Posts
2431
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Merritt Island, FL, USA
Edited Date/Time
12/28/2020 7:52am
Don't message this to a company, and I get a number of these just like it...
"Hey I was wondering what I have to do to be associated with you guys"
That's it.
That's all the message said.
No bueno.
This is more common than you'd believe. Don't do that. Think of it like a job application. Is that how you'd apply for a job? Also, most websites will tell you how to apply for sponsorship, and just like with a job application, attention to detail counts. Spelling counts. Don't txt. First impressions, right?
Each company is different in what they're looking for, but generally they want to know that you do race, where, how often, what class, your results, future race plans and a few pictures. Some companies like to see school grades, I know I did. I wanted to know they're applying themselves in other, more important, parts of their lives.
Just trying to help any of y'all out there looking for sponsorships.
It's a bit more than saying "I'll put your stickers on my bike and trailer." Say things like, "I really like your products and I will make a point to tell everyone I know why I use it." Tell companies what work you're going to put in for sponsors. You on social media regularly? How many followers? That's good information to know.
Sell yourself to the company you want to sponsor you.
Reverse the roles, YOU are the product that you have to sell to them. You have to sell yourself to them to get the free or (most likely) discounted product. It's a two way street, a give and take. What are you giving them so they give you free/discounted stuff?
Also, keep in touch. Send occasional emails updates and regular (constant) social media posts with THE PROPER TAGS. The more in their face you are, the more they'll help.
BTW, want a company to notice you? Tag the shit out of them on everything. If you do a good enough job promoting yourself, you might get that great awesome free swag and product sponsorship and still have your usual shitty results on the racetrack.
Sponsorship's about sales and sales isn't always about winning (but it helps).
Anyone wants to add more to help out, please do....Just thought an open discussion on getting new sponsors or getting more from present sponsors hadn't been done in a while and there's folks who'd know on here.
I'd down vote myself, but it won't let me.
"Hey I was wondering what I have to do to be associated with you guys"
That's it.
That's all the message said.
No bueno.
This is more common than you'd believe. Don't do that. Think of it like a job application. Is that how you'd apply for a job? Also, most websites will tell you how to apply for sponsorship, and just like with a job application, attention to detail counts. Spelling counts. Don't txt. First impressions, right?
Each company is different in what they're looking for, but generally they want to know that you do race, where, how often, what class, your results, future race plans and a few pictures. Some companies like to see school grades, I know I did. I wanted to know they're applying themselves in other, more important, parts of their lives.
Just trying to help any of y'all out there looking for sponsorships.
It's a bit more than saying "I'll put your stickers on my bike and trailer." Say things like, "I really like your products and I will make a point to tell everyone I know why I use it." Tell companies what work you're going to put in for sponsors. You on social media regularly? How many followers? That's good information to know.
Sell yourself to the company you want to sponsor you.
Reverse the roles, YOU are the product that you have to sell to them. You have to sell yourself to them to get the free or (most likely) discounted product. It's a two way street, a give and take. What are you giving them so they give you free/discounted stuff?
Also, keep in touch. Send occasional emails updates and regular (constant) social media posts with THE PROPER TAGS. The more in their face you are, the more they'll help.
BTW, want a company to notice you? Tag the shit out of them on everything. If you do a good enough job promoting yourself, you might get that great awesome free swag and product sponsorship and still have your usual shitty results on the racetrack.
Sponsorship's about sales and sales isn't always about winning (but it helps).
Anyone wants to add more to help out, please do....Just thought an open discussion on getting new sponsors or getting more from present sponsors hadn't been done in a while and there's folks who'd know on here.
I'd down vote myself, but it won't let me.
Bbc
Just pour it on
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
HAHA
You got me.. quality
The amount of effort someone is willing to put into their request is pretty indicative of the level of effort they would be putting into promoting our company, so don't half ass it!
The number of people that have tried to muscle in, and use the ' i am faster, will get you more exposure' line is long, but they all missed the point., We do it for fun, and as a result, sometimes having a guy you can work with is way better than any amount of wins, with a guy who is a pain in the ass.
Most of the things we have had for free , have come from being able to work with people, putting yourself out to aid folks making after market parts, from scanning and measurement, to sending original.
I have a full twin pipe Ti and Carbon exhaust on my current bike, along with a 3d printed inlet and filter kit , all for $0 , because we helped them through development.
Being an Engineer that races, helps no end, and while those days are pretty much done now, it was nice that people came to us , rather than the other way round.
At the end of the day, I'm not a bad rider, but I would be kidding myself if I thought more than 5 people that aren't my friends would follow me on instagram because of my riding abilities. I doubt I would be of much service marketing a product via social media. Maybe I'm just getting old and boring, but I just don't do the whole social media thing other than Linkedin. And I use that only because it's assisted me professionally.
I can just picture me now taking a selfie at the track by my bike, with a $5 plastic trophy and a can of some sort of product in my hands, posting it, and then finally noticing after it's posted that my wife is wrestling our kids in the background like they are crocodiles.
