeking document and use it in your community.

Companies need increased exposure and advertising, Anglers are like having a extra sales person working for there company it's a great value to a sponsor.

This leads to sales!

Learn to express your value to a potential sponsor.

Most of all be approachable to all people promote your sponsors, and help grow our sport out west.



Good Luck!

www.rbbassfishing.net

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:11 pm
by Spookin'Em43
calfisher71 wrote:A few things about sponsorship. If you are looking at Fishing companies there are a few different kinds of sponsorship programs.
Tackle sponsors who sponsor x amount of products.
Pro Staff, may include products and a discount.
VIF programs x amount of product at x cost per year.

Cash sponsors are the toughest to come by period.

Mike Van Guilder says it best. Start local any companies you know?
Any relationships with these people?

Thats your best angle for cash sponsors start small.

You have to ask alot and be ready to here NO! Thats ok it's part of this getting sponsorship.

Create a sponsor seeking document and use it in your community.

Companies need increased exposure and advertising, Anglers are like having a extra sales person working for there company.

This leads to sales!

Learn to express your value to a potential sponsor.

Most of all be approachable to all people promote your sponsors, and help grow our sport out west.

Good Luck!

www.rbbassfishing.net
With the 2 companies I am with right now, I have Pro Deals, which like you said give me discounts. That honestly satisfies me completely and i couldnt be happier, Just hoping to get out there and pick up some more! Thanks for the tips/info!

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:12 pm
by Spookin'Em43
fish_food wrote:He sponsored these bums so it's definitely worth a shot...

Image
Image
:lol: :roll: :shock: Thanks for the laugh, I knew it had to be a joke of some kind!!

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:18 pm
by calfisher71
who are the companies?

When these questions arise, take advantage of listing.

example; I have 2 Pro Staff deals with Company A and Company B.

this is exactly what sponsors want and need!

JUST ADVICE.

your advantage is College Bass Fishing is growing like crazy!
potential sponsors will see this. "you must let them know this"

You should target sponsors that a college person can help by demographic.

Energy drinks :small or new companies", rad clothing, things or places young people spend time at and spend money at.

These are your best angles.

It is important these products or places are things you use or endorse.

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:29 pm
by calfisher71
Write a article about college Bass fishing and how the sport will grow.
talk about yourself and list your 2 pro staff sponsors.

send it to me Ill post it online at www.rbbassfishing.net

Include a clean photo of yourself Ill post that too .

send to

calfisher71@yahoo.com

use word doc

send picture as a jpeg

Ill help where I can.

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:55 pm
by Spookin'Em43
calfisher71 wrote:who are the companies?

When these questions arise, take advantage of listing.

example; I have 2 Pro Staff deals with Company A and Company B.

this is exactly what sponsors want and need!

JUST ADVICE.

your advantage is College Bass Fishing is growing like crazy!
potential sponsors will see this. "you must let them know this"

You should target sponsors that a college person can help by demographic.

Energy drinks :small or new companies", rad clothing, things or places young people spend time at and spend money at.

These are your best angles.

It is important these products or places are things you use or endorse.
I endorse Redwood Marine in Eureka California, and I buy tackle there regularly and stop in almost weekly to talk with the staff about fishing, and what new baits are coming out, etc.

I Also endorse Viscous Fishing. I use their line and I speak highly of it as I use it and have had great success with their Fluorocarbon, Ultimate, and I am getting ready to spool up a reel with their new line of Braid!

Also thanks for the tips with companies that college kids are involved in!

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:59 pm
by calfisher71

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:09 pm
by calfisher71
Can you tell me why you like Vicous flouro vs others?

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 10:20 pm
by Spookin'Em43
Absolutely! One thing about Viscous, is the price, it is very inexpensive! That is great for anglers on a budget, especially in this economy. But you get a very high quality line for such a low price. This line is very strong and tough! It doesn't break easily and abrasion is minimal! Great line at a great price!

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 6:18 pm
by usblitzz
I have an awesome opportunity for you contact me at my e-mail

usblitzz@yahoo.com

Possible prostaff with the best fishing rods built. I believe they are currently looking for a few collegiate teams.

Blitzz out :D

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 6:28 pm
by Spookin'Em43
usblitzz wrote:I have an awesome opportunity for you contact me at my e-mail

usblitzz@yahoo.com

Possible prostaff with the best fishing rods built. I believe they are currently looking for a few collegiate teams.

Blitzz out :D
SENT!!! :D

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 9:00 am
by SJSU_Slants
I fish for San Jose State University, we have a bunch of fishing sponsors. Send me a PM and ur contact info I will call u about getting more sponsors. Also, if you are at Lake Mead, we can talk there as well. I made a presentation and cover letter explaining what we will offer them and what we want to do for their company. My presentation shows schedule of all tournies, accomplishments, goals, mission statement, what we seek, what we offer, photos with their logos and product of fish. It seemed to work very well. I can also get you in touch with a few of our sponsors as well.

Here are a few we have...

Dobyn's Rods
Paycheck Baits
Tru Tungsten
Abu Garcia
Berkely
Bassaholics
Skinny Bear Bass Jigs
Coyote Bait and Tackle
Lucky Craft
Basstar Baits
Kevkel Spinner Baits

Not only do I fully stand behind all their products, I fish their products because I fully believe they make the best fishing tackle in the industry. Even if they didn't offer us a sponsorship I would still fish their product and stand behind it 100%. Always represent and be PROUD of what companies are backing you up.

Good luck at Lake Mead!!!

Re: Sponsorship Question

Posted: Sat May 08, 2010 5:11 am
by Norv
Derrick,

As Mike Van Wagner said "Think out of the Box." Check with your college administration or foundation to see if they can provide alumni information you can use to make contact for support??? Does the college or foundation have a news letter that's sent to alumni??? Can you get an article about your team in that publication??? Many alumni provide substantial support for activities in their old schools especially sports.