If a company wants to sponsor a guy that's been involved in the sport for over 20 years, LOVES it, is actively involved within his local racing community, professional, and is also bringing up some little riders for the next generation, then I would love to market their product in the way that I'm able to do so and do well. Otherwise, I guess I'm just stuck paying sticker price for products.
That involvement and networking at the tracks, as an involved person, can prove beneficial.
Talk on the microphone with the announcer about your local shop. Say nice things, sound professional (but not hokey) and post online to share, and share with sponsors and potential sponsors.
Self-marketing.
You are marketing yourself.
Be creative
But this was more about the amateur folks at the local level.
Pit Row
If a business is awash with money and growth is occurring organically as fast as they can handle, there is very little reason for them to spend "extra" money on advertising. It makes more sense for them to invest in their own infrastructure until they can keep up with their demand.
But in a down economy, businesses need every edge that they can get over their competitors and if you can truly show that using your racing as advertising will return multiples more than they spend on you, then it makes for a great investment. Not always easy to convince some business owners or corporations of this at times, though, but if you are good enough to do it then it is the type of thing that builds long term commitments and reliable racing dollars.
I think that you are probably one of the guys who would be receptive and understand a pitch like that more than some would, though. If I were a racer and went to you with a request for $25K in sponsorship money but was able to lay out a plan that showed where that $25K equaled the equivalent of $60K in advertising dollars and would likely lead to an increase in sales of $500K, I think that it'd definitely get the attention of you during a time when revenues for the industry were tight for everyone. That's when any investment that brings a positive return should be sellable by someone with a little bit of motivation.
The key is that the numbers have to based in some sort of realistic data, unlike my quick hypothetical above!!!!!!
These suggestions look like something that may be better aimed at PARENTS of a rider, although some of these mini parents I speak with are no better at writing a resume letter than their kids are. Very nice people, but the only way they can communicate is through text, as you pointed out.
The failure to place priority in even basic schooling in this country is multi-generational now.
I've been asked to write a couple of sponsorship resume/promotional letters on behalf of some talented young kids around my area because their parents didn't possess the communication skills to help their own kids - It's kind of sad.
I think the ideas you posted are all great, but they may fall on deaf (or ignorant) ears...
Things like teaming up with a local home builder, and be willing to pass out their brochures, plans, flyers etc. at your races. Be willing to help 'outfit' the garages of their model homes on their Home Show weekends with your truck, bike, etc.
Work with your local beverage distributors to display a bike at a grocery store in one of their displays for a couple of weeks. Heck, even put out a table and 'autograph' some pictures for kids who may not have any idea who you are but are just in awe that an MX racer signed a picture for them. Mom and Dad are going to end up buying something from that, for sure.
Car dealerships are another natural tie-in I think, along with gyms, hardware stores, maybe some asphalt companies, etc.
If you can show them that they will get more customers and you are willing to do more than "just run their sticker", then you at least have a shot. And most of the time, the extra work would actually be kind of fun!
JA21 is another one.
That's added value, over and above the racing results.
People seem to be starting to learn that...sort-of.
Then the COVID year comes along and just getting product is a challenge! Just finding it...Pipes, Gear, OEM parts...I mean DAMN! Just spent $650 on gear and I was GRATEFUL to even find it! (New TLD stuff)
But, that doesn't seem to phase the folks that believe that they're due some kind of "sponsorship".
Also, and something very positive about the OP of this thread: Dave's had a VERY, VERY crazy & challenging time during all of this madness that we can call "2020"; yet, I know he's still been sending product to all of the waaaaaaaaay too many damn people he supports.
Ya gotta respect that. I know I do.
Oh. and about his product: I've put THOUSANDS of Racing & Riding miles in Baja & have even won some Wooden Bears while running it these last...what...TWENTY YEARS?!
Damn, we are OLD!
First create a resume with a head shot and some action pics. Include a short bio about yourself such as age, school, hobbies, etc. include your racing results or accomplishments. Also include what series or nationals you will be attending. If one of the reps will be attending make it a point to go by and introduce yourself.
The main point you want to hit is what you can do to help Promote the brand. As a sponsored rider are a sales ambassador for the company. After every ride day I would post pics to social media thanking the sponsors and bragging about their products.
In the early days of MX it was all about how fast you were. Don’t get me wrong that helps but the sponsors are looking at the entire package. That includes how you or your family conducts themselves on and off the track. I’ve helped C riders get free gear, graphics, pistons, etc. On the flip side I’ve seen SX Privateers struggle to get 50% off.
Once you obtain a sponsor stick with them and use their product. I would be furious when a rider was sponsored by THOR and show up in FOX because they grandparents bought them gear for Christmas. Ughhh!
Here’s a little tip! Once you get know the reps at the company send them a gift at Christmas. It could be a $15 or $20 gift card from Starbucks or wherever. So you drop $150 on gift cards and recoup a lot more because they will remember. Believe me it pays off.
I hope this helps!
Please feel free to PM me if I can help.
Good Luck!
Todd
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